[smallLogo]

My Brother's Keeper

Volume 8, Number 1, January-March, 2003

 

 

Holding It Down

 

by David Todeschini,
WCF, Alden, NY

 

 

In modern language, a sin, which leads to greater sins, is called “The contamination of aberration”.  All of us are familiar with the story of King David’s sin with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:2-5).  To cover his sin, which made itself evident in a pregnancy; David had Uriah sent to the most dangerous battlefront, where he was killed (v. 16-17).  God be­came displeased with David.

II Samuel 11:26-27 (KJV) - And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.

Later on the child of the sinful union of David and Bathsheba became very sick and died (12:15-18).

Originally, the sin or the seed that was sown was lust and fornication.  To cover up his sin, David sent Uriah to his death, and the fruit of his sins resulted in the death of his child.  We are told that “the Lord struck the child...;”  No doubt David would have gladly traded places with the boy.  His punishment was knowing that his sin caused his son to be born and caused his son to die.  What God was telling him is: “Hold that down!” 

The wages of sin will never manifest in happiness.  David’s “aberration”, his acting against God’s command­ments, set in motion the sin of murder that followed and incurred God’s wrath.  His sin “contaminated” the rest of David’s life, no doubt, as re­gret for doing something he could not un-do.  In retrospect, having loved his son as he obviously did, can you imagine the tears David must have cried (12:19-23); having fasted and prayed to the Lord for the boy’s life, perhaps in the process wishing the son he loved had never been born? 

Such are the emotional calamities we unleash upon ourselves and inevitably upon those we love, when we violate the law of God and allow ourselves to be deceived by the devil.  The devil tells us “there will be no conse­quences” or “no one will ever know”.  God knows.

Part of our nature is, “thy [God’s] word have I hid in mine heart, that I [we] might not sin against thee.”  (Psalm 119:11).  This is the con­science and it is what tells us right from wrong.  In order to sin or com­mit a crime we have to “de-activate” (at least temporarily) God’s Word, which is written on our hearts.  It is the pangs of guilt that torment us worse than any prison term, when we slowly lose that false justification; for it is the “Word” which softens what the Bible calls “a hardened heart”. 

Having sinned, our conscience if nothing else, says to us: “Here...hold this down!”  Hold down the sleepless nights, hold down watching your loved ones suffer more than you, for what you did.  Once you are saved, you realize that your sins are at least partly to blame for Jesus’ death on the cross; and if you had been the only human being to ever live, Jesus would still have died to save you, “hold that down!”

It is inevitable that soon, you are try­ing to “hold down” more than you can hold down.  At this point, you can do one of two things: you can deny you are a sinner and add to the growing list of things you have to “hold down”, or you can call upon the name of Jesus and let Him “hold it down” for you.  I won’t lie to you and tell you that this is an easy thing to do.  Most men want to feel that they are in control.  This is machismo, or more precisely a valence, which by definition is “a false identity assumed unwittingly”.  In the prison vernacu­lar: “You’re fronting”.  Other men may be fooled by your “front”, but God sees right through the “plastic”.  In fact, He loves you.

Proverbs 3:11-12 (KJV) - My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his cor­rection: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

By placing more importance on our image or “valence” in the sight of others, instead of how we appear in the eyes of God, we unwittingly harden our hearts.  The Lord wants a relationship, an intimate relationship where nothing is held back.  Once we drop the “front” we feel vulnerable, and that’s normal, until we begin to see that God can be trusted completely.

Faith is not something you “just do”; it is a growing process.  Faith in God, faith in your own salvation, and faith in anything else for that matter, is not so much a leap in the dark as it is resting in the sufficiency of evidence.  To give the things you are struggling to “hold down”, completely over to the Lord, you have to have faith that he will do it and he will do it far bet­ter than you ever can.  The “evi­dence” is the “Word” that is in your heart.  The Bible is the story that puts language to those feelings you don’t have a name for.  The love of the Lord Jesus is what will fill that emp­tiness that you’ve been trying to fill with the drugs, the sex, the money, the gold teeth, the cars, and the “gangsta” valences that just fall into the abyss and drag you along with it.

