By Linda Gonzales-Battle
Our third week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, May 9, 2011 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 Rev. Michael Battle, Chaplin, with prayer. He introduced the speakers.
Joe Williams, President, thanked the members for their continual support and the participants for being attentive. He talked about the rules and regulations to the new participants. Mr. Williams also presented a framed photo of Mr. Earlia Ray Vanderhall, past President and himself to Mrs. Fannie Vanderhall. He stated that he has some more photos he will be giving to her.
Ray Williamson, Pyerian Baptist Church, gave background information on himself. He spoke from Matthew 7:21,23, which he discussed in great detail. He talked about Jesus’ accomplishments, accusations and crucifixion. He asked the participants, “Where do you stand right now with God?” When Jesus comes into your life, there is no way you can do wrong. Right now you have another chance. When you get the opportunity/time read 1 John. Mr. Williamson closed with prayer.
Betty Legette, Manning Baptist Church, talked about doing what we don’t want to do. She stated that you’ve got to keep the faith and keep God in your heart. Your past will always be a part of your future. Utilize this program and the staff. Just like success you don’t have to tell anyone because it shows. Ms. Legette stated that she would continue to talk about PTI and her accomplishments to help and encourage someone. In closing, Ms. Legette encouraged the participants to stay focused and keep God in their life. Let God fight your battles.
Erin Jones, Pyerian Baptist Church, gave background information on himself. He stated that everday you have choices big or small. He gave examples of the choices. He told the participants that if they turn to God, He will make the right choices for you. The choices you make will have consequences. Bit if you choose God’s path, He will direct you. He talked about Saul making bad choices and later made a great transition to Paul. In closing, Mr. Jones asked the participants, “What choices will you make?”
Larry Abraham, Chief Deputy, told the participants to remember what God said about love. If you have love in your heart, dealing with people will come easy. He discussed the different kinds of love and it’s meaning. He stated that when God is in control, nobody can do wrong. In closing, Mr. Abraham stated that the speakers are here because they love you and want to help. Keep your mind focused and love in your heart.
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Our fourth week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, May 16, 2011 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 been 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 Rev. Michael Battle, Chaplain, with prayer. He introduced the speakers.
Betty Legette, Manning Baptist Church, stated that you are the company you keep. She gave background information on her life experiences. She also stated that if you love your life, you will do the right thing. You’ve got to love yourself before you love anybody. Ms. Legette closed with, until you love yourself, you will have problems with the company you keep.
Larry Abraham, Chief Deputy, introduced the one graduate. The graduate gave a 250 plus essay, which was well received. He was very appreciative to the staff and the speakers for their continual support. Linda Gonzales Battle, Secretary, gave him his certificate and congratulated him. Mr. Abraham told the participants, which he had explained in previous meetings, that he wanted each of them to give a 2 minute speech on themselves. He stated that this is a training session and will prepare them when it is their time to graduate. They all did a great job and were thankful for the opportunity. Mr. Abraham closed by giving the participants encouraging words. He also told them to be all that can be.
Rev. Johnny Page, Mt. Sinai Church, stated that today is a good day for the graduate and participants to get a second chance. He reiterated some of Ms. Legette’s comments. He stated that someone is always looking at you. Regardless of whatever you have done, God still loves you. Rev. Page closed telling the participants to put God first in everything you do and he will direct your paths.