Submitted by Linda Gonzales Battle
Our fifth week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, November 7, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at the Riverdale Community Center.
The purpose of this meeting is to sponsor a program by the Solicitors office called PTI, which consists of “First Time Offenders” who have been charged with non-violent crimes.
This is an eight 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. Rev. Battle introduced the speakers.
Joe Williams, President, welcomed the new participants. He gave an overview of the PTI Program and encouraging words. Mr. Williams thanked all the participants and members for their continual support.
Betty Legette, Manning Baptist Church, gave background information on herself. She talked about “Patience.” She emphasized how patience played a major role in her recovering addiction. She also stated that in order to complete this program, you must have patience.
You are here because of your consequences. If you don’t get it in here, you are going to jail. She encouraged them to pay attention and listen to all of the speakers while they are here. Ms. Legette stated that what you do in the dark will come to light.
Bishop Edward Ingram, Pastor, Mt. Sinai Free Will Spirit Church reiterated some of Ms. Legette’s comments. He told the participants don’t let any one bring you down. You can be at the right place at the wrong time. Don’t get caught up in somebody else’s mess. Bishop Ingram also encouraged them to think for yourself.
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Our sixth week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, November 14, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at the Riverdale Community Center.
The purpose of this meeting is to sponsor a program by the Solicitors office called PTI, which consists of “First Time Offenders” who have been charged with non-violent crimes. This is an eight 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. Rev. Battle introduced the speakers.
Rev. Michael Battle spoke from Proverbs 3:1-5, and his topic, “Lean Not Unto Thine Own Understanding.” He discussed the scriptures in great detail. He stated that understanding of God’s commandments would keep you in perfect peace. This will direct you from trouble. This is why we should not lean to our own understanding. By doing so, this will lean us from the trouble of the world. If you want to put some time in your various lifestyles, you have to ask God for help. God wants us to have peace. In closing, Rev. Battle stated that understanding is the key to success.
Larry Abraham, Deputy Sheriff welcomed the participants and gave background information on himself. He told them as long as they do what is expected of them, they will complete this program. Everybody needs a second chance. It is a lot easier to do the wrong thing instead of doing right.
We are here to encourage you to be all you can be and take care of your families. You have to have the confidence that you can do whatever anybody else can do. If you keep negative thoughts, you won’t be successful. He encouraged the participants to listen to all the speakers with open minds and take heed to their comments. In closing, Mr. Abraham asked the participants to introduce themselves to the group.