2021 newsletters
MAR 2021
Dear Friends,
In our last update, we shared with you that after much prayer the decision had been made to move Jay’s dad into an assisted living facility. It has been a month now, and we are so happy to report to you that his dad loves it! He went from just existing and actually declining at home to being active and engaging with others his own age. Though Jay and Larry were doing their best to care for the physical needs of their dad, they could not meet the mental, emotional, and social needs he had. We say thank you for all the prayers. There were literally hundreds of people (from dad’s church, Larry’s church, our church, and you on our newsletter list) who were praying for the Lord’s guidance. The Lord answered all these prayers in directing our steps and opening wide this door. What a blessing to see dad doing so well.
There is still no word on when the prisons will reopen. However, the Lord is opening other doors for us to minister. Three churches have had us in to minister either in preaching, music, or both. We personally know at least 6 people who have passed away in the last 2 months – 5 of which were Christians and 1 we are not sure about. We were able to share Jesus and His Word with the grieving friends and families – either by phone, mail, or in person. We also have spent hours by phone talking with others who were asking all kinds of questions about the Bible; seeking to know the Lord better; to understand His Word more; or just needing encouragement.
There are many God stories we would like to share with you from this last month, but we will narrow it down to one for now. One of the people, who passed away this month, was a retired police officer. Many years ago, when we were giving an update to a supporting church, this man refused to come hear us talk about prison ministry. As a former police officer, he witnessed countless atrocities and horrible things done to people over the years. His mindset (we were told by the pastor) was, “They deserve to be in prison. They don’t deserve to hear about God.” Two years ago, when we were back at that church to give our yearly update, he was there. When the service was over he came to speak to us as he was exiting. Elizabeth thanked him for his many years of public service to his community. He looked at her, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Thank you for what you do.” God had worked in this man’s heart to release his bitterness and anger, and then turn it into compassion for lost souls and gratitude that there were those who are called to go to tell them of Jesus. What an awesome God we serve!
We thank you; our partners together with the Lord, for helping us reach out to the lost souls all around us. As we have said many times, we miss being with the men, but are grateful for the other opportunities to be ambassadors for Jesus in our community. Your partnership is much appreciated as we continue to be available for the Master’s use.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts. If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
FEB 2021
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued prayers. Circumstances this month necessitated a family meeting regarding Jay’s dad. As of March 1st, Jay’s dad was moved into an assisted living facility. As of the writing of this update, the worker that has helped walk all of us through the process called to say that Jay’s dad is doing well. She said that he and his roommate (who is just 1 week older) are like 2 peas in a pod, where you see one you see the other. We are so thankful! Elizabeth’s mom and her husband have good days and bad days, as their health continues to decline. With Jay’s dad in a facility now, we will be more available in caring for them.
On the prison ministry front, an inmate wrote that Covid is still bad and it did not look like there was any end in sight. Yet, we have had heard from a couple of others, from different facilities, write and tell us that they are being told they need to sign up for programs as they will be starting up soon. However, we have not been given any official word on this. The Lord continues to be faithful to His children, whether “free” or “bound”. The inmate, who wrote and told us that Covid was still bad, also told us that where he is at, he gets with about 8 other men each week for Bible study. He, excitedly, said they each take a turn doing the teaching and his was coming up. He is one we have watched grow in his walk with the Lord over the years. It’s exciting to see him taking what he has learned and is learning, and ministering to his fellow inmates.
We praise the Lord for the fruit that continues to blossom and grow, even when we are not there. Thank you for your partnership with us. It is like dropping a stone in a lake; the ripple effect just keeps going and going.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts. If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
JAN 2021
Dear Friends,
You all are so special to us. We know you are praying, for we have felt the Lord’s extra measure of grace and strength this last month. Thank you for all the notes of encouragement in this ministry of caring for parents. It is no mistake in the timing of the closure of the prisons, for it has allowed us the needed time to devote to their care, especially Jay’s dad.
As you know, the only contact we have with inmates right now is through the mail. Jay was able to write many of them this last month to encourage them in the Word. A couple letters we received stated, “We don’t know what you are being told out there, but it’s bad in here.” Yet, what blessed us so much was reading their letters, still proclaiming the goodness of the Lord. One wrote, “The Father & doctor here saved my life” Then went on to say, “You all have always lite my life up & made prison much easier for me….Will always love you all.”
The Lord also gave us the opportunity to minister to several in our community. Opportunities such as taking different “shut-in’s” out to run errands; spending hours on the phone sharing Scripture to encourage others; Jay was able to go to the bedside of a dying man and share the Gospel with him (whether he responded before he died or not we do not know) as well as sharing the Lord and His Word with people in the stores. Though there are many verses we could choose, one that comes to mind to sum up our mindset and heart’s desire is 2 Corinthians 4:5, “For what we preach is not ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” Whether we are in a prison service, talking with people in the community, or caring for parents, we are humbled and privileged to be servants for Jesus sake. Thank you for partnering with us to fulfill God’s call on our lives in simply sharing Him with others, wherever they may be.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts. If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
2020 newsletters
DEC 2020
Dear Friends,
To write you and say all is “hunky-dory” (or fine) would not be true. Life is tough right now. We are being bombarded from every side, it would seem. This is the case not only with us, but many people we have talked with. Many people are struggling. In talking with a friend recently, the Lord reminded me of Psalm 73. The writer, Asaph, starts out with, “Truly God is good…” (vs. 1) Then says, “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well near slipped.”(vs. 2) He goes on to describe how the wicked continually prosper and seem to be getting by with their corruption and blasphemy. (vs. 3-12) He felt like he had cleansed his heart in vain. (vs 13) But, he went into the sanctuary of God and understood. (vs.17-20) After his eyes were opened to the truth, he repented. (vs. 22) As a result, he breaks out in praise once more (with some of our favorite verses) ”I am continually with You; You have held me by my right hand. You shall guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside You. My flesh and my heart fails; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” (vs. 23-26) And finally, he makes this declaration, “But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.” (vs. 28)
As we look back over 2020, it was filled with challenges. Yet, when we take the time to look past the circumstances and hardships, we see the blessings of our Lord like beautiful hidden treasures along the way. Through you, our supporters and prayer partners, He provided us with a reliable car; He continued to pay our bills plus sent us extra so we could replace our washer and dryer that were on their last leg; He gave (and still gives) us strength to continue caring for aging parents, whose health is failing; He gave us opportunities to share Jesus with others (believers and unbelievers) in the community; before the shutdown He gave us time with the men in prison to preach and teach His Word; He still gives us opportunity to share encouragement with some of them through the US postal service; and just recently, He has opened the door for Jay to help guide a baby Christian (an inmate) in God’s Word.
