I'm almost, sixty years old...
I've been in prison for 35 years and I have seen many changes within the prison system. Not only with rules and regulations, but with the men who are now entering the system. Each year they seem to be younger and wilder. Many come in with some kind of gang affiliation. They're very materialistic, too. I view them as a lost generation in need of hope. Most of all, they need Christ, who is the source of the hope I'm referring to.
Recently, a friend whom I correspond with described these younger inmates as simply being "unchurched." I winced when I read this because to describe them as 'unchurched'- having never grown up in a Christian environment or having much if any familiarity with Christ - is too mild a term. It is true that for the most part they are unchurched. But the reality is, they're almost feral. They're wild and violent. They come from dysfunctional homes. They've usually grown up without fathers or good male role models.
These men have grown up in the streets. They've gotten their education - if I could call it an education - in the same place. Very sad. A national tragedy. But the good news is that as they begin to mature in the prison environment, some of them are repenting of their criminal ways. They're leaving what they have discovered to be an empty and unfulfilling lifestyle, with its dangers and betrayals. And this is a good thing.
Instead, some of these younger men are coming to the Lord for the new life Jesus offers to all who place their faith in Him. And this is what I'm here for, to point a generation of wild, sin-laden precious souls to the Savior.
D.B.
Recently, a friend whom I correspond with described these younger inmates as simply being "unchurched." I winced when I read this because to describe them as 'unchurched'- having never grown up in a Christian environment or having much if any familiarity with Christ - is too mild a term. It is true that for the most part they are unchurched. But the reality is, they're almost feral. They're wild and violent. They come from dysfunctional homes. They've usually grown up without fathers or good male role models.
These men have grown up in the streets. They've gotten their education - if I could call it an education - in the same place. Very sad. A national tragedy. But the good news is that as they begin to mature in the prison environment, some of them are repenting of their criminal ways. They're leaving what they have discovered to be an empty and unfulfilling lifestyle, with its dangers and betrayals. And this is a good thing.
Instead, some of these younger men are coming to the Lord for the new life Jesus offers to all who place their faith in Him. And this is what I'm here for, to point a generation of wild, sin-laden precious souls to the Savior.
D.B.
