My Brother's Keeper

Volume 8, Number 2, April-June, 2003

---

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. This issue’s word study is an adaptation of a sermon given by Larry A. Thompson, an inmate at Centennial Correctional Facility, Cañon City, Colorado.

Plowing The Field

by Larry A. Thompson

In my life I have experienced much, yet, I have learned too little. If it is true that experience is the greatest teacher, then I the student should have paid more attention in class.

I believe I have lived a life that is full, yet, in a strange and tragic way I have not fully lived. If it’s true that living is more than mere existence, then I certainly have not lived as much as I should have.

I have taken pride in my accomplishments, yet, in reality I’ve accomplished next to nothing. If the measure of a man is to be weighed upon what he has done in life, then I should have striven to do more good in mine.

To my everlasting shame and regret I have lived in the shadow of my own ignorance. If I have learned a single lesson in this life, that lesson is that I must no longer walk in the shadow of ignorance, but stand in the light of true understanding.

Followers of Christ, the light of “true understanding” of which I speak is the light of understanding and truth that we have been given through Jesus Christ. Meditate upon these words found in Ephesians, Chapter 4 (KJV):

17 - “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 - Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 - Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 - But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 - That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 - And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 - And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Brothers and sisters, the reason I’ve shared this with you, is so that you will have a fundamental understanding of who I am; and why I so strongly encourage you to exercise your power of choice and make a decision today which will, beyond doubt, effect all of your tomorrows. The decision I’m hoping you will make is to set a goal in this life to be prepared for the next life, in our Heavenly Father’s house.

Many years ago my dad tried to teach me an important lesson about setting and achieving goals. He said, “Son, setting a goal is like what a farmer does before he plows his field. First he has to know his land, whether it’s sloped or flat for drainage, whether the soil is fertile and easy to turn, or whether it’s hard and resistant to change. Next, he has to make sure that his mules or oxen are healthy and can bear up under the strain of pulling the plow. And finally, he has to make sure that his plow is sharp and that his equipment is in good repair.

After all is made ready and he begins to plow the field, he knows that if he wants his rows to be straight that he must firmly keep his hands on the plow, and his eyes always looking ahead. Any farmer worth his salt will tell you that it’s extremely difficult to reap the harvest from a field of crooked rows.”

In my life I’ve come to the joyful realization that there is an ultimate farmer, and he is Christ, the Lord.

The fields which he plows and prepares for the harvest are the hearts of men, women, and children.

The mules and the oxen who pull his plow are the true believers in Christ, and the keepers of His Words.

And the plow which prepares the fields for planting is the everlasting Word of God, which is the same today as it was yesterday and as it will be forever more. Amen.

We too are farmers with our own personal fields, our hearts. The plow that is used to prepare our hearts for the seeds of Grace is the same, the Word of God. Please, my brothers and sisters, be mindful of what Christ said, as recorded in Luke 9:61-62 (KJV):

61, “And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
62, And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

I now encourage you to set a goal in your mind, set a goal in your heart, put your hands firmly to the plow and keep your eyes set upon the prize; the Kingdom of Heaven.

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

It is interesting to note that Larry’s dad was an ordained minister and a prison chaplain. It is ironic that as Larry is doing time, he is also doing something that his dad did in his life.

His dad didn’t serve time for committing or being accused of a crime, but, within the walls of a prison he did serve the Lord and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ. His dad also delivered messages of hope from the inside.

On December 1st of 2001, Larry joyfully rededicated his life to Jesus Christ and made a vow to do his very best to fulfill HIS purpose for his life. Larry has been richly blessed through the Holy Spirit. He has taken full advantage of the opportunities as they’ve presented themselves to him, to minister to the small congregation of men at the Centennial Correctional Facility, who are followers of the Word; crusaders for Christ, and ambassadors in bonds.

Repentance - Forgiveness, Knowledge - Love,

Obedience - Deliverance

by Samuel A. Sutton

Isn’t it interesting, almost beyond belief that many men and women feel that “being saved” is just too easy? The confession of sin before the Lord Jesus, and His forgiveness of sin, are considered as being, “too simple”.

