My Brother's Keeper

Volume 10, Number 2, April-June, 2005

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 from Alan Griffee, co-founder of Christian Ambassadors.

Peace Be With You

By Alan W. Griffee

Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV) - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

One of the greatest needs we have today is peace. Yes, we need peace in the Middle East, peace from terrorism, and peace from a divided nation over issues of war, environment, economy, politics, and religion. However, more than that, we each individually need peace in our heart. From Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Too often, we find ourselves in turmoil and frustration, because of the stress we experience in every day life.

God is offering the solution to our need for personal, inner peace, by challenging us to receive (and include in our daily lives) the spiritual gifts or virtues expressed in Colossians 3:12 & 3:14, “… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience … And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Most of us are very familiar with the Christian virtues of love, compassion, kindness, and gentleness. We hear about them all the time because they are expressions of how we should treat other people. The ones we don’t hear about as often, because they deal more with our inner self, are humility and patience. We live in a world of excess and instant gratification. We want it all, and we want it now! This can become a trap for inmates newly released from prison. In a desperate attempt to make up for the time spent in prison, many former inmates try to get it all now. Often, that attempt will be what sends a person back to prison for a parole violation or a new crime.

We live in a society where humility and patience are often considered a handicap, rather than a virtue. Lack of humility and patience are obviously not new problems. All through scripture, God has found it necessary to remind people of the need to be humble and patient. Those reminders need to be heeded today. The impatient rush to self-aggrandizement [to make oneself appear greater] will inevitably destroy the inner peace we need.

Take time to think before you act. Consider carefully whether or not you are pursuing something out of pride and/or impatience. Sharon’s father, a man for whom I had a lot of respect, always said you should take time to sleep on any important decision before making it. As I grow older (being able to look back on past mistakes and decisions), I not only see the wisdom in taking time to decide, but I also see that nothing important was lost while waiting for me to decide. If anything, I lost more because of my rush to gain something I didn’t need. If someone is pushing you for an instant decision, then something is wrong and you should immediately see a red flag warning you to stop and evaluate what is going on.

Was Sharon’s father, Homer, simply saying that we should put the decision out of our mind, go to sleep, and make the decision tomorrow? No, not by a long shot. Homer, a man of faith, knew without a doubt that God was his constant companion. If he had a concern that needed to be addressed, God would be there to help him make the right choice. To make that choice, he had to be patient, seek the Lord’s counsel, and, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

God wants us to take the time to look at our problems, consider the possible alternatives, and come to him in prayer for help in understanding the best choice to be made. He does not want to make our decisions for us, but He does desperately want to share in the decision with us. The problem is, we have to have the wisdom and patience to stop, and invite Him in. As Christ said,

Revelation 3:20 (KJV) - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Having the patience to hear God’s voice and receive God’s help in making the right decision is a tremendous blessing. However, there is more. With the right decision (humbly choosing what God desires for us, not what the world expects of us) and the patience to wait for its fulfillment, comes peace. It brings a level of peace that surpasses anything we could have gained from making an instant, knee jerk reaction. When we take the time to stop and listen to God’s wisdom, we are freed of the stress that is associated with greed and impatience.

John 14:27 (NIV) - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

God wants us to have peace, peace that goes beyond anything that the world perceives. But, God will not force that peace upon us. We have to receive it with humility and patience.

James 5:7-8 (NIV) - Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.”

Most often, the events that cause us to get into trouble (with the law, with our boss, with our spouse, etc.) are the events that come from our desire to have the best, the most expensive right now, rather then patiently work for them over time. It takes patience to start small and work your way up slowly. If you over extend yourself now, borrowing too much money to buy expensive things, you will be under constant stress trying to make the payments and keeping everything else in balance.

It takes patience to work your way up in a job. We tend to think more highly of our abilities and our worth to our employer than our employer does. We may feel we are just as valuable an employee as the person who has been there ten years; but it is not realistic for us to believe that our employer is willing to pay us the same wage as that other person. What kind of problems is the employer going to create for himself with that other employee, if he finds out that you are getting the same pay as he is after just a few weeks? We must have the patience to earn wage increases over time, and to recognize that time and reliability is important to our employer. Not only that, but we deny our employer the God-given grace to reward us with an increase in pay, when we do a good job.

Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV) - God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Be humble. Have the faith and patience to wait for your reward, rather than demand it now. Much is said in the scriptures and in sermons about how we should treat other people. And, those lessons are important. We also need to be mindful of what goes on inside our own head. If we want to be at peace, we cannot over extend ourselves, either in what we seek or in how quickly we seek it. Have patience and know that God wants to bless you. In closing, I will leave you with this blessing:

Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV) - The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Paying the Price

by

David Todeschini

Timmy was a very bright eight year-old who seemed to be a magnet for mischief. He was always getting into some kind of trouble, but nothing serious until now.

