"Operation
Augie"
Rhonda and I got to know August several years ago while he was still on the hill at the South Dakota
Penitentiary. I knew August through a ministry called REC and Rhonda knew him through St. Dysmas. At this time Augie was searching for his place. He was starting to understand faith and his
relationship with his heavenly Father.
Augie and I have reminisced about the times he didn't trust me. He had even told me that he didn't like me
very much. But Augie was always willing to visit. Over time trust on both sides was given and received and we became close friends.
It was towards the end of Augie's time in prison that the idea of Kingdom Boundaries was being talked
about and becoming a reality. With the help, guidance, and encouragement from Pastor Steve (Pastor of the Cornerstone Prison Church) and John, another mentor of mine, Kingdom Boundaries was
established. Augie was the first to receive assistance from KB, so we unofficially called it "Operation Augie".
In June of 2013, Augie was to be released from Unit C at the penitentiary. I was supposed to be there to get
him and bring him to an appointment. I had told him that I would be there and to wait for me. But Augie, being Augie, and being anxious left before I got there and had walked a long distance to his
appointment.
I went to where Augie had his appointment and waited for him to get out. When he got out I could see that he
had burned the top of his shaven head, and it was bright red. My first order of business was to find some Aloe Vera to cool his head.
August was a huge help when Kingdom Boundaries was getting organized. He helped me understand the anxiety of
getting out of prison and what men experienced when released. We spent many hours working on a KB application and covenant agreement.
He was instrumental in getting a Bible study started at the VOA Re-entry Center and then continued it at KB.
(This Bible study still continues today.)
Augie attended many of the early KB board meetings and contributed much. Augie was the 1st parolee to get
permission to cross state lines and stay out of state overnight to attend a Cursillo weekend. This opened the doors for many others to do the same.
It was evident that August loved his family and missed them very much. He talked often about growing up and
how he longed for the mountains and picking mushrooms. He was so excited when his sister came to visit. He loved to paint and loved to teach others to paint as well. He longed for a family and was so
excited to become a father to children that were not his biological own and later to his own son.
Having told a little of Augie's story, I want to let you know that Augie passed away on June 18. There will
be a memorial service at 4 pm on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at Life Church, 501 North Elmwood, Avenue, Sioux Falls.
Jeff Haverhals, Co-Director
God is at work to make us who He intends us to be.
-- From prison walls to the freedom found in Christ's boundaries --
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