Submitted by Linda Gonzales Battle
Our sixth week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, August 15, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at the Riverdale community Center.
The purpose of this meeting is to sponsor a program by the Solicitor’s office called PTI, which consists of “First Time Offenders” who have charged with non-violent crimes. This is an eight week program that consists of various speakers who share their ideas. In these sessions, there is a question and answer session. The meeting was opened by Bishop Edward Ingram, Pastor, Mt. Sinai Church Chaplin with everyone saying the Lord’s prayer. He introduced the speakers. Frank Williams, Dillon Congregational Holiness Church, talked about the ‘Back to School’ program, that Committee of Concerned Citizens had last Friday night. He stated that the participants were ushers and they did a great job. He also talked about the speakers, who did an awesome job as well. The program represented a spirit of love. He also stated that he was laid off from his job last Friday. He could have stayed home tonight, but he is committed to this program. He spoke
from James 1:5. Mr. Williams stated that we all have a place in life and we should as God would want us to do. We have to ask God for wisdom to go through the day. In closing, Mr. Williams stated that last Friday night took him through the week. Jessie McCormick, Church School Superintendent, St. Matthew AME Church, gave background information on himself. He stated that we need to first seek ye in the Lord. We also should have a plan. If your plan does not include God, you will be let out in the cold. Whatever you do in life, you have to have the end in mind. Have respect for yourself and others. He also stated that the community problems are sometimes inherited, but we need to sit down at the table to discuss resolving these problems. Without faith we can’t make it. Whatever mistakes you made, God can help you. He will give you a second chance. God is a loving and merciful God. In life, you reap what you sow. Mr. McCormick talked about
how the Israelites disappointed God, but He forgave them. You are all blessed because you are here. Take advantage of this second chance, payday is coming after while. Man won’t forgive, but God will. In closing, Mr. McCormick encouraged the participants to keep looking up and have a plan. There is no successful plan without God in it. Bishop Eddie Ingram, Pastor, Mt. Sinai Church, requested the participants to participate in a skit, preparing them for job interviews. Mr. McCormick was the interviewer. The participants did well in preparing themselves for job interviews. Mr. McCormick and Bishop Ingram individually gave them encouraging words on successful interviews, which was well received.