Mark 8:36 (KJV) - For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

God loves the sinner, but hates the sin.  It’s not us (or you), but it’s what we (you) do that offends God.  God keeps His Word, and he is faithful to keep us from evil.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 - But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

By faith we can have confidence:

Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) - Let us there­fore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

When the world gets too much to “hold down”, let go and let God; then don’t let go of God, but love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.  He’s ‘got your back’ if you let go of your ‘front’.

 

 

 

 

Can You Be Shaken?

 

by Vicki Perry,
PCC, Grafton, WV

 

 

Have you ever wondered what one needed to do in order for their foun­dation not to be shaken to the point of turning from God?  There are a lot of places in the Word of God that shows us what we need to do to keep our foundation solid.  The Lord led me one day to take a close look at Psalm 15.  In this chapter of five ver­sus are tips on what to do in order for us not to be shaken.  David begins in verse one asking the Lord two ques­tions, and in versus 2-5 the Lord an­swered David’s questions.

David asks the Lord in verse 1 of Psalm 15 (NIV), “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?  Who may live on your holy hill?”  In other words, “Who are the ones who are going to be steadfast on this earth and will be the ones to see eternity with you Lord?”

Here is what the Lord told David in versus 2-5:

1.      Those who walk blameless.

2.      Those who do what is righteous.

3.             Those who speak the truth from their heart.

4.             Those who have no slander on their tongue.

5.             Those who do their neighbor no wrong.

6.             Those who cast no slur on their fellow man (or woman).

7.             Those who despise a vile person, but honors those who fear the Lord.

8.             Those who keep their word even when it hurts.

9.             Those who lend their money with­out interest.

10.         Those who do not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Tall order isn’t it?  The latter part of verse 5 says, “...those who do these things will never be shaken.” (Em­phasis mine)  This is a promise from the Lord.

I’ve been one whose foundation was shaken and found out that it had a huge crack in it.  I turned from God and walked the other way.  I ran from God for ten years.  It can happen to any Christian - even to us who be­lieved it was impossible.  I remember boasting to all my Christian friends at the time, that my foundation was very solid.  Wrong!!!  Since I have come back to the Lord, my heart’s cry has been, “Lord, show me what to do to ensure that my foundation is solid.  Lord, I want it so solid that I would not be shaken ever again to the point of falling.”  When He led me to Psalm 15, my heart leaped with joy.  Summed up in this little Psalm is the way issued with a promise, that if I do what Psalm 15 says, I will “never be shaken!”

I realize in our walk with the Lord, things will come against us and it will seem as though we are shaken to the core.  I believe that is not the kind of shaken that the Lord is talking about here.  This kind of shaken in verse 5 is the kind that causes your founda­tion to crack and separate, to the point one will fall and turn from God.

If a person would do the opposite of what each one of the ten things above says; it would open doors for the en­emy of our soul to come in like a flood, and cause an earth-shattering earthquake that can break our foun­dation down, one pebble at a time.

As I read each one, the Holy Spirit convicted me and revealed areas in my life that I could do better.  I began to realize that a normal conversation between two or more people, would result in “not doing” the things spoken of in Psalm 15.

Let me ask you a few questions to bring my point closer to home.  How many times are we guilty of the following?

1.       Doing things in an unchristian like manner.

2.       Being ungodly in our actions and words.

3.       Speaking untruths or slandering remarks about others.

4.       Causing our neighbor unneces­sary wrongs.

5.       Doing our neighbor wrong.

6.       Running with vile, ungodly peo­ple, and acting or talking like them.

7.       Strong-arming for money, or other things with interest.

8.       Blackmailing others.

If you were like most of the incarcer­ated, you would be convicted. Let me challenge you to take Psalm 15 to heart and use the contents as a check­list to see if you can be shaken.