On this day, little Timmy was out with a few of his older friends. They decided to go into a store and shoplift a dozen or more small toys from the display racks. They didn’t know that the little five-and-dime store had just installed tiny cameras to watch the customers. The store’s owner caught Timmy and his friend Michael, as they were ready to leave the store with their pockets full of Matchbox™ cars. The storeowner took them to the back of the store, sat them down on a sofa in his living room, and went to another room to call their parents. The boys sat quietly, not knowing what was going to happen next. They didn’t know if the guy was calling the cops, or what!

Michael’s father arrived first and went into the back room with Michael to talk with the storeowner. Timmy sat silently in the back office with the wife of the storeowner, who offered him milk and cinnamon oatmeal cookies. When Michael and his dad came out of the back room, Michael was being yelled at and spanked, as he and his dad walked to their car. Timmy looked out the window and watched as Michael’s dad was yelling at him and scolding him, in front of the whole town. He kept yelling at Michael - all the way to their car, which was parked down the street. Timmy was frightened that the same thing would happen to him when his dad arrived. He drank a bit of milk, but didn’t touch the cookies. The wife of the storeowner didn’t say a word. She looked at Timmy, smiled, and then said, “Have a cookie - they’re really good. I baked ‘em myself this morning.” She then went about doing her housework like nothing had happened, and he was just there as a guest staying for a while. That made Timmy nervous for some reason.

It seemed like a long time had passed, but it was only twenty minutes or so before Timmy’s father came. The boy saw him as he looked out the window, and he heard him introduce himself to the storeowner. Timmy nervously pressed himself deeper into the corner of the sofa. He could barely hear his dad and the man talking in the next room, but he could not make out a word they said.

Timmy’s dad then followed the man into the room and without saying a word, his dad motioned with his finger, “come here”. Timmy struggled to lift his small body from the soft couch that had almost swallowed him up. He walked slowly over to his dad. His father took him gently by the hand, and they walked out of the store. They walked silently down the block. Timmy was scared about what would happen when they got home. They continued walking at a normal pace. It seemed like it took years to get to his house - his dad still holding his hand, but not saying a word.

As they walked through the door, Tim’s dad took the boy into the den and spoke with him. “You know Timmy...” his dad began, but before he could finish, the boy ran up to him, hugged him and said, “I’m sorry, dad. I know it was wrong to steal those Matchbox™ cars. I’m sorry I embarrassed you. It won’t happen again.” At that point, little Timmy was crying as his dad picked him up and hugged him. There was no doubt in Timmy’s mind that his dad really, really loved him.

“You’ll go to bed without supper tonight, son,” his father said. “You’ll sit at the table with your sisters and your mom and me, and you will not say a word. Is that clear?” Timmy responded, “Yes, dad.”

As they sat at the table, there was Timmy’s favorite dish, roast lamb with all the trimmings. Everyone was served except Timmy, who sat quietly - just as his dad told him - behind a glass of milk and a big plate with one pea and a pat of butter on it. His older sister said Grace, and everyone started passing the fixin’s and began to eat, not paying any attention to Timmy.

Timmy drank a little milk from his glass and then looked at his dad - Timmy was about to cry. His dad looked back at him with soft eyes, then smiled as he suddenly exchanged Timmy’s empty plate with his plate, which was piled high with lamb, baked potato, and all the trimmings. Timmy’s eyes lit up. He was surprised and a bit confused. He started to ask his dad a question, but his dad said, “shhhh”, signaling with his index finger on his lips. The boy obeyed and did what he was told. That was easy - he loved roast lamb!

Timmy cautiously ate his dinner, as his dad buttered the one little pea on his plate and said, “Somebody please pass the salt.” (You can’t eat peas without a little salt, ya know J), and drank what was left of the milk that Timmy started drinking. When dinner was done and the cleanup finished, little Timmy felt very strange about what had just happened at the dinner table. His dad had taken the punishment for him. He didn’t feel right. He wanted to talk with his dad.

Timmy and his dad stayed up late that night - way after everyone else had gone to bed and was asleep. Timmy was being held on his dad’s knee. His dad hugged him and told Timmy that he loved him very much. Timmy knew that his father loved him, and he knew that his dad paid the price for what he had done wrong. From that moment on little Timmy was able to resist the Devil, because he didn’t want to hurt his dad anymore.

