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At three o'clock in the afternoon, when my work assignment was done, I was permitted to go outdoors for about an hour. It felt good to walk in the fresh air on such a stunning and gorgeous day...

And while I was in the recreation yard, I happened to run into several men from my congregation. We then began to walk together. But as we were doing, so I became aware of the deep brotherly love I feel toward these guys. For here were individuals, like myself, who committed crimes and did bad things. Yet at some point during our lives God was able to penetrate our hard hearts so that we would hear the gospel, and believe it.

Moreover, as I listened to these prisoners talk about their hopes, dreams and day-to-day struggles, something continued to stir deep within me. It was a good feeling, however. It was also a recognition that even in this place of darkness and evil - a maximum security prison - God has somehow brought us together, a group of men from diverse backgrounds, so that He might teach us how to learn to love, live, work and grow together as a holy family. The Lord Jesus, I believe, wants us to excel in every area of our lives.

Thus, I consider myself privileged to be around such men. I am blessed to have them as friends, too, because they love Jesus, and so do I.

D.B.