As with many places of business and schools, the prisons remain closed. We look forward to when we are allowed to return. In the meantime, we will walk through the doors of ministry the Lord opens to us. We thank you for your continued prayers and/or financial support.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
2020 newsletters
NOV 2020
Dear Friends,
Cases of Covid continue to fluctuate in the prison facilities, so the doors remain closed. In the meantime, the door of ministry that is wide open to us right now is still caring for aging parents. For the last couple of months, Jay and his brother have been alternating with each other, in 72 hour shifts, in caring for their dad, as he cannot be left alone. In the 72 hour shift that Jay is not with his dad, we have a day (or more depending on what is happening) caring for Elizabeth’s mom and step-father. With all that is required for their care right now, we (in all honesty) have a hard time imagining having the energy to do the prison services even if they were open. Jay’s dad continues to decline and we (both couples) are doing what we can to keep him at home.
We still hear from some of the men through regular mail. They have had several facility lockdowns due to Covid. What does a lockdown look like? The closest simplistic illustration we could give you is…. Imagine being locked in your bedroom, not allowed to go to any other room in your house, for weeks at a time, and only allowed out of your bedroom for 30 minutes a day. Plus, most cells house two people. So, imagine being locked in your bedroom with another person for 23 ½ hours a day (and hopefully you and your cellmate get along). It is not easy for multitudes of people right now. Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in the prison facilities as well as seniors who are basically locked in nursing homes too.
Yet, in the midst of all this, God is still working and moving. Several men, at one facility in particular, have been released to go home. We are so glad for them. A wonderful God story we want to share with you…..one of the men we have ministered to for many years was released. He was released to an area where he knew no one. The Department of Corrections put him up in a cheap motel for 3 weeks, with the requirements that he had to get his driver’s license, a job, and a place to live within those 3 weeks, or he would have to go back to prison. He was beside himself, praying that the Lord would somehow intervene and help. Since he did not have any restrictions upon his release, he found us on the internet and contacted us to see if we knew anyone in that area that might be able to help steer him in a direction. If any of you have had to get in the DMV during this time of closure, you know the wait list was very long and he only had 3 weeks. In talking with our local DMV, we found that they did have openings for hardship cases. So, Jay told him to check with the local DMV there. He did and got in right away. We also knew a former inmate, who lived close to that area, who had been out of prison a good 10 years. After getting permission, we were able to get them connected. With this connection between Christian brothers, he was given some direction for housing and a job. Praise God, all 3 requirements were met. Though he only has a bicycle to go back and forth to work, he is so happy for the way the Lord answered prayer on his behalf.
Thank you for your many prayers on our behalf as well. We have been encouraged by so many, here lately, that our work right now in caring for parents is indeed ministry that is pleasing to our Lord. We thank you for the way you continue to stand with us (in prayer and/or financial support) in this new and temporal season of life. We do have so much to be thankful for.
As we are already in December and Christmas fast approaching, we wish to say “Merry Christmas” to you and pray the time you have with your families will be a blessed one, as we stop to ponder and meditate on the first coming our Savior, what He did for us in His great love, and the excitement of His promised return!
Our love in Christ Jesus to you all!
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
Oct 2020
Dear Friends,
We want to begin by saying thank you to all our ministry partners. Whether it is through your prayers and/or giving, we appreciate you and thank the Lord for you. We know you are lifting us up in prayer. The Lord continues to sustain us. Though we get tired, He gives us more grace as we continue caring for aging parents.
The prisons are still closed due to Covid. We miss the men and they miss us. We do continue, through letters, to minister to the men who are writing us.
One inmate wrote that they were told they would be returning to work and school in November at limited capacity, but the very next day they had news of new Covid cases. So, they do not know when things will actually open back up for them. He also said, “Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I never take a letter for granted. I have a brother…..who was planning on coming to visit me a few years ago, but he sounded so tired….So…..I told him to stay home and instead of driving down….spend that time writing me a letter. Well, that was actually a lot of years ago, and I am still waiting for the letter! LOL! I say all that to let you know your letters really are appreciated. Thank you.” This inmate writes us often telling us how much he and the others miss us and look forward to when we can return.
Another letter we received said, “Your presence is missed! Your voices are missed! Everything about the team is missed!.....your HONEST preaching is truly missed! Many are being fed crumbly bread from Gibeon, believing it to be manna which fell from heaven. Yet you set the living bread before this body, and bid us to partake. Blessed be all who dare to preach Christ in combination with upright living! And for being so bold – I thank you! Continue to trust the Lord in these trying times. Believers can stand (secure) in a hurricane, with nothing more than a small umbrella of faith! Keep fighting the good fight with the weapons of righteousness for both the left and right hand!!! And no matter if rainbows or storm clouds fill your sky, KEEP YOUR EYES (of faith) ON JESUS! (Ps 123:1-2) Tons of love, loads of respect, Your brother in Christ..…”
Again we thank you, our dear family in Christ, for the way you partner with us. God bless you!
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts.
If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
Sept 2020
Growing up in church, there was a chorus we use to sing for the invitational called, “It’s Harvest Time”. The words are….“Harvest time, Harvest time, The Savior’s calling, the grain is falling. Oh do not wait, it’s growing late. Behold the field is white. It’s harvest time.” Just recently, this chorus came to mind. We were late planting our garden, so our produce these last two months have kept us busy, while still caring for Jay’s dad and Elizabeth’s mom. One day, Elizabeth was cutting what we thought were orange “snack” peppers, but turned out to be habanero peppers. The oil from them permeated her hands and they were on fire! She tried everything the internet suggested, but nothing worked. The pain was intense. After 24 hours of trying all kinds of “remedies”, she ended up going to the pharmacist for hopefully an answer and some relief. The pharmacist did give her some advice and after following that advice, she finally got the relief she desperately needed. As she waited to see him, the Lord spoke to her saying, “You are desperately looking for relief from the temporal burning pain on your hands. But people who are not saved will burn forever in hell with no relief.”
Matthew 9: 36-38, “But when He (Jesus) saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted (were distressed, dejected, and helpless), and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith He unto His disciples, ‘The harvest truly IS plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth (thrust and force out) laborers into His harvest.’” John 4:35, “I (Jesus) say unto you, Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they ARE white already to harvest.”
Our country and our communities are definitely white already to harvest. Though there are other ministries who are able to minister to the “masses” right now, we are able to minister on an individual basis. The prisons are still closed to us going to do church services with the men, but the Lord has given us opportunities to share His Word, to encourage, and to pray with several people in person, by phone, and by mail.
When we stepped out into ministry 23 years ago, we looked to see where God was working and we joined Him in His work. We continue to join in with what the Master is doing and allow Him to direct and lead us to those who have ears to hear. The harvest is truly great and souls are hanging in the balance.
Your prayers and/or support are very much appreciated and we say thank you.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
August 2020
Dear Friends,
We thank you for your prayers on behalf of Jay’s dad. He was able to come home from rehab on August 27th. In home therapy will be coming for the next 10 weeks. We along with Jay’s brother and sister-in-law will be switching back and forth, staying with him for around the clock care. For such a time as this, we embark even more into this form of ministry – more hands on with parental care.
The prisons are still having outbreaks of Covid so they remain closed. In the meantime, the men we do hear from are doing well and remain thankful for God’s many blessings.
