Submitted by Linda Gonzales Battle
Our eighth week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, February 27, 2012, 7:00PM 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 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. He introduced the speakers and graduate.
Rev. Michael Battle, Chaplain, discussed the PTI program and requirements in great detail.
He talked about the importance of the program. He encouraged the participants to listen to the speakers and adhere to their comments.
He talked about the importance of second chances. In closing, Rev. Battle encouraged the participants to think about their choices and the consequences.
There was one graduate. He gave a required 250 words plus essay, stating, “What PTI Means to Me?”
It was well received. He was very appreciative to the staff and speakers for their continual support.
Rev. Johnny Page, Mt. Sinai Free Will Spirit Church, stated that he was thinking about second chances and how it made a difference to him. He also talked about Jesus giving Lazarus a second chance. Second chance is a time to get yourself together. He stated that sometimes we try to rush God. But God takes his time to do what he wants to do. In closing Rev. Page stated that we need to take time to think what we are doing.
Always keep God in your heart.