 

 

 

A Survivor’s Spirit

by  Larry Thompson,
CCF, Canon City, CO

 

A Survivor’s Spirit is one that has

been tried and tested by the fires

of tribulation; that has shed the tears

of pain and sorrows; and yet, still strives

towards its calling.

 

A Survivor’s Spirit is one that has been

pierced by the lance of oppression;

and has been revived by the shedding

of the “Son’s” righteous blood.

 

A Survivor’s Spirit is one that is never devoid

of love;  one that is ever willing to be shared;

and one that is unafraid to be bathed in the waters of

Grace, which is a gift from God.

 

A Survivor’s Spirit is one that is selfless in deeds;

One that gives freely to all; and more importantly,

one that is willing to sacrifice its all to save the one.

 

What is a Survivor’s Spirit?  It’s the renewed Spirit

of man, reborn in the essence of Love. 

 

Where can one find a Survivor’s Spirit?  Look within

the secret and quiet place of your heart; if you find the

essence of the Lord there, then you have found a

Survivor’s Spirit.

 

“Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us,

because he hath given us of his Spirit.”  I John 4:13 (KJV)

 

 

 

 

Growing on the WORD

A scripture study

 

 

The Word of God is the source of light, truth, and power, for those who seek it’s 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. Troy B. Clerk, an inmate at Wyoming Cor­rectional Facility, Attica, New York, wrote this issue’s Word Study.

 

What is the Condition
 of your Heart?

by Troy B. Clerk

 

Hebrews 3:7-8 (KJV) - Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

The author of the book of Hebrews admonishes the church not to be stiff-necked as Israel was during their time of trial and testing in the wilderness. The author gives the New Testament Church a brief look at the heart con­dition of the Old Testament Church, when they were called by God to en­dure hardship in order to be prepared to receive the promise of God. He also explains how Israel, due to their unbelieving and disobedient heart grieved the heart of God; and as a result were deprived entrance into the land that the Lord had before prom­ised them.

Hebrews 3:10-11 (KJV) - Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do always err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I swear in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest.

The Lord delivered Israel out of many things. He delivered them from the hard bondage and slavery of the Egyptians. Israel beheld the awesome power of God when he performed terribly against Pharaoh and his peo­ple. They beheld the Red Sea part in two. They partook of God’s grace by drinking from the rock of spiritual water, which was symbolic of Christ (I Cor. 10:4). They ate the bread from heaven (manna) or the food of angels and were miraculously sustained (I Cor. 10:3; Psalm 78:25). Their clothing never became old; neither did their feet swell from walking in the hot wilderness (Deut. 8:4).

Whatever Israel needed, God pro­vided it. The sad re­ality is, although Israel partook of all these great things, the Lord still refers to them as a stiff-necked, rebellious and unbelieving people. After re­ceiving all these blessings, how could the Old Testament Church still be labeled “unbelieving”?

A closer look at the scriptures will reveal that Israel did not have a problem believing that God could take them to the land of promise, but the problem was they refused to go the way God desired to take them to get there. Israel wanted to take the short cut, because the short cut did not require their total trust and de­pendency on God. God took Israel the long way, not to punish them, but to prepare them.  God was leading Israel to a place of rest and peace. But what good would it have done for God to take them to a place of rest and peace, if their hearts were not at rest and peace? They would have destroyed the blessing as quickly as they had received it.

The lesson Israel had to learn is the lesson we must all learn. In order to receive what God has promised, it has to be done God’s way. The Psalmist under­stood this fully.

Psalm 23:3b-4 (KJV) - “...He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me...”

David understood that in order to find the paths of righteousness, he had to first travel through the valley of the shadow of death. Beloved, its only as we endure the valley of the shadow of death, that we find and experience the true paths of righteousness. Only men and women who have died to them­selves and made Jesus Lord of their lives are counted worthy to tread such great paths.

