The Lord answered my prayer for a friend who believes as I do…
Someone who would encourage me when I need it, and admonish me when I need it, too. In other words, a friend with whom I could share my concerns and burdens. Someone who could give good advice, and would be willing to pray for me, while I do the same for him.
So I was thrilled when I saw Pedro (not his real name). I couldn't believe my eyes. But it was him. We saw each other at the same time, waved, then gave each other a big hug. Not exactly a wise thing to do, giving someone a hearty hug in a time when the deadly Coronavirus is rampaging throughout the world. But we let our emotions get the best of us.
The last time I saw Pedro was in 2004 at Sullivan Correctional Facility, when he was transferred unexpectedly after a little less than a year. Pedro was a man of strong faith. He knew the Scriptures well. He also knew how to box. He was at the start of what could have been a successful career as a competitive boxer, with a handful of wins under his belt already, but he fell afoul of the law. Like me, Pedro is doing a life sentence.
Before Pedro's arrival, I felt as if I was in something of a spiritual desert. I'd been desperate for some old-fashioned Christian fellowship. However, because he and I live in different housing units, I don't get to see him as much as I'd like. But whenever we have the opportunity to meet, which for now is in the outdoor recreation yard, we have a good time together, and some good discussions, as well.
I'm thankful for the answer to prayer. That I now have an old friend and a man of faith to hang out with here at Shawangunk.
D.B.
So I was thrilled when I saw Pedro (not his real name). I couldn't believe my eyes. But it was him. We saw each other at the same time, waved, then gave each other a big hug. Not exactly a wise thing to do, giving someone a hearty hug in a time when the deadly Coronavirus is rampaging throughout the world. But we let our emotions get the best of us.
The last time I saw Pedro was in 2004 at Sullivan Correctional Facility, when he was transferred unexpectedly after a little less than a year. Pedro was a man of strong faith. He knew the Scriptures well. He also knew how to box. He was at the start of what could have been a successful career as a competitive boxer, with a handful of wins under his belt already, but he fell afoul of the law. Like me, Pedro is doing a life sentence.
Before Pedro's arrival, I felt as if I was in something of a spiritual desert. I'd been desperate for some old-fashioned Christian fellowship. However, because he and I live in different housing units, I don't get to see him as much as I'd like. But whenever we have the opportunity to meet, which for now is in the outdoor recreation yard, we have a good time together, and some good discussions, as well.
I'm thankful for the answer to prayer. That I now have an old friend and a man of faith to hang out with here at Shawangunk.
D.B.
