"For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,

And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,

So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise

To spring up before all the nations." Psalm 61:11

South Carolina's Gospel Express Prison Crusade brought us to Columbia, S.C., where the sun was shining and spring was in the air!

Take heart, ye Northerner's!

Volunteers converged from all over the States to serve in the prisons in South Carolina. The ministries pictured above and below were assigned to prisons in the Columbia area.

The daily devotional times were a highlight for the Hitch family. We made new friendships and deepened longstanding ones. And God was powerful. . . . .

I never really know who is changed more; the inmates or the ministers! We were extremely challenged and felt such an awareness of the need for God in the hearts of inmates. As men and women yielded their lives to God, we were reminded of our need of forgiveness, too. And of the universal power of His grace!

Back in the 'free-world', we are always honored to sing and tell of His love. . . .

Sterling on the harmonica.

Sterling, Havilah and Jim

Sterling on mandolin.

Lucas sings "Fade".

Sterling, Lucas, Havilah, Avery & Jim

Jim

Kathy

Avery, singing "The Love of God"

Kathy, sharing with the audience.

Sterling takes a lead.

Bristol playing the penny whistle.

Havilah signs and sings "Softly and Tenderly".

Lucas gave a youth concert in Springfield, Georgia, sharing his personal testimony and songs that he has written. Jim helped him out on the bass guitar, and Blake played the drums. The photos below are from the youth evening.

We are driving toward home tonight, with hearts that are on fire for service for the Lord!

He is worthy of ALL our devotion and love!

We are honored and privileged to serve the King!

Can't wait to see you sometime soon! Thank you for keeping up with us, and thank you for your prayers on our behalf.