Gene and Evelyn Blackburn: March 2006
Dear Pastor, Church and Friends:
I pray all of you have endured the winter and are ready for springtime. I just noticed as I came into Cleveland this morning that all the cherry trees are in bloom. I love this time of year when we begin to see the new growth on the trees, and the flowers and grasses come to life. It reminds me of the new growth we see in our revivals and discipleship meetings when men and women get saved and grow in The Lord.
Once again, God allowed us to conduct our Annual Rock of Ages Revival at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman, Mississippi. This institution houses over 4,000 inmates and requires much prayer and coordination. The prayers of God's people are so important to us as we labor as missionaries in these prisons across the United States! God answered prayers and gave us protection from the storms and tornado warnings that were in that area at that time, and we had wonderful services and cell to cell visitation with the inmates. What a blessing it was to see the revival services packed out with men hungering after the Word of God!
As a result, God blessed with a harvest of 114 souls who trusted Christ as their personal Savior! To God be the Glory!
It takes prayers, financial support and volunteered time to reach these many inmates with the Gospel - and many of you have done just that faithfully over the years and we are very grateful to you! I want to say a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to all of you, and especially to those who were able to come and help at the prison as a volunteer.
The dates for the 2007 Mississippi State Penitentiary Rock of Ages Revival are: March 5th - 8th. Please mark the dates on your calendar and prayerfully consider being a part next year! With a prison population of that size, we are always in need of more volunteers! Should you feel led by The Lord to help us, please don't hesitate contacting me.
Thank you for allowing Evelyn and I to be your missionaries to the inmates of America! Please know that your prayers and support are deeply appreciated. We love you all and pray for you! May the Lord's richest blessings be upon each of you!
In His Service,
Dr. Gene M. Blackburn
