Game Two

The Carolina Saints made a return trip to Columbia, SC, -- this time to play and minister at the Manning Correctional Center.

This was the first trip "inside" for these Saints as the opening game was actually played outside the prison. The team had a to go through a full security check and several players had to make trips back to the car to remove any "contraband" from their bags.

Once inside, we played a pair of five inning games in sweltering heat. Unfortunately, The Saints lost both games of the double header, 6-3 and 13-8. Between games the team had the opportunity to share with about 30 inmates. Steve Ponath shared his testimony and Jim Korth gave the gospel presentation. The results: Three men indicated they had taken the step of receiving Christ as Savior! Seven more shared their desire to recommit their lives to Christ. Two shared that they were not ready to make a decision, but wanted more information.

A few of the inmates mentioned that they are already receiving mail from the Saints and they were happy to see us and to know we would have the opportunity to get into the facility to share with them more consistently.

The staff at Manning was very gracious, encouraging the players and thanking them for their service. We look forward to getting back there... next time we'll bring along some of our bigger bats!

On another note: Four different churches were represented by The Saints on Saturday. We look forward to this opening doors to share more about our ministry with people around Charlotte.