Later as he grew in his faith, Timmy learned that Jesus Christ did the same thing for all of us - for the whole world; He paid the price and took the punishment on himself when he died on the cross. Jesus took all of our sin, all of our guilt, and all of our punishment - the sentence of death on himself. In return, He gave us eternal life. He took the penalty for our sins - past, present, and future, and they are nailed to His cross forever. All we have to do to be forgiven is to repent and be truly sorry for what we have done; and believe that the price Jesus paid on the cross is enough to pay for sin - all of our sins - just like little Timmy did.

God hates sin, but he loves the sinner. Timmy’s dad hated the fact that his little boy stole toys from that toy store, but Timmy’s dad loved his little boy more than words can express. He loved Timmy the way Abraham loved his son Isaac, (Genesis 22:2-13).

We are all like Timmy. Our Father in heaven loves us, but he hates the sins, the bad things we do. If we are sorry, God forgives us because Jesus took the penalty for our sins long before we were born. Because He forgives us, that does not mean we can keep on sinning and doing bad things. Like Timmy, knowing that our sins hurt our Father in heaven, should keep us from wanting to sin, or from doing the same bad things over and over. We will learn to be good and to love one another, because that is what Jesus wants us to do.

Deuteronomy 8:5-6 (KJV) - Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.

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© Copyright 2005 - David Todeschini, from his book “Entertaining Angels”.
Reprinted with permission.

God’s Gentle Touch

by

Gregory Jones

I walk around daily in this dangerous place,

But the Spirit of God’s love keeps me safe.

At times, I get frustrated and want to die,

But after reading God’s words I decide to cry.

People get cut and stabbed all the time,

But I stay away from negativity and keep God in mind.

Sometimes it’s very hard to go on each day,

But the love of God keeps me from going astray.

At times it hurts when I don’t hear from family and friends,

But the love of God keeps me happy with-in.

I wake up every morning and thank God for waking me up,

Because I realized I’ll never make it without God’s gentle touch.

Gregory Jones is an inmate, serving time at

Sing Sing Correctional, Ossining, New York.

Life Comes Only

Through Death

by

Sharon K. Griffee

Sitting in a Maximum Security Prison, under 23 hour a day lock-down, Pete [not his real name], an inmate in his forties, is left with a lot of time on his hands. Having served 16 years on his sentence (his second time back in Max), it is not surprising that his mood this past year slumped into a state of depression. Confined to a tiny concrete cell, his days are mainly spent sleeping (averaging 16 hours a day), and watching TV. Eating, sleeping, watching TV. That’s how Pete describes what he refers to as his miserable life.

Despite his daily misery, tucked away somewhere in his memory bank are glimpses of his early childhood days. Brief snapshots of Jesus come to mind. With the recent celebration of Easter (Resurrection Day), Pete remembers what that big day was like as a youngster.

“As a child I would attend a church service with my brothers, where there was usually a play or a story for us kids about the resurrection of Christ. It was the only time of year my mom insisted we go to church. Then it was off to hunt Easter eggs. So much fun!”

It is interesting to note, that Pete’s remarks show that he knows about Jesus from the stories and plays he heard as a child, but he didn’t refer to Him in a personal way. Pete is not unique in his fond childhood memories of Easter, memories that in and of themselves are good. His memories, however, reveal a deeper problem, which unfortunately is passed on by many who profess Jesus Christ as Lord. For far too many families, Easter (Resurrection Day) has been boiled down to a once a year religious event. An event where outward show has all but replaced the spiritual, life-giving message of the cross. It’s as if showing up at the church service somehow secures one’s salvation, or at least one’s place in the community of the faithful.

With this rationale in mind, a person who religiously shows up for the big event, must also be seen wearing just the right thing. Walking through a department store prior to Easter, I over-heard a teenager protesting to his mother, “But Mom, I really don’t need to buy anything new this year, I’ll just wear what I wore last Easter.”

For prison inmates (far removed from shopping centers), there is no choice about what to wear on Easter or on any other day. I bear witness to you; our Heavenly Father isn’t put-off by the simplicity of our clothing. On the contrary, God consistently looks beyond our cloths to the heart within. His deepest concern is our spiritual well being. The real clothing the Master wants us to suit up in, is Himself!

Romans 13:14 (NIV) - Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Those who profess belief in Christ Jesus for all the wrong reasons (to gratify their own desires) will find themselves disappointed in Him, again and again. Pretentious, superficial professions of faith do not move God. If you are an inmate in a county jail awaiting sentencing or in prison serving time, be honest with yourself by asking the following questions: Am I professing faith in Jesus because of my desire to obtain a more lenient prison sentence? Am I professing faith in Jesus because I believe he is my parole ticket out of prison? Or, am I professing faith in Jesus for a nobler cause, the sincere desire to repent, turn my life around and become a servant of God?