It has been interesting this month to see the people in our communities whom the Lord has brought across our path. He used us to help several seniors with various needs. In talking with a cashier, she said she is praying to God and having faith for her and her husband to have children, but when we mentioned Abraham and Sarah she had no idea who we were talking about. We have talked with this lady on several occasions, but this last conversation we could see that it is not faith in God she has, but rather she has faith in faith (which does not work). Other customers were waiting to check out so we could not detain her any longer, but we now know better how to talk with her from this point. Another blessing of how the Lord used us this month was in sharing God’s Word, His promises, with a couple of brothers in Christ who were struggling with past shame over sins that had already been forgiven. What a blessing to see the Lord, through His Word, bring freedom from fear and the enemy’s lies. There were still others, in sharing different testimonies of what God has done in our lives, see people cry and be ministered to by the Lord.
Inmates are not the only ones in prison. So many people God brings across our path are inwardly imprisoned by so many things – doubts, fears, anger, past hurts, overwhelmed with present circumstances, and on and on and on. We don’t know the hearts of people, but God does and we are in awe of such a wonderful Lord, that He would allow us to privilege to be His ambassadors, laboring together with Him. (I Corinthians 3:9) We thank you for partnering with us.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts. If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
July 2020
Dear Friends
We are still waiting for the prisons to reopen for us to return. Yet, in the meantime God is still moving. We have had multiple opportunities to share Jesus and Scripture with many people in our community. Though there are several stories we could share, what we want to share with you this month is a couple of stories from the inside.
The first one is just simply sweet. One of the men, who come to our services on a regular basis, wrote and told us that he had been tested positive a second time with Covid. For obvious precautionary reasons, he was put in quarantine. However, reading his letter just made us smile. In our minds eye we can picture his smile and mannerisms as he says, “Hello family…..I have once again tested positive for the virus but I still feel just fine. I have been quarantined for a few weeks now. I have been having the cell to myself for almost 3 weeks now. I feel that this is all a blessing…..since I already have the virus, I don’t have to worry about getting it. They bring me all my meals…..my canteen…I have my Bible, my TV, and my radio….I have nothing to complain about…..Don’t know how much longer we have to go through this. But, it is so good to know that we will get to see you both when all is back to normal.” He is putting into practice what he has been taught from the God’s Word – Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things…”; and I Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God….” What a blessing to see this brother walking out his faith.
The second story also blesses our hearts. Hearing from another brother, we see him struggling but striving to walk out his faith in complete dependence upon the Lord. We have had the privilege to encourage and teach (in our services and through letters) this brother. As he was moved to a different facility (not a state prison but a local jail) to face alleged charges, he was struggling with being angry and questioning “Why?” Little did he know, in the beginning, that the Lord had special plans for him here. He has been a Christian for many years and has diligently studied God’s Word (while in prison) so he could rightly divide the Word of Truth and be equipped to share the Gospel with others. As he sat waiting to appear before the judge, he found that this jail had no chaplain. The other men were struggling in their attempts to understand and study the Bible. The Lord opened wide the door for this brother to teach and disciple the receptive men who had no guidance. The day arrived for him to stand before the judge and face his accuser. As dates, facts and testimonies were presented, his lawyer looked at the accuser and said, “Your own testimony shows that you are the one guilty of stalking. Either you both agree to a 10 year restraining order or I will put you on the stand and you will go to jail.” The accuser walked out of the courtroom. The judge turned to our brother and began asking him questions about “his ministry”. He was able to openly talk about the Lord to the judge and all those present in the courtroom. Our brother still longs for his freedom but now understand the “Why?” as he waits and rejoices that he was the Lord’s ambassador to many.
Thank you for your continued prayers and/or financial support. We are so grateful and thankful that even in this time of waiting to go back in to the prisons, so many of you have continued to be supportive and continue to partner with us. The Lord is still using us to minister to others in our community. Again, we thank you.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
PS Please pray for Jay’s dad. He fell and fractured his hip coming out of the barber shop. He has had a partial hip replacement and is currently in rehab. With the restrictions in place we have not been able to visit him. All communication is done by phone. We got word that the facility he is in now has 3 Covid cases. His dad has been put in another section of the facility but the facility only has 4 employees to care for all the patients. With the pain he is in and not making progress as the hospital thought he should, his care team is expecting him to be in rehab for quite a while.
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts.
If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
June 2020
Dear Friends
As you know from our monthly updates, with the Covid-19 pandemic we have not been able to go into the prisons since the one service we did in the beginning of March. On June 27th, the Department of Corrections updated their website with the following numbers. Statewide, (state prisons – not including regional jails) the total number of positive cases has reached 1,508 with 11 deaths. Currently there are 184 active cases being treated. Out of those totals, in the prisons we are assigned to on a regular basis, there have been 414 cases with 4 deaths, and 40 active cases. With these current numbers, it looks to be August before we will be allowed back in.
Your continued prayers for the men and women in prisons are appreciated. Our brothers and sisters in the Lord are in need of prayer for growth in their faith and strength to stand firm on God’s Word. False doctrine/teaching that has been brought in through the years has and is taking its toll. Colossians 2:8 says, “Beware lest any man spoil (rob) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (principals) of the world, and not after Christ.” We see this happening. There is a popular group of people who go into the prisons, under the name of “Christian”, who have point blank told us (as we waited to be processed in) that they only focus on the love of God. They do not and refuse to talk about sin or holiness. We were told later by several of the men, at one facility, the question – “What does the Bible say about homosexuality and masturbation?” This group refused to answer the question. So, one of the inmates stood up and with his Bible read several passages. He was told by this group to stop reading the Bible and be quiet or he would be kicked out of the meeting. He had men asking him later for the references so they could look them up back in their cells. At another facility, this same popular group, told the men, after reading the verse, “The just shall live by faith”, said, “You cannot live by faith in today’s world”. An inmate, who came to our services on a regular basis, responded with, “Yes you can! I know a couple who’s been doing it for 20 years!”
As we await the day the prison doors will be open once more, the Lord continues to provide ministry opportunities. Two people have confided that they are so overwhelmed with circumstances in their lives right now that they were suicidal. God’s Word shared with them helped them get past the “critical” spot. We don’t have all the answers for the situations they are in, but we know the One who does. He alone has the Words of Life.
