At three o'clock I decided to go to the recreation yard...
It was a chance to spend almost an hour walking around and getting some fresh air.
And once again I ran into my friend, Michael. I shared a little about him in my Journal for December 31, 2000, which happened to be my final entry for last year.
Michael is very mentally ill, and many times he's borderline out of control. Occasionally, when he gets very out of control, he becomes angry and abusive to me, but especially to the prison's staff.
Today, thank God, he was in a jovial mood, telling jokes. He was full of energy and wanted to keep walking around the recreation yard's perimeter. I joined him and got to spend time with him.
God has put Michael into my life so that I could befriend him, for he is a man with no true friends. And He put Michael in my life so that I could share with him the good news about Jesus Christ.
Since he was not in a hostile frame of mind, I was able to relax a little and share some of my life as a Christian. There are times when I could take out my little Gideons Pocket Testament, and he would allow me to read him a few Scriptures. Then there are other times, however, when I would pull that little Bible out of my pocket, and he'd start cussing and getting belligerent. I see this as "spiritual warfare" because there is something inside of Michael that does not want to see him get healed and delivered.
Thankfully, he promised to be in church this Sunday. But as I mentioned in my December 31st entry, even in church he can get out of control, He makes odd noises and basically disturbs the worshippers. Yet the other prisoners are learning to be tolerant of him.
Frankly, I am still learning to be tolerant, too. Yes, he does stretch my patience. But I know that, when it comes time for Michael to truly put his faith in Jesus Christ, it will be worth it in the end. For me to put up with all the abuse from him, well, if it will take all this to make sure Michael gets to heaven, then I am willing to go through with it. I am willing to endure the hardship.
On his better days, Michael can be a warm and friendly person, and very funny. To me, he is one of the people that the Savior has a special love for.
I don't believe that Michael can survive in the "streets." Quite honestly, he probably would not be welcomed in many churches, because who’s going to put up with a wild, ranting man, bouncing up and down on a church pew while the sermon is being preached? In here Michael has found acceptance and love. He has tasted God's compassion, and he has a home.
D.B.
And once again I ran into my friend, Michael. I shared a little about him in my Journal for December 31, 2000, which happened to be my final entry for last year.
Michael is very mentally ill, and many times he's borderline out of control. Occasionally, when he gets very out of control, he becomes angry and abusive to me, but especially to the prison's staff.
Today, thank God, he was in a jovial mood, telling jokes. He was full of energy and wanted to keep walking around the recreation yard's perimeter. I joined him and got to spend time with him.
God has put Michael into my life so that I could befriend him, for he is a man with no true friends. And He put Michael in my life so that I could share with him the good news about Jesus Christ.
Since he was not in a hostile frame of mind, I was able to relax a little and share some of my life as a Christian. There are times when I could take out my little Gideons Pocket Testament, and he would allow me to read him a few Scriptures. Then there are other times, however, when I would pull that little Bible out of my pocket, and he'd start cussing and getting belligerent. I see this as "spiritual warfare" because there is something inside of Michael that does not want to see him get healed and delivered.
Thankfully, he promised to be in church this Sunday. But as I mentioned in my December 31st entry, even in church he can get out of control, He makes odd noises and basically disturbs the worshippers. Yet the other prisoners are learning to be tolerant of him.
Frankly, I am still learning to be tolerant, too. Yes, he does stretch my patience. But I know that, when it comes time for Michael to truly put his faith in Jesus Christ, it will be worth it in the end. For me to put up with all the abuse from him, well, if it will take all this to make sure Michael gets to heaven, then I am willing to go through with it. I am willing to endure the hardship.
On his better days, Michael can be a warm and friendly person, and very funny. To me, he is one of the people that the Savior has a special love for.
I don't believe that Michael can survive in the "streets." Quite honestly, he probably would not be welcomed in many churches, because who’s going to put up with a wild, ranting man, bouncing up and down on a church pew while the sermon is being preached? In here Michael has found acceptance and love. He has tasted God's compassion, and he has a home.
D.B.