Despite the selfish desires of the human race, when we consider the common background we all come from, that of sinner; every one of us should feel privileged that we can come to Christ on the same footing. We all have stood for lesser good, at one time or another in our lives, and we are in desperate need of forgiveness and reconciliation.

I Peter 1:18-19 (NIV) - For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

The empty way of life handed down (generational curses), does not have to be passed on. We have been redeemed from all of these curses through the precious blood of Christ. We need to stop dwelling on that old life. We must now sow into the new life that Jesus made possible for us. However, a basic Bible truth must be understood before this can happen.

I Corinthians 15:36-37 (NIV) - “...What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else.”

There are gradual changes that must take place in a grain of wheat before it can reach its full maturity. I heard once that the changes a grain of wheat goes through, involves seven metamorphic changes. It is significant to note that most of this change (development) takes place underground, completely out of sight. When the grain of wheat is placed in the soil, that is only the beginning. The seed’s development gradually continues through various stages, until it finally reaches the visible fruit bearing stage.

Similarly there are stages of growth and development Christians must undergo to reach full spiritual maturity. Jesus proved through his teaching, as well as through his example, what was at stake. As the time drew near for Jesus to be lifted upon the cross, He gave the following parable in response to some Greeks who had come looking for him. They had come to worship at the Passover Feast and were determined to see Jesus.

John 12:23-24 (NIV) - Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

While many thought Jesus would be glorified as a worldly hero or conqueror; Jesus meant something else entirely. By glorified, he meant crucified. The hour had come for Jesus to face the dark tragedy of the cross. Only then would he be glorified to a place of honor in God’s presence. Consequently, there were two realities coming together at the same time–both death and life!

When Jesus speaks of the kernel of wheat in this parable, he is referring to none other then himself. Jesus must die, so that by his death many seeds will be produced. Many would receive his sacrifice and be saved.

John 12:32 (NIV) - “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

Jesus wants us to rejoice with Him! To share in the glory he is passing down to us. Though gruesome, the cross is not the terrible ending, but the glorious beginning of our new life with Christ. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we too can rise up in newness of life. As strange as it may sound to our human ears, when we finally hear the call with our spiritual ears, it all makes perfect sense. Jesus is calling us to surrender ourselves in union with his death. If we accept his call, we are accepting the death of the old man, to make way for the new man; our new life in Christ.

Luke 9:23 (Amplified Bible) - And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also].

It is only as a person buries their personal desires and cravings that they begin to be of real use to God; true servants of His. Jesus boldly accepted the responsibility the Father placed on him, rather than succumbing to the world’s wishes. The world’s wishes will always pale in comparison to God’s glorious plan for our life.

Years ago, as pastor of a small congregation, I was confronted by a few women of the church who didn’t like the fact that I was so boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ. In their eyes, my relationship with Jesus was posing a threat to them. Why? The message of Christ calls for change. They wanted me to back off, to emphasize social programs, to be “just one of the girls.” They wanted me to be part of the sisterhood, so to speak.

I am here to testify to the truth. You can’t be “just one of the girls” or “just one of the guys” and still be a servant of Jesus. Your loyalties will always be divided between what they expect of you and what Jesus expects of you. You can’t be a pleaser of men and at the same time remain loyal to Jesus. Paul affirmed this truth in speaking to the Galatians.

Galatians 1:10 (NIV) - Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

When faced with that choice, there was only one-way for me to go; the way of Christ! With that decision, however, comes the knowledge that there is no turning back. You are in this thing too far with Jesus, to turn back now. After all, Jesus is not God of the dead, but God of the living! (Luke 20:38) With Jesus, every day of the year is Resurrection Day!

I urge you today, to make the “no turning-back” decision to go on with Jesus Christ.

Romans 13:11 (Amplified Bible) - “...you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah).”

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: Paul Brown

Arkansas Valley Correctional, Crowley, Colorado

Dear Sharon Griffee, Thanks for continuing to send me your Christian Ambassador’s Lessons. I especially liked the latest Lesson #28 [Creation Waits Expectantly For God’s Children], as it definitely spoke to me about changing our nature. I thought I had changed my nature once, but after 3 years of sobriety and growth, I found myself diving headfirst into a relapse and cocaine binge, which ultimately drew me to my knees. Without Jesus, I would have hung in my cell or flown into conflict with just about anyone. Now, only through the love and power in Christ, and the grace of God, I am standing. I am looking forward! God Bless you. Love in the Spirit, Paul.