Thank you for your prayers and/or financial support.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
May 2020
Dear Friends,
In way of an update on the prisons, there is still no word of when we will be able to return. According to the Department of Corrections website, two of the facilities that we go to, have had reported cases of Covid-19. One of them to date has had 149 cases with 3 deaths and the other one has had 202 cases with zero deaths. We are thankful for the Lord’s protection of the many facilities that have had no cases, and we pray for those who have. In the meantime, as we look back over our calendar this month, we are reminded of the many people in our community the Lord gave us the opportunity to minister to. One elderly couple (the husband is under hospice care and the wife is pretty much wheelchair bound) we were able to visit and encourage them in the Lord with Scripture and hymns. Another elderly couple, the husband’s wheelchair broke a bearing and was difficult to maneuver. The Lord allowed us the wonderful privilege of finding him another one, which was nicer than the one he had, for only $10…...a sweet reminder that the Lord sees and provides. Bible study with our neighbor has slowed down since the churches in our area have re-opened, a few weeks ago, but we still get with him from time to time to encourage him in the Lord. There are many others we could mention, all divine appointments, in Lowes, grocery stores, garages, in our neighborhood, etc. There have been many opportunities to share Jesus with others. We thank you for standing with us, during this time, through your prayers and / or financial support. We are reminded of Matthew 28:18–20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations……Teaching them to observe (maintain, fulfill, hold fast, keep) all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
April 2020
Dear Friends,
There has been and still is much in the news about the Covid19 virus. The whole world has been affected. Many ministries have made adjustments to the new “norm” by going digital. For us this is not an option. Inmates do not have internet access. They do have limited supervised email. However, volunteers are not allowed to use this form of communication. As of a few days ago, the Department of Corrections has decided to temporarily lift this ban until they reopen the doors for us to come back in. The projected date for us returning to the prisons looks to be late June or early July and this is subject to our state’s stay home order. After talking with the director of Hope Aglow (the ministry we work in cooperation with) the requirements and cost involved in emailing inmates would not be advantageous for us. So, we continue to use regular mail to correspond with the men.
In the meantime, we have received letters from a couple of inmates. They too are affected by the executive stay home order. The facilities are on lock down and their normal daily routine has been altered as well. But, what a blessing to hear that even though they are not allowed to have church services, the few Christians in their individual pods are getting together for Bible study. It may only be 4 or 5 of them, but they are meeting together to study God’s Word.
For us, we continue “snail mail” with inmates. We are still busy caring for 3 parental figures. We are helping elderly supporters and neighbors who are in need of assistance. We continue to work on building relationships with unsaved neighbors. And we also started doing Bible study with one of our older neighbors.
This particular neighbor’s comprehension level is that of an 8th grader. He dropped out of school in junior high, was repeatedly told he was stupid, and he did manual labor all his life. He told us he remembers the day he got saved and has been going to church since (over 40 years). However, he also told us that he cannot understand the Bible (he has tried a couple of easy reading versions) and the sermons at church are over his head. We have started out simple with him. Since he does not know much of the Bible, we started using a children’s Bible story devotional (by Billy Graham). Honestly, we were amazed that he did not know the story of Noah or of Danial in the Lion’s Den or other Bible stories that we thought he would have heard at some point in his 40+ years of going to church. One day he asked us, “Why did God put these stories in the Bible?” We were able to share with him 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and IS profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” As well as Romans 15:4, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning….” We told him that when the apostle Paul wrote these, he was referring to the Old Testament. So, we can learn much from these stories and we shared several ways of how these stories are profitable for us today.
Our neighbor was told by someone else that there was a children’s Bible written on the child’s level, but he did not know what to look for or where to find one. (He does not have internet and does not know how to use it.) God is so amazing……the day he told us this, we received a phone call from a man cleaning out his den. This man asked if we could use Bibles for the inmates. He had many of them and just wanted them to be used. He went on to tell us that he even had one that was a children’s Bible. It was the very one our neighbor had been told about and was hoping for. We asked this man if we could give the children’s Bible to a man in the community. He was thrilled to do so. God knew our neighbor’s heart’s desire and answered it. Though he has only had it a few days, he is now enjoying reading his Bible because he can actually understand what it says. As we continue to have Bible study with him, we can see the Lord ever so slowly and gently working in his life.
Yes, God is amazing! Our world may be in standstill mode (compared to what it usually is), but God is still on the move and continues working in wonderful ways. To you, our ministry partners, we say thank you for your continued prayers and/or support. God’s Word and His work are still going forth.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
March 2020
Each month, we along with one to four other people, go to a little restaurant to eat supper just before going in to one of our prison services. Unless, she is not there we have the same waitress. It’s always a blessing to see her. She knows when she sees us that we are heading for the prison just a mile or two away afterwards. When she brings the bill she says she is praying for us and the service and then says, “If just one will listen!” Our going into this prison means a lot to her because she worked in that very prison for over 20 years. She has firsthand knowledge of what goes on there on a daily basis. Yet, even after all she has seen, she prays that even just one will listen and take the message to heart. We know the Lord has and continues to answer her prayers, for we know of several men who have done just that – listened, taken the message to heart, and has allowed the Lord to change their lives.
From this very prison comes our next story. We have been going to this prison since around 2002 and we have seen men come and go. It is interesting that just in the last several months; we have seen an influx of new men coming to the service. One of these new men, with a sparkle in his eyes, approached Jay after this last service excitedly asking if he could get all the verses that Jay referenced in his message. He is go hungry for the Word of God that he wanted to go back to his cell and look up all the references to study for himself. What a blessing to see someone so enthusiastic and excited to know the Lord more and study His Word! Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matt. 5:6) This last story was told to us by one of our prayer partners. This gentleman went around to different people in his church that he knew were prayer warriors, asking them to specifically be praying for us as we would be going in to a group of men who were all registered sex offenders. One lady that he asked came back to him the next week to tell him that she had argued with God all week over this, telling the Lord she could not pray for them. This dear lady was in her 60’s but could not pray for these men because she had been raped as a teenager. She said that after arguing with the Lord over this all week, the Lord set her free to forgive the man who had raped her and was able to freely pray for us and this group of men. The Lord set her free from nearly 50 years of imprisonment to unforgiveness. She was praising the Lord for setting her free and thanking this man for the entrusting this wonderful privilege of praying for these men.
A quick update.…The Department of Corrections alerted us that because of the Coronavirus, it has cancelled all services until further notice. We pray this will not last long so we can get back to our ministry field. We thank you for your prayers and/or support to help us continue to go.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
Feb 2020
Dear Friends,
Recently, there has been interest expressed in how we became involved in prison ministry. We stepped out into full time ministry January 1, 1998 traveling the country as music evangelist. Our hearts were burdened with the number of people who go to church but had no interest in following Jesus. After the first year and half, we had a lull in our schedule but did not want to sit idle. We wanted to be about our Lord’s work. As Elizabeth was looking through some books that her late father had had, she ran across one by Richard Wumbrand who had been a prisoner under the Communist regime in Romania. On the back cover, there was a picture of a man’s hands shackled together with the inscription, “If that were Christ, would you give Him your blanket?” This struck a deep cord within her heart and she questioned herself, “Would I?” Then she remembered that her dad had been supportive of Hope Aglow Prison Ministry and its late founder Ed Martin (back in the 1960’s). Elizabeth wrote the current director, Garry Sims, telling him who we were and asked if they could use us in any way. He called and talked with Jay a long time, then asked us to join them for a service to see if prison ministry was a good fit for us. From our very first time going (October 1999), we fell in love (with God’s love) the ministry of sharing the gospel (the good news) with prisoners.