Romans 8:14 (KJV) - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

They, which are led by themselves, will find themselves by themselves. The Holy Spirit will resist the self-man, but give grace to the submissive man. David believed that, “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” (Psalm 25:10)

The paths that God chose for David didn’t always feel like or appear to be paths of mercy. After being anointed King, he was envied, persecuted, and hunted like wild prey. Two of his sons tried overthrowing his kingdom, and there was the death of his daughter, etc. David endured many things and it was only by faith that he was able to do it. The Bible says con­cerning the Lord:

Psalm 138:2b (KJV) - “...For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”

This is a profound statement. If the God of all flesh has magnified his Word above his name, shouldn’t we learn to esteem his Word above our situations and emotions when trials, affliction and trouble come? The Psalmist learned to do this, but Israel as a whole did not. Israel rebelled for forty long and distressing years and was never permitted to enter into the land of promise God had for them. Out of millions of people only two men, Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter, and that because of their will­ingness to be led by God, doing things his way.

Isn’t this true in many today? Many are claiming the promises of God, but are refusing to endure the time of preparation in order to receive them. We pray that God would have His way and to be glorified in ourselves; but as soon as God begins to correct and discipline us, we get mad at him, rebel, and seek to do our own thing. Beloved, the reality is, if we fail to pass the test of preparation, we won’t receive the rewards of promise. Preparation always precedes the re­ceiving of the promise. The Lord will not bless us with something we are not ready to handle.

Hebrews 10:36 (KJV) - For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might re­ceive the promise.

The writer of the book of Hebrews, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, warns us what took place with the Old Testament Church, due to their disobedience and eventual hardening of their hearts.

Hebrews 3:12 (KJV) - Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in depart­ing from the living God.

True faith never waxes feeble in the face of adversity and trouble. It never fears persecution, reproach or revile. It never cowers when things are go­ing contrary, and the light of this life suddenly turns to darkness. True faith invites such warfare. These are chal­lenges for faith to grow. It sees through the false impossibilities and facades that it’s enemies produce, and continues to grow fat on the promises of God.

Proverbs 28:25 (KJV) - He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

It is necessary that we understand what true faith is, and what it is not. True faith is not believing the Lord to do whatever we can think or imagine, but it’s the ability to trust God and to endure whatever he knows is right and good for our lives. Paul is a good example of such faith. At one point Paul was praying and asking God to remove his obstacles, but by faith he began to take pleasure and to rejoice in the midst of his obstacles.

II Corinthians 12:10 (KJV) - Therefore I take pleasure in infirmi­ties, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

It wasn’t that Paul was happy to be persecuted, reproached, or impris­oned, but by faith he was able to re­joice because he understood fully what the persecutions, reproaches and imprisonments were working to pro­duce within him. One of the worst things we can do as the people of God is to forget how precious our faith is, by rebelling against the conviction, correction or leading of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:8-11 (KJV) - And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they be­lieve not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, be­cause the prince of this world is judged.

Jesus has promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth. Many times He uses the rod of the Word to correct us when we divert contrary to his will. This he does be­cause he loves us (Hebrews 12:5-6).

The important thing is, how are we responding when the conviction is upon us? Our response will make all the difference in our growth and de­velopment as Christians. Watch how Israel re­sponded to the Word.

Hebrews 4:2 (KJV) - “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

Israel heard the Word, but just hearing it could not produce faith. They had to receive what they heard, but they didn’t; and as a result were forbidden to receive what God promised them. What we hear de­mands a response. When the Word of God exposes the darkness in our lives, it will find out every secret sin, every idol, and every work of the flesh. Nothing will be hidden. We will be stripped naked and brought under conviction by the Holy Ghost.  (Luke 8:17 KJV)

The key to passing the test of convic­tion is submission. Are we going to resist and harden ourselves against the Word, or are we going to receive the Word and receive the necessary grace to repent and turn from the darkness that has been exposed? If we receive by faith what we heard, we do well and advance in the things of God. But if we refuse to receive the truth, the heart slowly becomes callused (hard) and we begin to lose the sensitivity to hear God’s Voice.  (Luke 8:18B KJV)

The question is, where are you in your relationship with the Lord? Are you heeding his correction or are you rebelling? Remember, there is abso­lutely no neutral ground in this war waged for our eternal souls. Either you are drawing closer to the Lord, or you are drifting further and further away from him. As the prophet Elijah said to the people, so the Holy Spirit is saying today:

I Kings 18:21 (KJV) - “...How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him...”

