In my entry for Thursday, September 13, I briefly shared that the effects of these terrorist attacks...
...have even touched those who live and work in the prisons. Few of the inmates have been unmoved by these tragic events. The prison guards, of course, most of whom also seem to be volunteer firemen in their local communities, are all involved in blood drives, food and clothing collections, and attending memorials and candlelight vigils in their towns. And all of that is good. However, many of the prisoners are also trying to help.
Yes, there are good things happening in prisons. During the second week of this month, our chaplains held prayer vigils in the chapel and encouraged us to attend. Also, in our little prayer fellowship, which meets twice a week, we have been fervently praying for our President and other government leaders, for those who have been hurt or are in mourning, and, of course, for our nation. In addition, many of us wanted to give blood. I wrote a letter to one of the prison administrators here, asking permission to do so, but he promptly replied that the Federal Food and Drug Administration no longer allows this practice because of the high rate of "tainted blood" among prisoners. I know my blood isn't tainted, but I understand their concern. However, the facility's superintendent did grant us permission to form an ad hoc committee to take up a collection for the Red Cross, and nearly all the inmates gave a donation.
I gave five dollars during the direct collection. Then I was able to give ten dollars through a special collection by the "Christian Community." This collection will be gathered together in one lump sum and given over to the ad hoc committee on behalf of our chapel fellowship. The Lord also provided me with enough so that I was able to send out my own $40 donation to the New York State World Trade Center Disaster Relief Fund in Albany, New York.
I thank God for these opportunities to help, even if it is only in giving small sums of money. And I am not saying this to boast, for such a little amount is no real sacrifice. Besides, God should always be the one to get the glory for everything. And yet I feel a burden to mention these things because I think it is important for Christians and even the general public to know that many inmates care. We grieve like everyone else. We pray for the hurting. And, of course, we have our own regrets over our past actions that got us here.
Right now, I believe I am speaking on behalf of many thousands of prisoners whose voices never get heard, whose acts of kindness never get recognized. For the most part, people on the "outside" don't have a clue as to what prison life is really like, and how inmates think and feel during times of crisis and great national loss. I hope I have been able to provide some clarity on those issues. Whether the public is cognizant of this or not, Christ is touching the lives of men and women who are incarcerated, and I'm so glad that He is!
D.B.
Yes, there are good things happening in prisons. During the second week of this month, our chaplains held prayer vigils in the chapel and encouraged us to attend. Also, in our little prayer fellowship, which meets twice a week, we have been fervently praying for our President and other government leaders, for those who have been hurt or are in mourning, and, of course, for our nation. In addition, many of us wanted to give blood. I wrote a letter to one of the prison administrators here, asking permission to do so, but he promptly replied that the Federal Food and Drug Administration no longer allows this practice because of the high rate of "tainted blood" among prisoners. I know my blood isn't tainted, but I understand their concern. However, the facility's superintendent did grant us permission to form an ad hoc committee to take up a collection for the Red Cross, and nearly all the inmates gave a donation.
I gave five dollars during the direct collection. Then I was able to give ten dollars through a special collection by the "Christian Community." This collection will be gathered together in one lump sum and given over to the ad hoc committee on behalf of our chapel fellowship. The Lord also provided me with enough so that I was able to send out my own $40 donation to the New York State World Trade Center Disaster Relief Fund in Albany, New York.
I thank God for these opportunities to help, even if it is only in giving small sums of money. And I am not saying this to boast, for such a little amount is no real sacrifice. Besides, God should always be the one to get the glory for everything. And yet I feel a burden to mention these things because I think it is important for Christians and even the general public to know that many inmates care. We grieve like everyone else. We pray for the hurting. And, of course, we have our own regrets over our past actions that got us here.
Right now, I believe I am speaking on behalf of many thousands of prisoners whose voices never get heard, whose acts of kindness never get recognized. For the most part, people on the "outside" don't have a clue as to what prison life is really like, and how inmates think and feel during times of crisis and great national loss. I hope I have been able to provide some clarity on those issues. Whether the public is cognizant of this or not, Christ is touching the lives of men and women who are incarcerated, and I'm so glad that He is!
D.B.