God’s ceaseless Grace is seen throughout The (instruction) Book, it’s Divine Author stands behind it, and He gave His own Son’s life to guarantee that every word is true. God’s endless mercy is hard to explain. It’s not because of who we are, that God loves us, forgives us, and delivers us. It is because of Who He is!

When the Lord reveals to each of us who He is, and He places that knowledge within the depths of our hearts, our focus in life will line up with His focus and His will in our life shall become our will.

Clearly understand that in no stretch of the truth, am I trying to excuse or justify sinful, immoral or unlawful acts of behavior, by “putting on” salvation. Crime is crime and sin is sin. There are penalties to be paid for committing them. I am taking responsibility and paying for my criminal offenses. Likewise, Christ Jesus through His everlasting love and substitionary death on the cross has already paid for the sins of the world, which includes yours and mine.

After one month into my incarceration, on September 26, 1998, I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Life has not been easy. But guess what? My worst times and days with the Lord in control of my life, are better than the best days I ever lived without Him!

I am a man who took away the personal choices of a woman, by sexually assaulting her. I am serving a twenty-year sentence. I was wrong in what I did to her and I accept my being identified as a sex offender. Prior to Jesus Christ finding me, this declaration would not have happened. To have admitted publicly of making poor choices, and that these willful errors in thinking have led to acts that were violent, deviant, and against defenseless women, would seem more like the ending of life and not the beginning. It is written; “The ending of a thing is better than it’s beginning.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

Similar to the ripple effect of a rock that is thrown into a calm, still lake or pond, my destruction of people’s lives has expanded beyond the initial point of impact. I am sorry deep in my heart that so many people have been so unfairly impacted by me; the victim of my sexual assault and her family, my family, my children and their children, and my wife (who is divorcing me). Expanding, expanding and ever expanding -- one act of violence can victimize and afflict a whole community.

Violent rape leaves wounds. Not only on the outside, but it causes inner wounds that may never heal, or not until long after the outer wounds and their scars are healed or have become unnoticeable. God is merciful, generous, and giving. He is very willing to draw men and women to His Son Jesus Christ. He renounces the needless and cowardly destruction of lives. He restores the brokeness of souls, their self esteem, and He lifts to heal everyone who suffered at the hands of hard-hearted sinners like I once was. There is Hope in God’s word:

II Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) - “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) - “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) - “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”

There are some who will read this article and focus only on what I have been. Or, they will focus on what I have confessed to have done (“what you’ve been is what you’ll always be”). But, the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ says; “I will give them a heart to know Me, that I Am the Lord; and they shall be My people” (Jeremiah 24:7)

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
(2 Chronicles 7:14)

God is faithfully ministering to the hearts of men and women, especially those who are in prisons. We are serving time, that’s undeniable. The question is, “How are we going to respond to that reality?” At this present time the image of God is under attack by the evil one, whose time is running short (see Revelation 12:12).

I encourage you, as I have been encouraged, to work hard at being a born again disciple of Christ Jesus. This is done in love, in truth, in study, in intercession, and in understanding for our broken victims. It is done as we apply Biblical principles in our daily lives, our marriages, our families, God’s family, and (the body of Christ) our prison’s staff.
See I Peter 1:1-5.

Lord, come and heal our wounded hearts. Come and heal us of anger and unforgiveness. Come and heal us from being timid and fearful. Come and set us free Lord, of judgments and of bitterness. Come and be the joy, hope, and strength that connects us to the center of your will. Come and overwhelm our souls, filling us with the courage to be the men and women that you intend us to be. Come and make us whole. In the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Amen.

------------------------------------------

Samuel A. Sutton is an inmate serving time in Fremont Correctional, Canon City, CO. He specifically asked that we use his name in this article because as he confirmed, “There is nothing covered up or hidden from the sight of God. When I read articles or letters from my brothers and sisters, it is a huge blessing for me to know that God has called us to be in one accord, and to be accountable to each other. “Accountability: On account... of His ability...”

