My Brother's Keeper

Volume 6, Number 1, January-March, 2001

"Let those men go." Many times I tell the Prison inmates of the need to seriously seek first about the spiritual freedom, before physical freedom.

During my early days of ministerial alliance with CA, USA, I had frictions with Alan and Sharon on the matters of "spiritual verses physical" ministries. It didn't take long before I realized why CA, USA's main ministry is focused on "spiritual values" rather then on physical matters.

Of course, then I was arguing from my own perspective as a Nigerian, and as it concerned Nigerian prison inmates. As a matter of fact, when we talk about "spiritual growth ministries" what we are really saying, of course, is that it is our need as human be ings, created by God, to keep coming to a better understanding of our relationship with God, realizing what God demands from us, and living it out.

I strongly believe that someone who is imprisoned, perhaps because of a crime committed, and physical freedom is granted for him without actually being freed in the spirit, could still go back to prison on the same previous crime; because of the simple fact that the person has not experienced a new birth in spirit (repentance). Therefore, spiritual growth ministry is very essential and should be given the priority, before physical ministry.

Let me draw our attention to a scripture in the "Acts of the Apostles" (16:1-40). This was an encounter between men of God, Paul and Silas, and a fortune-teller (demon possessed slave girl) at Philippi, a Roman colony inside the Macedonian border.

This was a day on which Paul and Silas were attending a prayer meeting in a place beside the river. Incidentally they met a demon possessed slave girl, who was a fortune-teller, and who earned much money for her masters. She knew very well that Paul and Silas were servants of God and she was shouting, "These men are servants of God and they have come to tell you how to have your sins forgiven." In fact, to Paul and Silas this meant "spiritual growth ministry" and really that was their mission. But to the masters of this demon possessed slave girl, this meant a blockade in their hopes for wealth.

Irrespective of the fact, that Paul commanded the demon within her to come out in the name of Jesus Christ; yet her masters were not happy, because their source of wealth is now blocked. As a result, they hauled Paul and Silas before the local magistrates on trumped-up charges, and were beaten up and thrown into prison. The jailer was even threatened with death if they escaped. "So he took no chances, but put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet into the stocks."

If we should judge as humans, can we see any crime Paul and Silas committed in the story? Yet Paul and Silas came to share a "spiritual growth ministry" with people and to teach them to turn away from their evil ways, and to direct them in the way of spiritual salvation. This is what "Christian Ambassadors" ministry world-wide teaches about.

I thank God immensely because of Paul and Silas. Though in chains, pain, sorrow and in the inner dungeon, because of nothing we would call a crime in our day; they did not forget to pray and sing praises to our God.

What of you, the prison inmates, who may have committed a crime or not. Think about the spirit Paul and Silas possessed. In fact you need such for both your spiritual and physical freedom. There is no need for you to cry or say, "What did I do?" Or keep on planning the evil you will do to those who were responsible for your imprisonment, by the time you are released physically. Think of having a better relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ, and think of how you can be a good citizen by the time you are released.

Furthermore, you, the prison inmates (in fact, all of us) could learn a lesson in the life of Paul and Silas as prisoners. If you go further in that scripture about Paul and Silas and those who were responsible for their imprisonment, you would discover that great things happened in the prison where Paul and Silas were staying. Jesus Christ visited them with a great earth quake. The prison was shaken to its foundation, all the doors flew open and the chains of every prisoner fell off. Besides, the jailer wakened to see the prison doors wide open, because he was asleep when the incident took place around mid-night. The jailer immediately assumed the prisoners had escaped and drew his sword to kill himself.

"Behold," Paul and Silas yelled to him, "Don't do it! We are all here." Oh glory be to God. Look at how the reaction of Paul and Silas brought a change of mind, and humility in the life of the jailer. As a result, he (the jailer) begged the servants of God, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and your entire household."

So, what I am saying is, think about what "spiritual growth ministry" could do in the lives of people, particularly the prison inmates. The spiritual ministry of Paul and Silas and their reactions, caused the jailer to have a change of mind in spirit. As a result the jailer and his entire household were saved.

