Newsletters

GEMS

Gospel Express Ministries South

Newsletter Winter 2018

It has been a busy 2018 at GEMS!

GEMS newsletters are published four times a year: in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.  If you would be interested in receiving our newsletter, please send a message to: GEMSprisonministry@gmail.com or call 850-562-0986 and we would be happy to add you to our mailing list!

Prison Outreach

Our Missionary Chaplains were busy!

Missionary Chaplains

GEMS is not supported by any one church or denomination.

We count on the prayers and financial donations of those receiving this newsletter.

FEATURED CHAPLAIN: FREDDIE ROUSE

Missionary Chaplain Freddie Rouse

Hello, my name is Freddie Rouse, a GEMS Missionary Chaplain.  According to Romans 8:28  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,  to them who are the called according to his purpose."  This biblical statement is true because I am a man born to trouble, fatherless at birth, raised by my mother and grandmother.  I received the Lord Jesus as my Savior at the age of 12 years old.  I grew up  an A student throughout my early school years before the lifestyle of the wicked attracted my attention and heart desires.  I didn't pursue a higher education because my mother lost her job soon after I graduated from Godby High School in Tallahassee, FL.  I had to work full-time to take care of my family with the help of God and He never disappointed. At the age of 25 I encountered the beginning of a relationship with the criminal justice system that included federal, state and local incarceration expanding over a three- decade period (1984-2008).  Most of my adult  life experiences have been related to the men and women we minister to on behalf of the kingdom of God.  Men and women who have been part of broken families, alcohol and drug addictions, homelessness, and joblessness with no education, bad relationships, and having no sense of direction in their lives. 

The environment I grew up in was drug infested, heavy alcohol consumption, prostitution, teen pregnancies, day labor cycle, and violence.  Experience in any situation is the best teacher in this journey of life.  I am a reflection and witness that have partaken in many of the life situations and hardships like most of  the men and woman we engage. Jesus says in John 16:33 “be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” I John 5:4 says,  “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory.” As of today I am a  55 year old graduate of  FAMU (BSW 2016) and a MSW degree from Florida State University 2018,  a father, granddad, husband and a GEMS Missionary Chaplain. I am not bashful about my age or my past. Before I came to this point in God’s plan, I had been on a journey of life shaped  by affliction, storms and fiery trials that molded me into this Son of God, and disciple of Jesus Christ today.  As a GEMS Missionary Chaplain, I believe I can provide support in helping people connect with  the truth. There is nothing too hard for God and the best is yet to come.  I tell the men and women that I am a reflection of them in the mirror and what they can become with the help of Jesus Christ our Lord. As a GEMS Chaplain, I preach that Jesus can enhance their lives no matter what they may be experiencing at that moment. The Word of God is quick, powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.  The Word that changed my life into being outgoing, energetic, with a positive attitude, assertiveness in the Word, very sociable, enjoy being with people, participating in the plan of God, and having a love for God’s people.  This is who I am today and I regret nothing He used to confirm Roman 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” That is what I embrace the most, my brothers and sisters in GEMS, the work we do to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost and unsaved. To God be the glory.

GEMS Benefit Auction 2018

We thank God for allowing GEMS to have a successful auction this year.  Two of our board members were in Ohio the second week in October helping to gather items for the auction while Hurricane Michael came storming through the panhandle of Florida.  Within a few hours on October 10^th the area where many of our supporters reside was devastated.  While we were concerned that the storm could adversely affect the results of the auction, we committed the results to the Lord and pressed forward as though the success depended on us.  Understandably the number of bidders was lower than usual due to storm related issues causing some items to be sold at bargain prices, making great deals for those who were in attendance.  In reality the auction netted about 14% below normal, which we consider a success under the circumstances. By faith we believe that God will provide the finances, allowing us to continue supporting our eleven chaplains appropriately, who are so faithful in the ministry that they are called to.

GEMS is blessed to have many generous supporters who contributed high quality items and some supporters made generous monetary contributions.  We wish to express our thanks to all who supported this annual fundraising event, both buyers and contributors, especially the individuals and businesses in Ohio and Indiana.  Because of the funds raised at the auction and the monthly contributions, we were able to bless the chaplains with monetary bonuses over and above their monthly compensations.  We praise the Lord!

Only in eternity will we know how many inmates came to the Lord because of this ministry.  Together we are making a difference in the lives of inmates.

Submitted by

Merrill Detweiler

Auction Committee Chairman

Your donations are tax deductible.

GEMS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Upcoming Events:

Watch for announcements of upcoming events!

Annual Benefit Banquet 2019

Annual Benefit Auction 11/09/19

Board of Directors:

Advisory Board Members:

At the discretion of the directors, up to 10% of funds received may be contributed to: partnering ministries, supporting ministries, and like-minded prison-related ministries.

GEMS

Gospel Express Ministries South

P.O. Box 180505

Tallahassee, FL 32318

850-562-0986

Email: GEMSprisonministry@gmail.com

Nonprofit organization led by a Board of Directors, Advisory Board & Fundraising Committee.

Primarily serving North Florida Correctional Institutions

Thank you for your support!

Gospel Express Ministries South

Like us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PRISONGEMS/

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