What we found was a hunger for Jesus that many in the outside/free churches did not have. We cast our net on the other side of the boat (John 21:6) and the Lord filled our net. To this day, He continues to fill our net with men who are searching for Truth as well as finding brothers in Christ who hunger for the Word of God.
With now having a reliable vehicle, we are once again able to return to one of our long distance prisons. One of the men told us he was so glad that we were “home” again! Another one made a bee-line for Jay after the service to tell him, “We needed that! There are some in here who say it doesn’t matter what comes out of their mouths.” He said he is so excited about the upcoming study Jay is starting with them from 1 John.
We recently received a letter from an inmate who said he finds it so amazing that there are people like us who love coming into prison to show them, in a real way, the love of God. We were able to tell him that he may only see us, but there are a number of others (you, our supporters and prayer partners) who care about them too and show they do by helping us continue to go to them.
We and the inmates thank you!
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
2019 Newsletters are below
Jan 2020
We are excited to report to you that our Father has heard and answered your prayers!
As you know, many months ago, we requested prayer for our vehicle situation. The Lord has answered yours (as well as ours and the inmates) prayers by providing us with a reliable, fuel efficient car. Admittedly, there were many times we kept asking the Lord to give us direction on this matter. Each time, He answered with, “Wait.” Weeks would go by with no change and we would ask Him again. Over and over He would gently answer, “Wait. Just wait.” After months, in fact a couple of years, of praying and waiting, the Lord answered way beyond our expectations. As a result, we have given testimony to the inmates and many others of the Lord teaching us patient endurance. 2 Peter 1:5-8 tells us to give all diligence to add 7 things to our faith. Patience and temperance (endurance) are two of them. James 1:4 says to let patience have her perfect work. Not that we have this down pat, but we are learning and growing while in the process of being conformed into the image of Jesus. We again say, “thank you” for your prayers. We also want to thank those who gave financially to help with the need.
The Lord is so good!
As excited as we were with the answered prayer, what is more exciting is seeing the Lord work in our lives and being able in turn to minister to others. Starting this month, the Lord opened another prison door for us to go into on a regular basis. It is a small group of men, who are seeking to know the Lord more and wanting to grow in their knowledge and understanding of Him and His Word. Instead of a regular church service, this will be more like a small group Bible study. We are looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us and the inmates.
At a couple of facilities, the Lord led Jay to preach from 2 Timothy 4:2, explaining to the men what his assigned job from the Lord was. He told them he was not out to win a popularity contest with anyone but rather, his job was to preach the pure Word of God. Church is not a social club, it is not rec time, nor is it a place to get “feel good” messages to pacify them. Church is where we come together to be taught doctrine (God’s ways), to be reproved (convicted), to be corrected (to be set right again), and to be instructed in righteousness (how to live holy in conformity to God’s will). The purpose is for us to grow more and more into the likeness of Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:16-17 & 2 Cor. 3:18) There were several men who responded “I needed that!” “The Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5)
God is still working today; showing love, mercy, and forgiveness to all who will turn to Him.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
2019 Newsletters
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Dec 2019
Our Dear Friends,
We wish to start by expressing our heartfelt gratitude to each one supporting us whether financially and/or in prayer! Ministry is a team effort for: “How shall they call upon Him whom they have not believed? How shall they believe upon whom they have not heard? How shall they hear without a preacher? How shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Rom. 10:14-15) We are going and you are sending us.
Recently we received a very precious letter in which an inmate, who regularly attends our service, expressed what this ministry meant to him. We cannot think of a better way to express our thanks to you, as well as convey the importance of this work, than to let his letter speak for the service you help make possible for him. Please accept our gratitude, his gratitude and the hundreds of others at the many facilities we go to. Sharing the gospel with the lost and feeding God’s sheep is our goal and assignment from the Lord. The men know that other brothers and sisters, who care, are behind us – sending us to them. Here is his letter:
12-30-19
Brother Jay:
The aim of the overwhelming majority of those confined to prison is ultimately to get out and to be reunited with loved ones. And yet, I find it most intriguing, and heart moving, that there are such people (out there) who have made it their purpose in life to go into prison, that they might be united to those who abide in the love and the body of Christ. To you (and those who come with you)… I say: Philippians 1:2-11 Brother Jay: I thank God the Father for you, and like-minded men, who are good stewards of this GOSPEL which has been entrusted to them. Today, there is much personality, charisma, and intellect…painting pictures for us with words and wowing us with fantastic renditions of dramatized theology. But you…you use the light of the entrusted GOSPEL to highlight not man and his gifts – but to highlight the greatest gift to mankind…our LORD and KING, Jesus Christ. You perform very reasonable service, and your preaching, testimony, and witness has power. Many serve, but they venture alone. However, you, like Moses, refuse to lead…unless God accompanies you (Exodus 33:14-15). Thank you for your openness and honesty. Thank you for not watering down the gospel message to please man. (Gal. 1:10, II Thess. 2:4). I love you Brother! Continue to walk (and serve) in a manner worthy of the Lord, being fully pleasing to Him, as you bear much fruit and increase in Knowledge. May you be strengthened with all power according to HIS glorious might…...that you endure with patience and Joy (Col. 1:10-11). I end with II Thessalonians 3:16. I love you (in the LORD) and lift you in prayer. It is an honor to know and serve with you!!! Your fellow Brother and Laborer IN CHRIST, Charlie”
Again, we say thank you. Your gifts and prayers are making a difference in the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
November 2019
Dear Friends,
As the Christmas celebration begins, one thing we enjoy doing is riding around at night to see all the bright lights. In a prophecy regarding Jesus, Luke 1:78b–79 says, “…the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” We live in a spiritually dark world. Jesus came to bring us Himself – the Light. He has “called us out of darkness into His marvelous Light”. (1 Peter 2:9)
In our previous update, we requested prayer regarding one of the facilities we go to. To date, the administration has said nothing further about the situation, so on our regularly scheduled day, Jay once again went to proclaim the marvelous Light to those sitting in darkness. He told the men, “This is a church service and the Bible is the textbook we study here….If you do not want to hear what the Bible has to say about sin, you do not have to stay. You have the right to leave if you wish.” He went on to say that if he believed people were condemned to hell with no hope, he would not waste his time preaching. It is because he personally knows and has experienced the love and forgiveness of God that he comes….proclaiming that they too can experience this same hope, love, and forgiveness. He read multiple Scriptures about sin and the need to be born again. How the Bible is plain and clear that there has to be a change in direction….we cannot just say a prayer and continue living a habitual sinful lifestyle. After the service, the guard on duty, came to Jay with one of the men and said that this man wanted to talk with him. Jay asked the guard to stay and listen to everything that was being said. The man told Jay, “I do not know who accused you of such a thing and I can’t believe someone would go that far in saying what they said about you. I do know that there are a couple of men who come to the service who are offended by your personal testimony, because they do not want to change.” Jay responded to the man that he “hit the nail on the head”…..”You just said, ‘they do not want to change’…..It is not on the transmitting end, it is on the receiving end.” The guard spoke up and said, “There is only one sin that cannot be forgiven.” Jay said “Yes, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.” He repeated what he said in the service by saying, “If they want to claim they are born that way, Jesus still says, ‘You must be born again’.” It is because God loves them and we love them that we come here to proclaim the Truth. The man thanked Jay for taking the time to talk with him. And Jay thanked him for approaching him to convey his concerns. A second man came up and said, “Thank you for not being like the ones in Timothy that tell people what they want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:3&4) You tell us not what we want to hear, but what we need to hear.” A third man approached to say, “Thank you for the message today. I have been struggling with some of the very things you talked about and I needed that.” “…to give Light to them that sit in darkness…” that is what the Word of God did that day. Thank you for praying.