In addition, I want the prison inmates to learn one important lesson in the life of Paul and Silas. Their faithfulness was great in the eyes of God, not minding the condition and environment they found themselves, they kept on praying and praising God from their true hearts. This moved God to open the prison doors through an earth quake for them to go. But, they did not, rather it gave them the opportunity to share "spiritual growth ministry" to the jailer and his household. And, because they believed in the good news from the Lord through his servants, that same hour Paul washed their stripes and he and his family were baptized.

Let me add, the reason Paul and Silas did not run away when the prison doors were opened, was because their concern was not on physical freedom. Their concern was on spiritual freedom for the jailer and those who were responsible for their imprisonment.

My deep concern for prison inmates is that they should develop the spirit of Christ in their lives, have a better relationship with God and do His will. It's my prayer and hope that you could have a similar experience like Paul and Silas.

At this juncture, I wish to share with you what finally happened to Paul and Silas as prisoners. Now the jailer and his household are believers. The judges who threw Paul and Silas into prison must have heard the earth quake events and how the jailer and his household were saved through the ministries of the servants of God; perhaps this prompted the judges to send over police officers the next morning to tell the jailer, "Let those men go!" Actually, the jailer told Paul that they were free to leave. However, Paul denounced that kind of secret release, because they were publicly beaten and jailed without trial, and besides they were Roman citizens. So, Paul demanded that the judges should come themselves and release them. Indeed, the police officers reported to the judges, who now feared for their lives when they heard Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. As God would have it, when the judges came, they did not release them right away; rather they begged them to go, and brought them out and pled with them in humility, to leave the city. Paul and Silas actually returned to the home of Lydia, and met with the believers and preached to them again before leaving town.

When I first became a Christian, one of the big problems for me was the idea of free will versus God's will. The idea was, that if I was to be a good Christian, I wasn't supposed to follow my will anymore. I was supposed to follow God's will for me. Man! that was a toughie!

When two wills clash, one must win and one must lose, right? So, if I'm to be a good Christian, God must win, meaning I must lose? That sure didn't sit well with me. I needed to look it up.

Forgetting all the fancy words, what is free will? The power to say "no", the opportunity to choose. In a God first society, do I have free will? In Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV) it says, "...I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life..."

Then, even stronger, in Joshua 24:15 it says, "...But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..."

How about this one?

Isaiah 53:6 (NIV) - "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way..."

Okay then, I do have the power and the opportunity to choose. Now it's not hard to see that God has a strong opinion about what my choice should be, but it is up to me. And it's supposed to be a decision, an act of will, you might say.

Romans 12:2 (NIV) - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The thing is, being human, I will serve someone or something as surely as I breathe. Sometimes, it seems that I am serving something wonderful: my country, my family, even my church, or "maybe just myself".

But, I was designed to serve God. I am able to serve something other then God, but doing so will wrap me in strange and eventually painful ways. Now I understand. It's not my will verses God's will, it's my choosing to do what God wants. It's saying to Him, "Yes, Sir! That's just what I would have decided if I'd known what you did." Neither loses, we both win.

Psalm 40:8 (NIV) - "I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

Psalm 143:10 (NIV) - "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God..."

The Word of God, is the source of light, truth, and power, for those who seek its meaning and apply it to their life. Jesus Christ is the word made flesh, and we seek to follow him.

John 8:12 (NIV) - "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Each issue of "My Brother's Keeper" features a WORD study. This month's study and testimony was prepared by Felix Hymas, an inmate at Umuahia Prison, Abia State, Nigeria.

The very moment I stepped in to serve a five year jail term, I was scornfully welcomed into a new world of sorry and persecution, by a fierce looking man whom other inmates said was the president of cell D6. The man asked me, "What news is on the air?" and I told him, "Good News about God's Son Jesus Christ," because on the day before I was brought to the prison, I heard a talk show on the radio concerning "Good News about God's Son, Jesus Christ." Actually, when I said that, the man, said to be the president of cell D6, gave me a rough-hot slap on my cheek, and other inmates laughed at me without reservation.

