We humbly thank the Lord for His faithfulness and goodness to this Ministry. The Online Bible Study will be going “live.” Larry Gusman has had two different groups request that he personally lead the study on the “Harmony of the Gospel.” He is prayerfully considering his all ready full schedule in an effort to make it happen. Not only does our “2nd Thief Family” continue to grow as more of you join with us here at the website, but the Ministry Team grew this week as well.

So why is the Ministry growing so rapidly? I believe people are connecting here because they are finding the love, peace, joy and freedom we all seek. That is the Vision and Mission of 2nd Thief Ministries and it is declared on almost every page of the website. The 2nd Thief Team sees the opportunity to share these qualities of a life that are only found in an authentic relationship with Jesus as a gift. It truly is “the gift that keeps on giving.”

I have on different occasions written about the various individuals involved in the leadership team. This is done to let you know their hearts and ultimately the heart of 2nd Thief. The last two weeks I wrote of the accomplishments of Tina Yantz and all her contributions. This week I want to share some on Tony Gooden’s gifts and his accomplishments. While Tony is the Deputy Director of Finance he brings much more to the team and therefore to you.

We are staying busy here at the Ministry, last week I had the privilege of meeting with Mark Early who is the president of Prison Fellowship Ministries (PFM). Mark is a very gracious brother in the Lord and God is working mightily through his life. The meeting was to determine what 2nd Thief Ministries could do to assist in the vision the Lord has given PFM. We already participate in the Angel Tree Outreach and are expanding our involvement with it this year. During our discussion he mentioned helping with Prison Evangelistic Outreaches here in VA and surrounding states. We here at 2nd Thief are very excited about the opportunity to serve the Lord together with them.

Well two of the studies 2nd Thief Ministries are leading on “Discovering your God-Given Gifts” are winding down. All of the participants agreed that it has been time well spent uncovering God’sWill for our lives by recognizing our gifting and operating in them for His Glory. A third study, for young adults, is being sponsored by 2nd Thief and is beginning this week. The resource materials used will be the Bible and the book “Cure for the Common Life” by Max Lucado.

Today is a special edition of the “Preacher’s Byline.” Tony Gooden, who is in the leadership team here at 2nd Thief, has written a powerful account chronicling the adoption of his little girl Grace. This printed testimony demonstrates in a very tangible manner the truth of God’s great love towards His children. We here at the Ministry wanted to share it with you knowing that you will be blessed as we too have been blessed. As a reminder, be sure to check out the “Blog and Chronicles Archives” for further insight and encouragement on issues we all face in the routine of life. So without any further delay, here is the Gooden’s story recounting their “Journey to Adoption.”