That title and phrase has been used countless times to describe the 30 years of ministry that GOD has led Weigh Down and Remnant Fellowship founder Gwen Shamblin to share with the world. And that is no small statement…nor is it a small achievement. The words that Gwen speaks and writes have touched thousands upon thousands of lives and have been the catalyst for massive REFORM in people’s lives – Excess weight lost, drug addictions overcome, marriages restored, finances righted, relationships healed, and so much more…And the message is so powerful that it penetrates even the walls and bars of prisons! They are FREE in Christ…even though they are behind bars. YES, inmates all over North America are becoming selfless, patient, loving, giving, gentle, committed, pure-hearted followers of Jesus Christ through the assistance, guidance, and teaching of this Church and Ministry. To read the words and stories from these dear men and women who have made the decision to dedicate the rest of their living days to GOD is a powerful, emotional experience. And to MEET any of them charges you even more! These Saints are in real-life, real-testing situations on a regular basis. Even though their days inside their prisons have structure schedule-wise, they never know what the MOOD or ATTITUDE of other inmates will be. They have to be on their guard…FULL of humility and love and graciousness…ready to give a GENTLE answer when met with wrath from someone who is angry for no reason. Praise GOD for this teaching and for these Saints who are living examples of how GOD can change someone…regardless of their circumstances!
Mere words can’t really do justice to how powerfully that GOD is moving in the lives of these inmates, but here’s just a taste of the blessings from a few of them in mid-May…starting with the “Exodus from Strongholds” Class being conducted at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, Ohio:
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- “I have lost 18 pounds and I feel my relationship with God has grown stronger!”
- “I cannot believe that I am my age (50s) and I have never heard this message of Truth before!”
- “I work out daily and this week my knee has started to hurt. I know God wants me to slow down with controlling my weight w/exercise.” (The Video that night talked about working out as a means of control. This Inmate was very convicted! Everyone was!)
- Another Inmate realized that her staying pure while being incarcerated can affect the lives of her family outside the prison walls!
- Another Inmate was tested with intense peer pressure (bunk mate) situation. She learned to stand firm and pray for this person – including hour-long prayer sessions during heat of standing up for the Truth. She has peace in the midst of the test!
- “I am doing all the homework (even working ahead) and it is making all the difference.”
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It doesn’t end there. Here are a few statements from Inmates at the Ware State Prison in Georgia…
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- “I have overcome my cussing, anger, lust, control and short-temperedness, and I have learned to find peace with God. I know flip the bad for something good. I no longer care for things of this world. Thank you for all your prayers and love.”
- “I had such a great day after this week’s service we had this morning. I cried out for understanding and a direct leading from God on who (which church) is right.” (His bunkmate has been telling him that this Church/Ministry is not right.) “After I cried out to God, they put in the ‘Love’ message by Gwen, followed by instruction and encouragement from the Saints that answered all my questions!!!”
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