Celebration!

by Onokala O. Okechukwu,
CA Nigeria

By definition of the word celebration, it means an event or festival marked by ceremony with proper rites. After hard work and success in life, comes joy and its celebrations. As saints, we must have passed through rough ways while struggling to answer the great call “Go ye into all the world” and preach the gospel to the poor, brokenhearted, captives, bruised and to the incarcerated.

This was why the Apostle Paul saw the need for Christians, whether bound or free, to remain joyous all the time, no matter what pains we should suffer for the cause of obeying the great commission, “Go ye into all the world.” This is especially true when we succeed in our life’s mission.

Hard work and success brings joy and smiles on one’s face, and it also brings hope for the future to someone. At this point I would like to address the prison inmates within and around the world - that your own celebrations of freedom in its entity will soon, I mean very soon knock at your doors and windows. I said celebrations could come after hard work and success. Now my question to you is, “What is going to be your work as a prisoner?”

Repentance is your work. Forgiveness of those responsible for your imprisonment (including self) is your work. Accepting Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of your life is your basic work. It is also studying and applying in your life the teachings of every Christian material that comes your way such as, “My Brother’s Keeper” newsletter and the “Spiritual Growth Lesson/letter” published by Christian Ambassadors, Inc.

Indeed all of these will surely help you out from your own world of prison, coupled with your ceaseless prayers and the prayers of concerned Christians.

Having known your work, success will come and then celebrations will follow in place of sorrows, pains, sickness, evil thoughts, deaths and weeping.

As saints, let us hold firm to our faith in the Lord and keep on propagating the “great commission of the Lord” to everyone, which hard work and success brings to celebrations!

A Prayer of Release from Bondage

by Dean Hohnstein

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you with boldness and confidence through your Son Jesus Christ!

Father God, first and foremost, I plead with you to please forgive me for all the sins that I’ve committed throughout my entire existence. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and wash me in the precious blood of the lamb, your Son, Jesus Christ.

Father God, I’m fully aware, through studying your holy inspired scriptures, that the greatest love known to man is to lay their life down for their friend or brother. I’ve also come to the conclusion through studying your scriptures, that Jesus Christ is my only true friend and he sticketh to me closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Therefore, I’ve made the conscience decision to lay this miserable life of mine (as I know it) down, and to live in and through the rewarding life of Jesus Christ (John 15:13-14)!

Father God, I ask you through your Son and the Holy Spirit, that on a day by day basis you teach me how to wait on you. Teach me how to listen to and for you, through your Holy Spirit, so that I will be guided and directed by you in everything that I say and do - so that I’m no longer operated by the flesh, but by your Holy Spirit from this day forward.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

------------------------------------

Dean is an inmate at Sterling Correctional Facility, Sterling, CO. Dean wrote this earnest prayer because of his sincere desire to do the perfect will of God both now and when he is released from prison in the near future. May this prayer be a blessing for everyone who seeks a close relationship with the Lord.

Gethsemane -

No Turning Back!

by Sharon K. Griffee

As I was considering this article I went to the Lord, as usual, and asked, “What key instruction do you want to get out to prison inmates all over the world at this time?” A short time later I received his enthusiastic response, “Soldiers of Christ, Arise!” His enthusiasm was contagious, and I told the Lord, “Now that is a message I can get excited about!” The temporal problems of this world soon disappeared into the background. I experienced the sensation of angels singing the Hallelujah chorus in the Heavenlies, while colorful fire works burst into splendor across the sky. Caught up in the exhilaration of the moment, I visualized prison inmates, armed with mighty faith, rising up in their prison cells becoming strong soldiers of Christ. I could hardly wait to get started writing!

As I sat down to write, however, the Lord brought another directive to my mind, a much more sobering one. This instruction came from a physical place of darkness, yet through that same heavenly source of light. I was reminded of that fateful night when Jesus made his way in the darkness to the Mount of Olives. I knew where he was headed, toward the Garden of Gethsemane, where he would be fighting his loneliest battle. With the salvation of the world hanging in the balance, Jesus was faced with his greatest temptation, the temptation to turn back - to refuse the cross. Jesus was familiar with what crucifixion was like, because he had seen its horrors from childhood. Crucifixion was a barbaric punishment described as the “most miserable of deaths”. It was used by the Romans for those who committed violent crimes, sedition, or robbery. In Jesus’ day it was considered the ultimate in public humiliation and torture. The trial and crucifixion would involve a long and horrible experience, not only for Jesus, but for those who loved and trusted him.