In another facility, Jay continued his series on Psalm 37. He recapped verses 24 & 25 on the importance of walking hand in hand with the Lord. Then he went on to verse 26 preaching that as we walk with the Lord we should be taking on His character more and more. Again, the Dayspring from on high gave light to those sitting in darkness with three men responding for salvation. Yes, the lights of Christmas, shining brightly in the darkness, remind us of Jesus, the Light of the world. He illuminated our darkened hearts with His Light and we in turn are to let Him shine out of us to others still sitting in darkness. We proclaim in love and humility the Truth of God’s Word, without compromise, and He lights up the darkness.
Thank you for your prayers and/or support. We together, partnering with the Lord, are still impacting lives for Jesus sake. He is still moving in the hearts and lives of people today. We are thankful and give all praise to Him.
We pray your Christmas will be filled with a fresh awareness of His Wonderful Presence and Marvelous Light. Merry Christmas to you all!
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
October 2019
Our Dear Praying Friends & Ministry Partners,
In way of a quick personal update…..These last couple of months have been more difficult than normal for us. We have been caring for three “parental” figures – Jay’s dad (since 2012), Elizabeth’s mom (for the last year and a half) and her mom’s husband (for the last couple of months). Between the three of them, we have been running back and forth to multiple doctor’s appointments as well as hospitalizations. Yet, we praise the Lord for His sustaining strength and presence, for Romans 8:26 says that the Holy Spirit helps us (comes to our aid and bears us up) in our “infirmities” (weakness).
In our car situation, the Lord continues to keep it going. Jay told the inmates that the Lord is using this situation to teach us more about patience. When we looked up the definition of patience many years ago, one of the definitions was: “ the ability to wait without complaint”. We cannot take on a car payment, so we are learning to be patient in waiting for God’s timing and His provision. This goes right along with James 1:2-4 in letting patience have her perfect work to help mature us even more. Jay has also told the inmates for the last couple of years that he has always been one who did not rejoice in seeing the trials in the windshield – coming our way. But, one who rejoiced when they were in the rear-view mirror. Yet, he knew, based on Scripture that the Lord wanted to mature him in this area. So, the Lord continues to work.
We are currently waiting to see if we will be allowed back in to one of the facilities we go to as they have threatened to ban Jay from coming back. Here is what happened….A couple of weeks ago, as Jay was preaching, one of the Scriptures he read from was 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (which he has done many times over the years at this same facility). This passage is a list of people not going to heaven – not by name but by lifestyle. Verse 11 clearly states, “ such WERE some of you but you are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God”. People can be changed by the power of God. As Jay simply read the passage, two men got up and left. They reported to the administration that Jay was condemning people, from a particular lifestyle, to hell. The other men in the service that day told Jay the two who walked out openly flaunt their lifestyle, and one of the guards on duty told Jay as he left, “ Good message pastor!” The administration called the director of Hope Aglow (the prison ministry we work in cooperation with) saying that the facility’s head psychologist there, tells these men they are born that way. Then they asked that that particular subject not be talked about in the church service. The director told them that all the volunteers with Hope Aglow believe what the Bible says about it and we all preach from the Bible. Plus, this is a church service and the men have the right to choose to come or not come to the service. The other men who do come believe what the Bible says as well. The administrator understood the ministry’s position on the subject and they are discussing it. The spiritual battle is great.
In way of an uplifting report…..those who have eyes to see and ears to hear are still being ministered to, instructed in godly living, and encouraged to keep pressing in and drawing closer to the Lord. And, there are others who are responding for salvation. We hope the following excerpt from an inmate’s note to Elizabeth will be a blessing to you, since you partner with us. “…The love and the sacrifice that you have showed us has ministered grace and hope to us here beyond measure. Many days while harboring a heavy heart, your heavenly voice with song gave me hope. Nothing that this world may send us can be compared to our life with our Savior….to many of us here you are a mother, a sister and a friend….We love you….”
There are more changes happening within the Department of Corrections and if these changes continue their present course the prison doors may eventually close to us going in altogether. However, for now the Lord continues to allow us the opportunity to be like spiritual parents / guides to many. We are humbled yet grateful for this privilege.
It is with your help (financially and in prayer) that we are able to continue to go to them. We and the inmates say “Thank you”.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
September 2019
Dear friends
This last month, we have made many trips to our local hospital to be with family or friends. One particular day, while sitting in the ER for hours, the Lord opened the door for Jay to share Scripture and pray with many others also sitting in the ER. We simply never know where the Lord will open doors for us to share Him with those in need and who have an ear to hear.
We all face difficulties in life. And when we do, many times we need the reassurance that God still loves us. Inmates, certainly, are no different. At a service this month, Jay preached on the parable of the prodigal son, the loving Father, and the jealous self-righteous older brother. Though he elaborated on each character in the story, his main focus was on the loving Father. Many men in prison have never known the love of an earthly father or the affirmation of an older male role model in their lives. So as a result, in their mind’s eye the picture of a heavenly Father is very much skewed. They have a hard time comprehending how God the Father can be so different from what they have known. In the parable, the father placed himself in harm’s way to protect the repentant son when he returned. In their culture the community had the right to stone the son to death for the way he had dishonored the father. God, in the person of Jesus Christ, placed Himself in harm’s way for us, by giving His life on the cross for us. As the men listened, many were teary and longing to feel that kind of love. When the Lord’s invitation went forth for them to come to Him, 13 men raised their hand for salvation and 11 raised their hand for rededicated. Many other Christian brothers were also teary and thankful for being reminded of how much God the Father loves them and still loves them. John 16:27 says, “For the Father Himself loveth (tenderly loves) you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.”
Our dear friends, we thank you for the way you stand with us in prayer and/or financial support. Every opportunity the Lord opens up for us you have a part in. We need each other as we seek to serve the Lord together.
We give Him all the praise for it is…...
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
August 2019
Dear Folks,
It has been an interesting month....more trials…yet more opportunities. There have been more opportunities for growing closer to the Lord as well as more opportunities for serving Him.
