The last day of crusade brings mixed emotions. So much work has gone into making the event possible. There is no doubt that many lives are impacted for eternity, and that brings a great feeling of fulfillment. Before you know it, hundreds of volunteers are heading back to their home states, and you realize that life at We Care Program will return to a more normal state. I am filled with gratitude for all that God has allowed us to experience, and pray for His work to continue in our lives, and in the lives of men and women who were touched during the crusade.

I finished out the crusade by visiting Fountain for a few hours in the afternoon and then headed over to Atmore Work Center for their evening service. It was a very encouraging and powerful program of music and message.

The following pictures give a glimpse of the interactions going on at Fountain.  We Care asst. chaplain Blaine Copenhaver with a group of inmates, Blaines grandfather visiting in the Faith Dorm, volunteer/inmate interactions, “Anchored” sharing their talents with the men in the evening chapel service and special prayer following the service.  The final picture brings you to a Friday night tradition at the Landis household.  Deb’s homemade pizza, being enjoyed with my brother Alvin and his family, who will spend another two days with us before heading back to PA.  Thank you Lord for a family who supports me in the ministry I feel called to do.  Taking off for some much needed family time till Tuesday then looking forward to what God has for us in the coming months at We Care.  Stayed tuned to the We Care website for 2010 Crusade pictures coming soon!

It always feel good to get back to Atmore after traveling around the state during crusade week.  Arrived in time to take part in the JO Davis service on Wednesday evening.  Enjoyed the Thursday morning session with the Atmore team and am now spending some time in the office "catching up" before heading into one of the local prisons for the afternoon.  Also planning to take Debbie and her parents into Atmore Work Center tonight.  Pictures that follow:  Alvin and I arriving at headquarters on Thursday morning, Atmore volunteers during their worship time, the Holman team getting their instructions from team leader Bob Depew before heading in for the day, Kitchen crew taking a break from meal prep, and Debbie's parents Dave and RuthAnn Kulp, who are helping with kitchen and cleaning duties this week.  We are so thankful for all of the volunteers statewide who give of themselves, behind the scenes, and in the trenches, so that men and women in prison can be reached with the Love of God.

Started the day with the volunteers in Troy and went into Easterling for part of the day.  Had a great coversation with someone I had known from Fountain some years ago and was so encouraged by the work that God was and is doing in his life.

Jeanna Fox and Sheila Copenhaver went to Montgomery Women's Center and followed the team around for the day.  The following pictures give some glimpses of their time there, including the evening service with the Marini Family.

After spending the morning with the Montgomery volunteers we visited three prisons.  First to Frank Lee, then Elmore, and finally Draper where we were blessed to be a part of the evening service with the Wissmann Family and Eli and Emma Yoder.  After joining the prayer time in the cahpel library, we witnessed a powerful demonstration of God using young and older to touch hearts.  To think that similar happenings were going on in 20 other prisons at the same time throughout the state was both humbling and encouraging.  It's alot of work, but so many lives are being impacted.  Praise God!

After a wonderful time of breakfast, fellowship and training with the Birmingham group of volunteers I recieved a call letting me know that our Montgomery area volunteer training was going to be trainer-less.  That got me scrambling for back-up plans and an hour and 1/2 series of phone calls to each of the Montgomery prisons.  After some tense moments and conversations I was finally able to know that all teams were on their way into the prisons.  By that point it was Noon and Alvin and I made our way into Bibb prison, a facility housing 1900 inmates.  The following pictures show the Bibb team, singing group 3N1 sharing their music during the evening service, Steve Longenecker giving the message, and a time of response and prayer at the altar.

We're Nuts About Our Volunteers.  That's what the card said that was tied to the packet of roasted pecans that we handed to every volunteer as they entered the facility this morning.  Don and I were assisted by our lovely wives Phyllis and Debbie.

A record crowd filled the auditorium at Wetumpka High School.  Rain came down much of the day, but God's Spirit was moving as the Crusade theme "Once for All" was brought out throughout the day leading up to a closing invitiation to forgive another or forgive self. 

My brother Alvin used his creative gifts during the final message to give us a visual illustration of the wounds of Christ.  Richard Heatwole and Charlie Ness did a great job of sharing the message of A Superior Sacrifice whose wounds bought our Full and Final Forgiveness.

Looking forward to joining the Bibb team tommorrow, Lord willing.

Board meeting this morning at 8AM.  So blessed to work under a godly group of 11 men.  Out to lunch with board members and wives at 1PM...always a good time.  Then, a short rest in the hotel room before going over to Frazer Church for volunteer registration.  Noreen and Jeanna did a great job of preparation and welcoming the many guests that came through the line, including Mom. 

It's kind of like a big family reunion, as crusade friends re-unite from 20 plus different states.  And of course, always good to see my own family members from PA, my brother Alvin, who will be traveling with me this week, and my Mom.

We Care members meeting at 6PM, followed by a musical program of several of the singing groups that will be participating in the crusade.  The Marini Family (PA) led off the evening with a beautiful blend of harps and strings.  Amazing to me the sacrifice and commitment made by the different family groups to join us for the week.

Thank you for your prayers.  I am sensing God's peace as Sunday orientation nears.

Prayer is really the foundation of an event like the We Care Crusade.  So much is at stake from an eternal perspective.  A battle rages in the heavenlies.  We met for our normal Wednesday morning chapel with Atmore staff and the rest by internet and phone.  Always a time of good fellowship and encouragement and ended with our final time of coorporate prayer before the Crusade.  As we are so wrapped up in making sure everything is place for our 400+ guests, I am so grateful to know that many, many friends are interceding before the Fathers throne on our behalf.  Thank You so Much!

Friday, Deb and I left around 3PM and headed for Montgomery.  Board Meeting at 8AM Saturday then meet guests as they arrive.  Let me just say that it's not easy for me get in a "date mode" on the eve of my busiest week of the year, but I am so thankful for my wonderful wife of 20 years who understands me and puts up with my weaknesses.  I am happy that Deb is able to join me for the first two days, as she does not usually come along with me.  (Thanks to Deb's parents, Dave & RuthAnn Kulp being in the South this winter, it is possible for us to leave our kids behind.)