It is only natural that in his humanness, he wanted to shrink back from going through with this experience. Nevertheless, Jesus was so totally committed to the Father that he wanted to do His will, even more than he wanted to escape the agony of Calvary! In this state of intense, emotional strain, Jesus literally sweated it out in Gethsemane, to the point of shedding great drops of blood.

Luke 22:39-44 (NIV ) - Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

This was the turning point in Jesus’ life. In his intense agony, he could have called the whole thing off and turned back, even then. But, he had made a vow before he came to this earth, that he would lay aside the use of his divine privileges and live by faith (Philippians 2:7-8), the same way he expected any other man, woman, or child to live. All through Jesus’ life Satan had tried unsuccessfully, to get him to back away from his faith. Jesus always

won the victory. He wouldn’t have set any kind of example that we could follow, if he had depended upon the use of His divine power every time he wanted to get out of something unpleasant. In every circumstance Jesus set the perfect example for us.

Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) - Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Whenever we’re tempted to become weary and lose heart, which is exactly what Satan wants us to do, the first thought in our mind should be to consider Jesus. If Jesus could endure the darkness of evil in Gethsemane, so he could bear the cross on our account, what suffering is too great for us? When I think about the physical and mental strain Jesus went through in Gethsemane, defeating the powers of darkness, my love and respect for the Master grows and intensifies. No one but Jesus, the spotless Son of God, could have or would have fought the spiritual battle necessary for the salvation of the world. Are we willing to honor, through our conduct, the salvation Jesus won?

Only those who are willing to make a trip into the darkness of Gethsemane with Jesus, will learn what it takes to rise up as soldiers of Christ when confronted with the temptations of the adversary. What can we learn from Jesus when faced with our own Gethsemane?

Be prepared to do your own praying! Jesus gave his disciples specific instructions to pray, so they would not fall into temptation. When he went back later he found them sleeping, exhausted from sorrow. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:46 NIV)

When someone is experiencing sorrow and grief, it is a natural human response to feel tired, even exhausted! When the first signs of depression starts setting in, it is always easier to go lie down somewhere and sleep it off, hoping the whole problem will somehow go away by the time you wake up. A soldier of Christ will not allow himself to be lulled into sleep because of circumstances, but will rise up and pray, as Jesus commanded, so they will avoid falling into the temptations of the flesh. When there is a spiritual battle going on, that is no time to be taking a nap. The devil will use your naptime to walk all over you, weakening your resistance even further.

I Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) - “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...”

Jesus was steadfast in prayer! Jesus had such perfect trust in his Father’s love, he knew the outcome must be done according to His Father’s will, not his own.

Luke 22:41-42 (NIV) - He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Jesus knew as he prayed that it wasn’t the Father’s will to take this cup from him. Yet, Jesus was certain His Father would provide him with the strength he needed to fulfill his purpose on the cross. Turning back was no option for Jesus, because of his respect for the authority of His Father. God didn’t forget Jesus in his time of need. He sent an angel to strengthen him. Still in anguish, Jesus prayed the more earnestly. Jesus stayed close to the Father and just kept talking to Him through the whole ordeal. He made sure that Satan didn’t intrude on the intimate conversation between him and the Father. With His spiritual vision clarified, Jesus now had the strength and courage to face what lay ahead.

Soldiers of Christ, arise! I am happy to report that even though darkness seeks to reign in prisons across the land; there are a number of prison inmates who are not going to let Satan hold them down, keep them back, or in any way interfere with their progress or commitment to go forward with Jesus Christ. As one prison inmate speaks her resolve.

God is revealing my character flaws, so that even though I want to say, ‘I don’t like these feelings and turn back because, after all, it’s much easier to do wrong than right’, I know in my own soul and spirit it’s just like swimming across the ocean and getting half way and wanting to turn back - it’s the same distance!

