My friend Tommy* is dying...
He's been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I've known him for about fifteen years. Like me, Tommy's doing a life sentence. He was hospitalized for several months. But then he made a dramatic recovery and was thus returned to the prison's general population. I was happy to see him again.
But his time in population was short-lived. After a little less than a year, the cancer returned. His condition worsened, and Tommy was subsequently transferred to a medical facility, where several months later, he was declared to be terminally ill. At hearing the news, I knew he'd never be back.
I did get to share the gospel with him, however. I told Tommy that the most important decision he will ever make in his lifetime would be to either receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior, or reject Christ and thereby spurn God's gift of eternal life.
Although seldom showing any interest in spiritual matters, our chapel's fellowship group prayed for him regularly. Even now, I believe, the Lord is knocking on the door of Tommy's heart, gently calling his name, and hoping He would be invited to live in Tommy's heart. Unfortunately, I probably won't know until I get to heaven myself if Tommy will be there. I hope he will.
D.B.
*Tommy is not his real name.
But his time in population was short-lived. After a little less than a year, the cancer returned. His condition worsened, and Tommy was subsequently transferred to a medical facility, where several months later, he was declared to be terminally ill. At hearing the news, I knew he'd never be back.
I did get to share the gospel with him, however. I told Tommy that the most important decision he will ever make in his lifetime would be to either receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior, or reject Christ and thereby spurn God's gift of eternal life.
Although seldom showing any interest in spiritual matters, our chapel's fellowship group prayed for him regularly. Even now, I believe, the Lord is knocking on the door of Tommy's heart, gently calling his name, and hoping He would be invited to live in Tommy's heart. Unfortunately, I probably won't know until I get to heaven myself if Tommy will be there. I hope he will.
D.B.
*Tommy is not his real name.
