Yesterday during our Sunday worship service in the chapel, we all said our goodbyes to our spiritual brother, Edwin*…
He's going home on Wednesday morning. So after today most of us won't see him anymore since only a couple of the men in our fellowship live in the same cell block as him. I don't. And this means today is my last chance to give him a big brotherly hug, and to say farewell to a good man.
Edwin has been in prison for thirteen years. He's in his early sixties and is now finishing up his time for robbery and assault with a weapon. Edwin is from New York City, where he will return. He will be living with his elderly mother in her apartment and is eager to help her out, being that she's all alone.
It was in prison where Edwin was first introduced to Jesus. He received Christ as his Savior while he was at another facility. Then, several years later, when he was transferred here, Edwin immediately joined the fellowship at Shawangunk. He's been with us ever since, faithfully coming to all our Bible studies as well as attending our worship services. He will be missed.
Fortunately for Edwin, there is a well-established evangelical church in the neighborhood where he will be living in. He has already made contact with them, and they have made a commitment to welcome him into their congregation. Edwin of course is thrilled by this, and so am I.
Yesterday was probably the last time I will see Edwin on this side of eternity. I will miss him, but I'm happy for Edwin. And not only for him, but for his lonely mother as well. She'll be getting her son back.
D.B.
Note: Edwin is not his real name.
Edwin has been in prison for thirteen years. He's in his early sixties and is now finishing up his time for robbery and assault with a weapon. Edwin is from New York City, where he will return. He will be living with his elderly mother in her apartment and is eager to help her out, being that she's all alone.
It was in prison where Edwin was first introduced to Jesus. He received Christ as his Savior while he was at another facility. Then, several years later, when he was transferred here, Edwin immediately joined the fellowship at Shawangunk. He's been with us ever since, faithfully coming to all our Bible studies as well as attending our worship services. He will be missed.
Fortunately for Edwin, there is a well-established evangelical church in the neighborhood where he will be living in. He has already made contact with them, and they have made a commitment to welcome him into their congregation. Edwin of course is thrilled by this, and so am I.
Yesterday was probably the last time I will see Edwin on this side of eternity. I will miss him, but I'm happy for Edwin. And not only for him, but for his lonely mother as well. She'll be getting her son back.
D.B.
Note: Edwin is not his real name.
RSS Feed