So the bottom line is this; with all the character flaws and hidden faults God has been revealing to me, I know I’m not yet made perfect (mature). I have a ways to go, but, it is like Paul said:

Philippians 3:12 (NIV) - “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

Holy Ground

by Shawn Winkler

Leviticus 25:23 (NIV) “...The land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants.”

We are reminded as believers our perception changes. The things of the world no longer hold our interest. Our hearing is attuned to the Master’s voice. Our sight seeks heavenly wonders. The litmus paper test of our faith is how well these new senses work.

I cannot count the number of times an excited, yet worried new believer asked; “But what about tongues?” Mark, chapter 16,
verse 17, says the sign of tongues will follow them that believe. In today’s hurried and complicated world, the simplicity of the Word is often overlooked.

I have always enjoyed pointing out, before believing, how many times did you say hallelujah, or amen? These two Hebrew words clearly classify as tongues. Not to mention Acts, chapter 2, verse 4, which gives a key ingredient... as the Spirit gave them utterance. In holding my foundation up to the light it was easy to confirm my hearing. In fact it is because of hearing I base my faith.

Long ago before I read the words of God and counted myself a follower, I had an experience which still humbles me. While standing alone in the Big Sur river, fishing, I marveled at the beauty of the surrounding creation. The Pacific ocean pounding out its own heart beat, as the surf broke upon the beach. The shade of hundred year old Sequoia trees cooling the air while I worked at catching dinner. Mountains to the east, and an ocean to the west, I wondered could there be a place more splendid? It was then that I heard as plainly as any conversation, the simple yet awesome phrase, “Because I am.” You can imagine the amazement and reverence I felt as years later I realized the meaning of that experience. As the first apostles, my faith is now unwavering even when I might.

You can easily see the dismay I felt as I tried to do the same for my spiritual sight, and found none. Years spent in these prison walls had blinded me. The gray walls had blended in with the gray moods all around me. Even the church seemed lifeless as I watched hopes fall when converts realized believing did not mean immediate release. The freedom spoken of was much bigger than most could grasp. The dreary days bleakly slipped away, steady and constant as the seconds of the clock never to be again. The picture of this life was anything but heavenly.

As the Psalmist in chapter twenty two, I also cried out; “My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?” I felt every word as I read on. The anguish of that writer was the same as mine. Not only did I feel this way for myself, but for all the church within. Where was our deliverer? Where was our heavenly vision?

True to His promise, He was nearby. Much like the final chapters of Job, He began to speak; What of the blue of the sky or the fluff of the clouds? How about the buzz of the fly or the whispered sigh of the changing seasons? What of the pattering of rain or the hush of the snow? The bird’s song or the ant’s play? What of the dawning of each new day? What of the story of creation itself? Did I not proclaim I saw that it was good?

Now my eyes were opened, as well as my ears. The words of the captain of the Lord’s host as he spoke to Joshua, in Joshua chapter 5, verse 15, rang in my heart; “Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy.” (KJV) Then came the best vision of all, for these are His words. I am nothing but the instrument used to place them on paper for you. Shalom, your brother, His servant.

-------------------------------------

Shawn Winkler is an inmate serving time at Sterling Correctional, Sterling, Colorado. Shawn said he received his inspiration to write this article in response to Christian Ambassador’s August, 2002 Spiritual Growth Lesson, “Take Up Your Cross Daily”.

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: Vicki Perry, Pruntytown Correctional, Grafton, WV

Dear Sharon, Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to minister through writing to my brothers and sisters in Christ. This ministry has been so good to me in every way. I feel so blessed to be a part of it. Doing the Bible study with my mentor, plus our correspondence over these many months has helped me grow in so many ways. Thank you for hooking us up. Also thank you for your prayers and the love I’ve felt from you and Alan. May God bless you both. In His Love, Vicki.

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

From: Gregory Jones, Sing Sing Correctional, Ossining, NY

Dear Christian Ambassadors, I want to say that I really enjoy reading all your correspondence, because they are very inspiring and they keep me going strong in the Lord. Thank you so much for being there for me. I’m trying to grow stronger in the Lord, because I’m sure He has a purpose for me. Thank you very much for your time and trouble.