It is some of these opportunities we want to share with you. After one service, one of the inmates approached Jay in tears and quivering voice, simply wanting to say “thank you” for the Psalm 37 study. He told Jay, “You have a way of explaining the Word to us that shows us how we can apply It to our everyday lives.” And before he walked away, he said again, “thank you”. In three other prison services, Jay preached on “Taking up our cross (Mark 8:34) and being Salt (Matthew 5:13)”. In taking up our cross, we are dying to ourselves – giving up our wants, our desires, our way of doing and being, we die to us, to sin, and to the world – and instead, we choose to follow Jesus – His way of living and being- to do whatever He chooses and assigns for us. In essence, I die to me and live for Him. With salt, when it has lost its savor, it means that it maintains (or keeps) its identity. You can still see it. It does not dissipate or disappear into whatever it is in. At the end of the message, he asked these questions: 1. How salty are you? Do others see Jesus or do they see you? {And} 2. Who’s living your life? You or Jesus? Many of the men, in response, simply went, “Hmmm!” Questioning and contemplating within themselves what their answer would be.
One incident that was not anticipated was, after one of those services, the guard that was assigned to stay in the room, stopped Jay as he was leaving and asked him what the verse was he talked about from Matthew – the one about salt. They talked for over 20 minutes about Jesus and the guard would have continued talking and asking questions, but another guard came looking for him because he forgot to report in. The guard told Jay that he has heard a lot of different religious groups that come in and he openly told Jay that he was searching for answers and direction in life. Before Jay left, the guard thanked him for taking the time to talk with him about the Bible and answer his questions. Not only were there these opportunities, but the Lord also opened to us the opportunity to minister to folks in our community.
We try to keep ourselves available for the Lord’s bidding, for we never know where or when that will be. Luke 17:10 Jesus says to the apostles, “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded (assigned to) you, say, ‘We are unprofitable (bond) servants: we have done that which was our duty to do’.” With your prayers and/or financial support, you help us stay available to do what the Lord has assigned for us to do. Thank you. What we do is not for us but…..
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts. If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
July 2019
Dear Friends,
In each of our monthly updates, we always want to report to you what the Lord has done and is doing. So, we want to share with you how the Lord is answering your prayers since last month.
As you recall, last month we requested prayer on behalf of a couple who had retired from prison ministry and were the victims of a shooting. In way of an update, the woman who was in ICU was released from the hospital. We were told that the police do not think it was current or former inmate related, nor did they think it was prison ministry related. Though a motive has not yet been determined or disclosed (as far as we know) three arrests have been made based on the ballistic match. We were also told that the couple is doing well considering what happened. The Lord is answering your prayers. Thank you!
Something else we wanted to let you know about is in regards to some changes going on in the Department of Corrections (DOC). Based on the new laws coming down from the Justice Department, prison facilities have to accommodate all 42 recognized “faith groups”. Up until last month, the only way for the inmates to have a particular religious service was for a volunteer from that faith group come in to facilitate it. Now, according to the new law, if any 2 inmates request a certain religious service, DOC has to allow them. Another change is, for many of the men we see, they had the privilege of attending multiple services, such as the Sunday night church service as well as weekday Bible study. This is no longer the case. Almost all of the midweek Bible studies have been completely stopped and of the few that may remain, the men now have to choose which one they wish to attend. They can no longer attend both. These changes have affected us in that a couple of our services have been dropped completely and other services are less attended because the inmates cannot attend more than one.
Though we are disappointed, we are not discouraged. We are thankful that the door is still open for us to go into the prisons and proclaim that Jesus is the only Way. And while we can, our proclamation and focus remains that of: 1. The need to have a genuine life changing encounter with Jesus and 2. The teaching of Biblical doctrine for the spiritual growth of the men. Thank you for your prayers and/or financial support.
As always, it is all….. For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
PS If you wish to see the list of recognized religions approved to operate in DOC, you can go to the following website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov/files/operating-procedures/800/vadoc-op-841-3-a3.pdf
June 2019
Dear Friends,
Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart deviseth (plans) his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” We had planned to go to the Blue Ridge Parkway, to one of our favorite secluded spots, to get away from distractions, be alone with the Lord, and prepare for one of our services. When we arrived, we saw that someone was already there. We asked her if she was going to use the picnic table. She said, “No”. So, we took our Bibles down to the table and then walked over to the creek to begin getting our focus on the Lord. Once we sat down at the table, the lady spoke up and said that she had come to that spot to be alone with the Lord. One thing led to another and we ended up sitting there for over 2 hours talking to her about the Lord and answering her many questions from the Bible. She wiped the tears from her eyes many times. Before we left, she told us, “I was planning on going somewhere else but Something told me to turn here…..The Lord sent you here for me….He knew I needed you today….This has been so refreshing….” She was smiling when we left.
We praise the Lord that He had us at the right place at the right time to minister to a “stranger”. We had our own plan, but the Lord directed our steps. In our prison services we see many reactions to the preaching of the Word. We see men sleeping; we see men disinterested and talking amongst themselves; we see others raising their hands and nodding their head saying “Amen!” Or “Yes!” It is a wide and varied range. In one of our services, Elizabeth was so blessed by one of the men. As Jay was preaching and expounding on Psalm 37:40, Elizabeth could hear a man just a few feet away (very softly) carrying on a conversation with the Lord with everything Jay was saying and reading from the Scripture. When Jay read and expounded on 1 Peter 5:5-7, Elizabeth could hear him (still softly talking to the Lord) saying, “Lord, help me cast all of my care on You!....Thank You for loving me….Keep working on me Lord…” Wow! What a blessing! Our dear ministry partners, “Thank you!” Your gifts and prayers help keep us going. May we each be sensitive to follow the Lord’s direction and let our prayer be the same as this inmate’s. Lord, help each of us cast all of our cares on You. Thank You for loving us. Keep working on us Lord.
For it is all….. For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
Prayer requests:
1. We need to replace our vehicle
2. A couple we know who retired from prison ministry were victims in a shooting in our area recently. The man was not harmed but the wife is in ICU and her mother was killed. Your prayers for both of these requests are very much appreciated.
May 2019
Dear Friends,
Though we have been in ministry for over 20 years, we are still amazed at how the Lord orchestrates “divine appointments”. We received a letter from an inmate requesting a “spiritual counsel visit”. While the request was in process, we set up the date to go so that we could stay after the “spiritual counsel visit” to do the evening church service for the rest of the men. (This was at a facility that we do not go to on a regular basis.) As the date approached, Jay contacted the chaplain to see if the inmate’s request had been approved. The chaplain responded that the inmate had just been transferred to another facility. Since it was already set up for us to do the church service, we still went. And yes…it was a Divine Appointment! Jay preached from Matthew 7, “by their fruit you will know them”. It does not say you will know them by their “profession” but by their fruit. As with other facilities the men responded. Out of the roughly 50 men who came to the service, 6 responded for salvation. Two more divine appointments (a few weeks apart) were with men in their 70’s – veterans who were struggling with the guilt of the lives they took in war time. One of them (though he was a Christian now) felt like God was punishing him all these years later because of all the hard circumstances happening in his life. The other man (who became a Christian only a year ago) had been made to feel that he could not be forgiven or set free from past hatred in his heart. Jay was able to share many things from God’s Word with each of them. Jesus said that The Truth (He is Truth) can and will set people free. God’s Word brought comfort and freedom to both of these believers.