 

 

 

A Matter of Trust

© Merissa Lee Kelley, January 12, 2000
Newport News, VA

 

Have you ever stopped to give it some thought?

To the unseen battles that are constantly fought

On your behalf, to keep you from harm

The attacks that are thwarted by God's mighty arm

 

Sometimes He delivers, but since He's all-knowing

He may take you through for the purpose of growing

He knows what you need; to Him you're no stranger

Rest assured, He's aware of any oncoming danger

 

When He says "That's enough!" in a voice loud as thunder

"You've had them down, but they're not going under!

There are limits, you scoundrel, to the power you wield,

You are wasting your time by attacking my shield."

 

You won't catch Him off guard; He's always prepared

You probably couldn't count all the times you've been spared

Surrender your will and place your life in His hands

There's peace beyond measure, when you follow His plan

 

It's a matter of trust as you go through the fire

You can choose to live through it or give up and expire

You may not understand the rhyme or the reason

But God will sustain you as you wait out the season

 

The God of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps

Every promise He's made in His word He will keep

His timing is perfect which could mean you must wait

So rest in the knowledge that He's never early or late

 

If God is for you, then there's no need to fear

Although you can't see Him, He's lingering near

Total reliance on God is a must

It simply comes down to a matter of trust

 

 

 

 

A Gift

by Charles Roy Gates

Sometimes words

cannot impart

the gift you want

sent from the heart.

The life you live

will only be

the one real gift

they all will see.

 

 

 

 

Sharing the Good News

 “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..”

II Corinthians 5:20-21

 

 

From: Fredia Samuel,
CWCF, Cañon City, Colorado

Dear Sharon, May God put a hedge of protection over you and your family.  I was so blessed by your words of encouragement that I just wanted to write and say thank you.  What I was so blessed by Sharon, is your words of correction, because it is so easy to start idolizing other people, things, money, and just things that you many not realize.  It’s just so easy to take your focus off the main source of life, which is Jesus.

Your comments and thoughts mean more to me than you know, because I never want to get on the  wrong track.  And you are right when you say that when I am developing God’s character is when I receive my greatest joy.   I am always seeking that, every day and in every way.  I’m willing to let the Lord shape me and mold me and have His way in my life.  Any obstacles that have needed moving, He’s moving.  I’m pushing to get where I need to be.  Sharon, it took me a long time to love myself again, and this is something I can never give up.  Yes, it has been hard, but the results are just everything to give praise to the Lord Jesus!  Thank you!

========================

From: Patrick Oguejiofor,
Federal Prison, Umuahia, Nigeria.

Dear Brother Onokala,  May the peace, joy and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and CA Nigeria Prison ministry.  We love you and your ministry.  In fact, you are the one who led me to Christ Jesus.  I thank Jesus Christ for you brother Onokala, and also for Sharon and Alan Griffee in their ministry. I cover you people with the precious blood of Jesus Christ – Amen.

I was so happy when I received papers from you concerning your prison ministry. I have benefited from receiving the newsletters “My Brother’s Keeper” and “Spiritual Growth Lessons/Letters”.  Indeed, who ever trusts in our Lord Jesus Christ can never be put to shame.

Let me tell you, Jesus Christ our Lord is using us mightily here in Umuahia prison yard. Remember that the existence of Israelites came after our brother Joseph was released from the prison.  Also remember his activities while in the prison; and so are my activities now that I am in prison. God is with me and his grace is sufficient for me.  Jesus Christ has rescued me from darkness to a glorious light. My greatest achievement on earth is knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior; may all honor, adoration, supremacy, excellence, majesty and praises be unto His Holy name – Amen.