Of course, I did not know my answer was not what they expected of me. Indeed, they expected to hear the activities of the hoodlums in the society as regards to crimes going on the air. They wanted to hear how many people were being robbed and killed by criminals.

For a couple of months that followed, I was ill-treated because of what I had said. When I came to comprehend life in a prison cell, I cried bitterly and blamed myself for all the atrocities I had committed. Notwithstanding, I picked up courage to face my life in the prison.

One day I discovered an inmate who loved to pray. And each time he prayed to God, for whatever reason, he felt happy and joyous. I became his prayer partner, and together our prayers were more powerful then by himself. Thus, our prayers motivated other inmates spiritually, and gradually we formed a prayer group in the cell, and I was appointed the leader.

By jokers, I was nicknamed "Good News about God's Son, Jesus Christ" in our cell. From the very moment this happened, the Spirit of God gave me an utterance to speak boldly the Word of God. Now instead of sharing news about crimes, I could share "Good News and Jesus Christ," as the Spirit of God empowered me.

Christians do visit our cell for Christian activities and on one of those occasions a minister who introduced himself as Rev. Onokala O. Okechukwu, the Director of Christian Ambassadors, Nigeria; shared some pocket Bibles to some of us. This made me to have an access to a Bible, and really helped me in my cell prayer ministry with other inmates.

I Timothy 3:16-17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

With the Bible in my hands, and the Spirit of God upon my life, a new beginning emerged. I realized the need for total repentance of my sin, and complete surrendering of my life to Christ. The Scriptures above was of immense help on my effort for a new life in Jesus Christ. The insight gotten in this scripture reshaped and put me in balance to continue my prayer ministry in the cell. Besides, a Bible Study was started which pulled most inmates around us.

John 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

This is my favorite scripture. I use it to tell other inmates that there is no other way we must be saved except through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the truth when we love him, hear him, follow him, and live like him. It means total freedom. When Christ is in our lives, those spirits warring against our flesh will flee. And we will no longer be the same, because now Christ is in control of our lives.

II Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

This scripture is an encouragement anytime we want to derail or remember our past life in sin; the scripture will remind us, we are now in Christ and a new creation. Old has gone and become new. I have found if one is in Christ, all tears, worries, and sorrows are gone. The spirit of God will be ministering unto you, though physically incarcerated. But, there is hope and freedom in Christ in due time.

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

As a matter of fact, I am so happy because of the minister through whom I got the Bible, that I am using now. My daily studies of this Bible has helped me to develop a good spirit as a new creation in Christ. I can now think and place my mind on those things through which the name of the Lord can be glorified. The study of the scriptures has helped me to stop thinking like a sinner, but now like a child of God. I now have the power and courage to share the gospel with the inmates.

I encourage every inmate to repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. May God be with you as you make the decision to follow Christ. God's Blessings, Your brother in Christ, Felix.

"When I walked out of prison, my mission was to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor both. ... we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free, the right not to be oppressed. ... For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

II Corinthians 5:20-21 - "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God..."

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From: Derek Dulley, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Dear Al and Sharon,

I just wanted to take this time to say God bless to you and your ministry for all your efforts in helping to spread the gospel to those in need of spiritual direction. We all have a role to play in this vast arena of Christian evangelism and I commend you for your great work. I will definitely be praying for your work and its continued well-being.

All too often in today's society (Christians included) we forget about those who find themselves behind bars, simply writing them off as being "too far gone" for any hope of salvation. However, we as Christians must preach the Word of God to all who will listen, including to those in prison. God bless you for trying to reach this group of people and many others in trying circumstances. You truly are providing a wonderful service to all who come in contact with your ministry.

Just as you are involved in helping others come to know Jesus, I am as well. Many years ago I was an alcoholic and today it is my mission in life to help as many alcoholics and drug addicts come to the realization that true freedom may only be obtained through Jesus Christ.

Anyway, I just wanted to pass along a note expressing my appreciation for your ministry and wish you all the best for the future. May the Lord continue to bless you and all those around you.