P.S. Please inform Sharon Griffee that her last letter and lesson “Finding Acceptance With God” was very powerful and I received a lot from it. Let her know I said thank you so much, because now I’m going to stay strong and never give up or give in to Satan’s plans.

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

From: Thomas Wirth, Utah State Prison, Draper, Utah

Dear Sharon and Alan, I am thankful to our Lord and Savior that there are good people such as yourselves, who are willing to take the time, and put forth the energy to do the wonderful things you are doing.

The light and the love of Jesus Christ is what sustains me through this time of incarceration; and through you and the Christian Ambassadors organization, I can feel the loving, all encompassing Spirit of Christ that much stronger.

I want to share with you and any other inmate, or free world person, that I know that God lives and loves us all no matter what. Once we take the time to know Him and love Him - our lives, no matter how far gone, will change dramatically! I do not profess to be anything like perfect, but through the love of Jesus Christ, I can recognize a huge change in the way I think, feel, and act towards myself and my fellow man.

Anyone who is in prison or jail knows of the mentality and strife that one must face, but we all have much to be thankful for, regardless of our present condition.

I would invite anyone who is unhappy with their life the way it is, to truly seek out our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Peace and Joy can be obtained through Him, no matter what situation one finds themselves in. God Bless, Thomas.

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

From: Tim Wyatt, Hays State Prison, Trion, Georgia

Dear Sister Sharon, I’ve been receiving and enjoying your letters (lessons) for some time now. This last lesson, “Finding Acceptance With God”, was exceptionally meaningful to me in my seeking and growing relationship with our Lord.

I have tasted the love and the joyous closeness of God many times and I know that my inward self desires more of the Spirit all of the time, but as Paul says in Romans 7:18, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.”

I also know that nothing is impossible with God and that He is working in my life and on my heart as much as I will allow Him to.

Sharon, I just felt led to write to you at this time to let you know that I am receiving and enjoying your letters (lessons) and I pray that you will continue to send them to me and lift me up in your prayers that I might have more hunger and thirst for God’s Word and a closer walk with Jesus and to be filled mightily with His Holy Spirit. Take good care out there my sister and continue the good work of the Lord and stay strong in His might and love. May God continue to bless you.

Sincerely, your Brother in Christ, Tim.

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

From: David Todeschini, Wende Correctional, Alden, NY

Dear Sharon and Alan, I am so “blown away” by the Jan.-Mar. 2003 issue of “My Brother’s Keeper”! What a powerful article by Troy Clerk, “What is the condition of your heart?” When Troy preached this message in our Bible study group, I told him “somehow, you have to write that down”, and showed him back-issues of your newsletter. I thank the Lord that I was able to make the connection between you and Troy.

I cannot express to you how it feels for us to be used by the Lord in this way. It is beyond words to describe. By sharing the love of Christ we have found in the most “unlikely” of places (prison), we replace crimes with miracles; we substitute creating a ripple-effect of evil which everybody notices, with an “unseen good” that will touch the hearts and change the lives of people we will never know; something that only God notices.

Prisoners sharing their testimony with other prisoners through your ministry touch each other’s hearts with the love of Christ, and if any “rehabilitation” is to be had behind these walls, only a spiritual awakening in the Lord can make any lasting difference.

Again, Sharon and Alan, I thank you for the opportunity to “un-bosom” the love of the Lord, that this vessel known as “Dave” might be filled anew with the Holy Spirit. I pray that the Lord uses all of us who love Him to the fullest, in these perilous times in which we fight spiritual war, and I say to you, “Praise the Lord and pass the spiritual ammunition.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Your letters of inquiry about our ministry are welcome and appreciated. If you or a loved one is incarcerated in a jail or prison facility, anywhere in the US or abroad, please write for more information:

Christian Ambassadors, Inc.
PO Box 260812

Littleton, CO 80163-0812 USA

Your family and friends may also check our website at:
www.christian-ambassadors.org

Click here to return to the Newsletter Page

Click here to return to the CA Home Page