Redeeming the time,
because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:16
During the past several weeks, I've had opportunities to share my faith in Christ with a few fellow inmates...
because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:16
During the past several weeks, I've had opportunities to share my faith in Christ with a few fellow inmates...
Happily, all three seemed open to what I had to say. Never preachy or religious, I simply speak from my heart. Of course, we spoke about other matters as well, such as our families, old neighborhoods, and prison life, and more.
Each one has been in prison for a considerable length of time. So they've all had their times and periods of regret and introspection, and to question what their lives are all about, and what the future holds for them.
Anthony was raised Roman Catholic but confessed to having no faith. He believes there's a God, but lacks knowledge of Scripture. He was especially touched, however, when I told him about the biblical story of the woman who'd been caught in the act of adultery; the religious crowd threw her at Jesus' feet, hoping to stone her to death. He'd never heard this story before (John 8:1-11).
While another man, Mickey, who's still recovering from wounds suffered while exchanging shots with arresting officers, and is fortunate to have survived, limps in pain these many years later. He and I have become good friends. He's recently begun to attend Bible studies in the chapel and likes to read the Our Daily Bread devotional each day.
Then there's Rick, whom I had known from my previous facility. He was transferred from Sullivan three years ago. And now I ran into him again, this time at Shawangunk. An alleged gang member of high rank, which he insists is not true, Rick is doing a 75-year sentence. We were in the same cell block before, and we're in the same one now.
I know this is not a coincidence. I had shared my faith with Rick when I was at Sullivan. At the time, his mother was gravely ill and eventually passed away. A rough character, he allowed me to pray for him then. Years later, the pain and grief remains etched on his face. Yet during the times he and I would talk, and he'd lower his hardened countenance, I could see inside him a broken heart. I can tell when God is at work.
This is all for today.
D.B.
Note: The names of these men have been changed.
Each one has been in prison for a considerable length of time. So they've all had their times and periods of regret and introspection, and to question what their lives are all about, and what the future holds for them.
Anthony was raised Roman Catholic but confessed to having no faith. He believes there's a God, but lacks knowledge of Scripture. He was especially touched, however, when I told him about the biblical story of the woman who'd been caught in the act of adultery; the religious crowd threw her at Jesus' feet, hoping to stone her to death. He'd never heard this story before (John 8:1-11).
While another man, Mickey, who's still recovering from wounds suffered while exchanging shots with arresting officers, and is fortunate to have survived, limps in pain these many years later. He and I have become good friends. He's recently begun to attend Bible studies in the chapel and likes to read the Our Daily Bread devotional each day.
Then there's Rick, whom I had known from my previous facility. He was transferred from Sullivan three years ago. And now I ran into him again, this time at Shawangunk. An alleged gang member of high rank, which he insists is not true, Rick is doing a 75-year sentence. We were in the same cell block before, and we're in the same one now.
I know this is not a coincidence. I had shared my faith with Rick when I was at Sullivan. At the time, his mother was gravely ill and eventually passed away. A rough character, he allowed me to pray for him then. Years later, the pain and grief remains etched on his face. Yet during the times he and I would talk, and he'd lower his hardened countenance, I could see inside him a broken heart. I can tell when God is at work.
This is all for today.
D.B.
Note: The names of these men have been changed.
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