I would not fail to mention that I was accused of “Advance free fraud”. I really committed this offense, but I am now a new creation. Jesus has forgiven me. I would love to be freed, including other inmates here with me in the prison, to join with you out there to help spread the good news of the Kingdom of God. On behalf of other inmates in Umuahia prison yard, we wish you people in Christian Ambassadors good health and long life.

Brother Onokala, when things go well with you, remember us (Genesis 40:14). I love you all, but the Lord loves the most, in Jesus name, Amen. Sincerely, Patrick Oguejiofor, a prisoner in the Lord.

========================

From: Samuel Sutton,
FCF, Cañon City, Colorado

Dear Sister Sharon, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:2)  Thank you so very much for adding my name to your mailing list.  I received everything you sent the day after Thanksgiving.  When I had finished reading the newsletter, your cover letter, the brochure with your “vision” statement, I was filled; but not like from physically being fed, but “full” spiritually.

This ministry is special and I am feeling special in the eyes of the Lord, for being ministered to by Christian Ambassadors.  Your prayers are appreciated and likewise I will continue to make my request made know to God, for you and your ministry.  May the love of God and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Sincerely, Samuel.

========================

From: Shawn Parker,
RCC, Rifle, Colorado

Dear Miss Sharon, There are many organizations I have written to and taken their study courses.  With most, there is a feeling that you were processed through their ministry on autopilot...it felt empty.  Saving souls into the Grace of God one soul at a time is what it’s all about.  I am glad CA exists and that you and Alan have answered God’s call.  You two have been most awesome friends and rock steady spiritual counselors!

Thank you for your most recent newsletter.  I appreciate it.  I have to tell you Miss Sharon, each and every newsletter seems to be more and more fulfilling.  This one is extra special [personally] because of Shawn Winkler’s memorial to George Wright.  And your article with the testimony of ‘Dave’ and Brother Thanagobals testimony from a prison in Egypt...just adds to the mysterious wonders of the Holy Spirit!  It’s awesome!

========================

From: Steven Emmerich,
BBCF, Brent, Alabama

Dear Sharon, I received your letter tonight at mail call, and I have to say I am again overwhelmed with joy from your words.  I know you and Alan must be extremely busy for all the letters you write.  If God blesses you in no other way, than the love from all of us you help in feeling loved, there should be no better gain. 

I cannot begin to tell you how much your words have meant to me, and they come in the best timely manner.  I know you have heard this many times, but I have to say it, no doubt God directly speaks through you.  He is in you and using you.  You had the answer to my question and I now understand.  Thank you so much, Sharon, for your willingness to do God’s work, for being our brother’s (prisoner’s) keeper. 

One of my favorite scriptures is from Hebrews 13:3 - KJV, “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.” 

You make us feel you have obeyed more than was asked, and again I humbly thank you.  I love you and Alan in Christ.  The Holy Spirit will complete His good work He’s started in you two for sure. 

========================

From: Teresa Mullins,
FCF, Troy, Virginia

Dear Sharon, I just wanted to thank you for the blessings you bestow on me with your letters, newsletters, and studies.  I am so grateful and enjoy it all so much.

I also share it all with the ladies here in the facility with me. 

I pray that your holiday is filled with good food, lots of love, laughter and the peace and joy of Jesus Christ our Savior.  I just wanted you to know that we are thankful for you and all that you do.  In Christ, Teresa.

========================

From: James Brooks,
BBCF, Brent, Alabama

Dear Sharon, I’m proud to have been able to meet a person like you who has been able to help me in my spiritual needs through this time I’ve had in prison.  I appreciate all you’ve done for me through these months. Thank you for your help.

I’m a lot better now than I’ve been in a long time.  I’m concentrating on Jesus more than the problems, in hopes of Him helping me dissolve the problems.  Knowing your labor isn’t in vain, continue your rest in the Lord Jesus.  I hope everyone is fine and that you are uplifted in the Spirit of God and be encouraged because He overcame.  We are His and He is ours! 