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From: Joseph Huff, inmate, CSP, Cañon City, CO

Dear Miss Sharon, I received my copy of the CA Calendar today, thank you very much! I bet it costs a lot of money to print and copy all your "newsletters" and "spiritual growth lessons" and "letters". I, for one, appreciate them very much!

I know your correspondence ministry has grown by leaps and bounds, so much so, that I'm amazed you're able to do what you do. You and Al are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I pray for the Lord to guide you, as you offer direction to those in need, such as myself. J Thanks again for everything! Your brother, Joe

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From: Doug Mitton, inmate, HCCC, Walsenburg, CO

Dear Sharon, I cannot say thanks enough for your last letter. It was so beautiful to hear those words of the verses "you" picked out. And it came just at the right time, too, God's timing!

You see, I had a meeting with the therapist that day. She tried to convince me how bad I am. I felt very low and miserable, undecided and confused. I tried to dissect what I was feeling. I had all but come to that conclusion, knowing that God does not bring confusion, but couldn't shake it.

Well, let me tell you, Sharon, that's when I read your's and God's words that you sent me. It met the need. That's God's timing, because you didn't know that I'd need that on that day, but He did! When I read, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." the confusion left and peace came once again.

It is interesting to note that always when we stand on the truth, we stand firm and free. God's Word stands forever! God is good, all the time!

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From: Jess McDowell, a former inmate, Colorado Springs, CO

Dear Sharon and Alan, I correspond with quite a few inmates, and since I was there, I know how much mail means to inmates. For this reason, I must compliment you in your ministry. I know you also correspond with many.

The spiritual help you give inmates is wonderful. It helped me a lot when I was there, so I know it does those currently incarcerated.

I still receive all your mailings, even out of prison, and I learn something new with each one. Your studies are so inspired, they really help. "I thank God for you," to quote St. Paul. You have a very important ministry entrusted to you. Praise God!

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From: Felix Hymas, inmate, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.

Dear Brother Onokala, I really appreciate your ministry and every encouragement, both spiritually and physically. The attached script reveals my great experiences about prison life, and how I became a new creation in Christ. My anticipation is to carry on the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ to people of different tongues and tribes, on my release from prison.

We would continue to appreciate the materials (newsletters, spiritual growth lessons) being supplied to us, which has gone a long way to build our spiritual life as children of God.

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From: James Rebector, inmate, Ramsey II Unit, Rosharon,Texas

Dear Al and Sharon, Praise the Lord, for two of Jesus' blessed ambassadors for Jesus Christ. First of all I would like to thank Jesus for two greats, a man and woman of God, that have blessed me and many more that are incarcerated. Sister Sharon and Brother Alan, me and the brothers were so blessed from the newsletter that was sent about your mother's powerful testimony, and the teaching that came from your mother's illness, and the deliverance that Jesus blessed her with, praise God!

The Lord Jesus is blessing me and the Christian brothers in the Bible study that I teach here in prison. The Lord has added more Christian brothers and the class is getting larger! All the Christian brothers said hello and please pray for them too! Thanks again for all that Christian Ambassadors have done and going to do in the future for all of those who are incarcerated! May Jesus forever bless you all. Please keep me on your mailings!

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From: George Wright, inmate, I.C.C., Boise, Idaho

Dear Al and Sharon, When I saw Anita Kissée (Boise, ID, Channel 7 news person) introduce Cassie Welles, in her hospital bed with tubes running out, bottles and other things, monitors and buttons, I thought, no four-year old child should have to spend any holiday looking like a basted, trust-up turkey! My heart wrenched.

Apparently our men in blue felt the same way. Our blue people knocked on the doors of 1,000 inmate cells, made out withdrawal slips, exchanged good will and shared testimonies, to raise $500 for Cassie.

Cassie had "caught" some virus bug from food and then it was further complicated with liver (hepatitis) problems. Fifty times a flu!

The Warden at I.C.C. was so impressed that he donated $500 to match, and Anita Kissée presented a $1000 check to Cassie for medical treatment, operation or whatever. Isn't the love of Jesus something wonderful? Love in Christ, Brother George.

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