Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Psalm 133:1
Today I attended my first service here at Shawangunk...
for brethren to dwell together in unity.
Psalm 133:1
Today I attended my first service here at Shawangunk...
I've yet to receive my personal belongings, which includes my trusty typewriter. For now I am writing this entry with pen and paper provided to me by another inmate.
Entering the chapel for the first time was an interesting experience. It's a huge building with very high ceilings, but not good acoustics. In such a large space and with so much cinder block, I noticed many of the inmates having to speak louder than normal in order to be heard.
Most of the men were friendly to me and welcoming. While some remained reserved and stand-offish, which is to be expected. This is prison. Even in the chapel setting a certain amount of distrust exists. Usually such distrust will dissipate over time once guys get to know the newcomer.
This afternoon eighteen men were in attendance as well as the volunteer minister, who himself was friendly and welcoming, too. The service as a whole was much like it was at Sullivan. An inmate opened the service by leading us in a prayer, while a second man coordinated everything from start to finish. We sung a handful of congregational-style worship songs, and everyone was encouraged to sing along. Some did, while some did not. The civilian preacher gave a good message, biblically sound, on the importance of fellowship among believers.
I was happy, however, to have met the two men whom I had known from my former facility. We had about ten minutes before the service started to talk and reconnect. It was good to see some familiar faces.
Nevertheless I am still in a state of shock. Less than a week ago I was living in another prison where I had spent the past 28 years. This was a big and unexpected change. In addition, I've yet to receive my personal belongings. Thus I have been wearing the same clothes I arrived in for five days now. It's time for a change. But I cannot do anything until my property is given to me once everything is searched and inventoried.
Thankfully a handful of friendly fellow prisoners were kind enough to provide me with soap, shampoo and shower slippers, as well as writing material and stamps. One gave me a new towel to use for the shower. A few handed me snacks, while another loaned me one of his Bibles so I could continue my daily devotions. I likened them to angels. If not for these guys, I'd be sitting in a barren cell with nothing but the clothes on my back.
D.B.
Entering the chapel for the first time was an interesting experience. It's a huge building with very high ceilings, but not good acoustics. In such a large space and with so much cinder block, I noticed many of the inmates having to speak louder than normal in order to be heard.
Most of the men were friendly to me and welcoming. While some remained reserved and stand-offish, which is to be expected. This is prison. Even in the chapel setting a certain amount of distrust exists. Usually such distrust will dissipate over time once guys get to know the newcomer.
This afternoon eighteen men were in attendance as well as the volunteer minister, who himself was friendly and welcoming, too. The service as a whole was much like it was at Sullivan. An inmate opened the service by leading us in a prayer, while a second man coordinated everything from start to finish. We sung a handful of congregational-style worship songs, and everyone was encouraged to sing along. Some did, while some did not. The civilian preacher gave a good message, biblically sound, on the importance of fellowship among believers.
I was happy, however, to have met the two men whom I had known from my former facility. We had about ten minutes before the service started to talk and reconnect. It was good to see some familiar faces.
Nevertheless I am still in a state of shock. Less than a week ago I was living in another prison where I had spent the past 28 years. This was a big and unexpected change. In addition, I've yet to receive my personal belongings. Thus I have been wearing the same clothes I arrived in for five days now. It's time for a change. But I cannot do anything until my property is given to me once everything is searched and inventoried.
Thankfully a handful of friendly fellow prisoners were kind enough to provide me with soap, shampoo and shower slippers, as well as writing material and stamps. One gave me a new towel to use for the shower. A few handed me snacks, while another loaned me one of his Bibles so I could continue my daily devotions. I likened them to angels. If not for these guys, I'd be sitting in a barren cell with nothing but the clothes on my back.
D.B.
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