========================

From: Robert Estabrook, 
LCF, Lovelock, Nevada

Dear Sister Sharon, My best wishes to you and Alan.  You have been in my heart and in my thoughts and prayers constantly.  I received your letter and as always, I was touched.  I greatly appreciate your concern and consideration.  You have been my light (candle) in a dark place during these very cold, disturbing, and trying times.  Always saying what I need to hear, at the time I need it most.

Christ said he would send His comforter.  I know He was speaking of the Holy Spirit, but somehow, I believe He was also talking about an angel (such as yourself) also.  Your letters, your loyalty, your commitment, your devotion, and your love, have been a blessing to me.  I see God’s hand in every thing you do.  In due season your words of encouragement and hope came bringing joy to my heart and a smile to my face.

I have a life sentence, but I also have life and a life.  So, I really do not live as if I were imprisoned.  I can and do appreciate everything from the red sun to the green trees, from the desert sand to the blue waters of the inhabited sea.  I do not take anything for granted.  I give all the credit to Christ Jesus my Savior and God the Father.  I take life as it comes and smell the roses whenever I can.  God Bless you and Alan.  I love you folks dearly.  In Christ’s name, Bobby.

 

========================

From: Isai Olivas,
MFCI, Three Rivers, Texas

Dear Miss Sharon, I received your last Spiritual Growth Lesson, “Enter in At the Strait Gate” and it was great!  It never ceases to amaze me how you use the perfect words to explain what I’m feeling.  Your letters and lessons truly soothe my thirst.  I don’t know what good it does for a person to have everything [worldly] and not have peace or tranquility.  With your support I’m finding it easier to live a more peaceful life. 

I pray you and Alan are in the best of health.  I want to thank you both for all the time and commitment you have put into making a difference in my life.  I love you guys so very, very much.  I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

========================

From: A Loving Sister

Dear Sharon, I recently received the newsletter and thoroughly enjoyed reading all the letters that are sent to you from the inmates.  It seemed to be my turn to write and thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of the many inmates around the world.  My brother is one of them.

I eagerly scan each issue of the newsletter, to see if my brother has written to thank you and profess his faith in Christ.  So far, I haven’t seen his name, but I’m not discouraged.  I know that he once knew the Lord, but as a new babe in Christ, with little mentoring around him, he was unable to maintain that and grow spiritually.  

I’m hoping that your newsletter and work will remind him of the wonderful experience he had knowing the Lord.

So, Sharon, I just wanted to thank you for your work with inmates.  My prayer is that one day soon my brother will come back to the Lord.  In His Love, Ann.

========================

From: Robbie Sutton,
CCC, Chillicothe, Missouri  

Dear Christian Ambassadors, I really enjoy your newsletters and the Bible verses that you send to me.  Please know that the verses are very uplifting.  During these difficult days everyone needs prayer and since I am incarcerated, I really need prayer.  I have written a short piece.  The topic was taken from Psalm 118:24.  May God bless you all at CA as you continue to spread the gospel. 

 

Just For Today, I will:

By Robbie Sutton

 

  Count my blessing, not my burden.

  Change what can be changed.

  Accept what cannot be changed.

  Adjust to new challenges.

  Do something positive for myself.

  Reach out and touch someone with

  kindness and compassion.

  Imagine a good future.

  Live for these twenty-four hours

  and not worry about the future.

 

========================

From: Alan and Sharon Griffee

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Alan and I want to thank each of you for your love, support, and prayers for the prison ministry God has entrusted in our care.  We do not take this responsibility lightly.  Each person is a unique individual, precious in the eyes of God and He is eternally concerned about each one.

With joy we express gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son, Jesus. We praise God for the love and counsel He provides to us daily through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Thank you dear Father!

Alan and I are excited about and looking forward to the New Year with its many opportunities for spiritual growth.  We can accomplish this by not losing sight of God, our first love (Rev. 2:4).  Nor must we lose sight of the simplicity of the gospel (Rev. 14:6). Our prayer for the New Year is that God’s Spirit will bless each of you with renewed hope and spiritual understanding. 

In Christ’s Name, Amen.

 

 

 

Click here to return to the Newsletter Page


Click here to return to the CA Home Page