As we remain open and flexible in the Master’s hand, He truly does open up “divine appointments” to us. You, our prayer partners and / or financial supporters have a part in His divine plan. We are a team and with you standing with us, the Lord continues to open doors to proclaim Him to others.
Thank you. For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
April 2019
Dear Friends,
Though we have been in ministry for over 20 years, we are still amazed at how the Lord orchestrates “divine appointments”.
We received a letter from an inmate requesting a “spiritual counsel visit”. While the request was in process, we set up the date to go so that we could stay after the “spiritual counsel visit” to do the evening church service for the rest of the men. (This was at a facility that we do not go to on a regular basis.) As the date approached, Jay contacted the chaplain to see if the inmate’s request had been approved. The chaplain responded that the inmate had just been transferred to another facility. Since it was already set up for us to do the church service, we still went. And yes…it was a Divine Appointment! Jay preached from Matthew 7, “by their fruit you will know them”. It does not say you will know them by their “profession” but by their fruit. As with other facilities the men responded. Out of the roughly 50 men who came to the service, 6 responded for salvation.
Two more divine appointments (a few weeks apart) were with men in their 70’s – veterans who were struggling with the guilt of the lives they took in war time. One of them (though he was a Christian now) felt like God was punishing him all these years later because of all the hard circumstances happening in his life. The other man (who became a Christian only a year ago) had been made to feel that he could not be forgiven or set free from past hatred in his heart. Jay was able to share many things from God’s Word with each of them. Jesus said that The Truth (He is Truth) can and will set people free. God’s Word brought comfort and freedom to both of these believers.
As we remain open and flexible in the Master’s hand, He truly does open up “divine appointments” to us. You, our prayer partners and / or financial supporters have a part in His divine plan. We are a team and with you standing with us, the Lord continues to open doors to proclaim Him to others.
Thank you.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
March 2019
Dear Friends,
At the beginning of this year, we each prayed asking the Lord, “What is Your Word for me this year?” For Elizabeth, His response was, “Pray even more”. For Jay it was, “Be faithful, be consistent, be ready”. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” We have found that this year more so than ever, it seems there are things trying to pull us away from our attention of continuing steadfastly in the Word. We have to continually choose to study the Word and leave the other things for later. As a result of the consistency and faithfulness to continue to immerse ourselves in the Word, the Lord is opening up many opportunities (divine appointments) to proclaim Him and His Word to people (groups and individuals) almost everywhere we go – church and prison services, various stores, the post office, restaurants, public forums, senior groups, nursing homes, rehab centers, etc, etc. There are so many people who are hurting and seeking answers. The Lord said, “Be ready”; and as instructed in 1 Peter 3:15 “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (respect).”
Friends, we want you to know that in the prisons and church services, people are responding for salvation – realizing they have had religion but not a relationship. They do not want to play games with God any more. Also, as Jay continues his study with the inmates from Psalm 37, men are being taught doctrine and being exhorted to choose to follow God’s Word, His ways, and His precepts. Many of them are telling us that they look forward to us coming because they are enjoying the verse by verse teaching, which they do not get otherwise.
We are simply the Lord’s servants, doing what He has called us to do. It is the Lord who is working and moving in the hearts and lives of those He is bringing across our path. Your prayers and/or financial support help make it possible for us to be available to go.
Thank you.
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts.
If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
February 2019
Dear Friends,
Lately we have been asked how we came up with the name “Salt & Light” for the ministry. It came from the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:13–16, “Ye are the salt of the earth....Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” And Mark 9:50 “Salt is good….Have salt in yourselves….” Jesus being the Light of the world, His Light should be shining out from us. Salt does several things. It is good for seasoning food. It preserves. It heals. It makes a person thirsty. Jesus in us, we should be active in all of these areas. We have the seasoning (love, joy, peace, contentment, etc) that people find is pleasing in this unsavory world. We should be preserving what is good and right. We should be bringing others to Jesus as the healer of their hearts and lives. When others see us, they should see something different that makes them thirsty for the Living Water.
All of us have been given a task from the Master. Ours is going to the prisons, being salt and light in an unsavory and dark place. Yet, we see the Lord working in wonderful ways. They are hungry and thirsty for the Truth. We have the privilege of taking Jesus to them. In one service recently, the Lord led Jay to share his testimony along with 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (a list of people not going to heaven). At the end of the message, he told them that if their “after Jesus” picture was no different than their “before Jesus” picture, then they needed to have a genuine life changing encounter with Him, because He changes us! Nine men responded for salvation that night. One inmate told Jay that he had preached that same type of message to his fellow inmates just a week and half before and he was praising the Lord for the wonderful response of the men that night.
God is at work. He is calling out for people to quit playing games with Him and get serious about their relationship with Him. You, our ministry partners, are helping us continue. We thank you. As always, it is all…
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
For Tax-Deductible gifts make checks payable TO: Salt and Light Ministries FOR: Roberts. If you do not need a tax receipt you can make checks payable directly To: Jay Roberts
January 2019
Dear Friends,
In our last update, we ended with the same challenge to you that we gave the inmates.
That challenge was,
“Lord, what is Your word for me this year?” (and / or) “Lord, what would You have me do for You this year?”
In the prisons we gave this challenge to, several of the men responded wanting to do just that. One inmate told us that he had done that 4 years ago but did not follow through. He had always regretted that he did not, but with the fresh challenge he was going to go back to what the Lord had told him and follow through this time. Others told us that the Lord had stirred within them that they too needed to pray this. We were able to tell them, from personal experience, not to be surprised with how the Lord answers them, but whatever word He gave, they can rest assured that it will turn out to be an amazing adventure with Him.
We love Isaiah 55:11 which says, “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: It shall not return unto Me void, but It shall accomplish that which I please, and It shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” In the parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus tells us that there are 4 kinds of soil (heart). We see each of these “soils” in every ministry opportunity the Lord opens to us. How thankful and overjoyed we are whenever we see the seed of God’s precious Word, fall on good soil. In one of the prisons we go to, the men have been fed a steady stream of a watered-down version of the gospel. With much prayer behind him and surrounding him, Jay preached boldly, the undiluted gospel to these men. Salvation is not just saying an empty, meaningless prayer; but humbly asking the Lord to forgive you of your sins, choosing to follow Him as your one and only Master for the rest of your life. Jesus is not looking for people to go through life with just a head belief in Him, but those who will conform wholly to His will and His ways in word, thought, and action. As a result, when the Lord’s invitation to come to Him went out, 17 men responded.
A life given wholly to the Lord is an amazing adventure – even through the hardships and trials of life.
Only the Lord knows what He will accomplish in and through each of these men we minister to in our prison system or even the people in our community the Lord sends us to. It is with gratitude that we say thank you for your financial gifts and/or your prayer support. It’s all…
For God’s Glory Alone!
Jay & Elizabeth