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From: Jason Lavigne

State Prison Camp

Solodad, California

Dear Alan and Sharon, Thank you for the letter and other reading material you sent to me. Also, thank you for putting me on your mailing list. I really liked the newsletter you sent me. I was so excited to be able to use one of the Word Studies, the one Vicki Perry wrote, “Standing Firm”.

We have a prayer circle every morning after breakfast, so that we can start our day off honoring and glorifying God. We also pray for our families and friends and thank God for all the things He has blessed us with.

I ask that you pray the Lord to help me to continue this work and to grow spiritually every day. I will also be praying for you and Alan and for your ministry that God will continue to provide for your ministry, and for God to bless both of you in everything you do. Thank you again for the material. God Bless you. Your Christian brother, Jason.

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From: Michael Johnson,

Attica Correctional Facility

Attica, New York

Dear Alan and Sharon, Praise God. First, I want to give God the honor and glory for a new day and the breath of life. I want to thank you for My Brother’s Keeper and the saints that wrote to you and shared about you and the ministry you have done. I want to thank those who helped to put the ministry together and touch us in a unique way. We, behind the prison walls thank you all for the scriptures and for the teachings. I am very privileged to say you all have been a blessing to me.

I weep when I read the letters from men and women, because I share the same love from our Heavenly Father. All I want to do is serve Him and I want every soul to serve Him. I say to men and women in all prison facilities to continue to pray and serve almighty God. Please keep sharing and giving your testimonies.

Alan and Sharon, thank you for the word, the anointing that God instills in you. It really allows me to stay on the narrow path and to stay blessed. I thank you. My sincere gratitude to our Father in Heaven for his indescribable gift, to our Lord Jesus Christ for his grace, truth, and love, and to the Holy Spirit for his faithful guidance during my writing to you. God Bless you all, Brother Michael.

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From: Vicki Perry,

Former prison inmate,

Charleston, West Virginia

Dear Alan and Sharon, Thank you for allowing me the privilege to minister through the newsletters. Once again, you have touched my life in a very significant way. I think that our relationship is going on 4 years now. Part of the sculpting process the Lord has done has been through this ministry. I have fond memories of Karla taking the switch to me (so to speak J). Boy, she didn’t pull any punches. My time with her greatly molded me. I thank you all for your prayers, your love and your support.

The Lord has encouraged me not to be afraid; that He would be my strength and that He would be very close. I love Him so. Without Him, I could not have finished these 5 years. I thank Him for every thing that I’ve been through.

Alan and Sharon, I want to reassure you both that I am taking the Lord with me. I also will be keeping Him close for the rest of my life. No more do I desire the old life or the old me. I like the new person that the Lord and His Word have made. We have come a long way! Thank you for all you have done in my life. I pray God’s continual blessings in all areas of your lives. In His Love, Vicki.

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From: Daniel Cavazos,

Texas Dept. of Corrections

Lovelady, Texas

Dear Sharon, Greetings in the mighty and powerful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just here to say thanks for placing me on your mailing list. Since my request I have received two of your letters, with the accompanying lessons, and one “My Brother’s Keeper”. I’ve enjoyed it all. Very good, Godly inspired writings. I’ve enjoyed them so much that I’d like to have you place my friend on your mailing list as well.

I’m currently working on Bible correspondence courses. I’m just trying my best to stay focused on the Word, although, my main source of learning comes straight from the Bible and His Holy Spirit. I’ve been devoted, faithful, and committed to God the Father (Abba) through His Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus, since Oct. 2001. You and your ministry can and will help me stay focused and increased in my knowledge of Him. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and many others. You and your ministry are now in my daily prayers. Sincerely in Christ, His lil’ servant warrior, Daniel.

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From: Michael J. Hathaway,

Ely State Prison

Ely, Nevada

Dear Christian Ambassadors, I open this letter by sending warm greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. I currently receive your Newsletters and Spiritual Growth Lessons, which I sincerely thank you all at Christian Ambassadors for taking the time in thinking about me. It’s a great service you provide and I wish you all the best in many, many years to come.

I have been transferred to a new prison and would you all please change my address on your mailing list. Thank you. I look forward to your next Newsletters and Spiritual Growth Lessons. Please keep up the great work and may the Lord be with you all. God Bless, Michael.

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From: Cory Cannady,

ASUI

Lanchaster, California

Dear Sister Sharon Griffee, Praise the Lord, I just received the most edifying and encouraging letter from you. Praise the Lord and I thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for you and your husband Alan, and for all the ambassadors for Christ. Thank you so much for taking the time out to write us back. We’re all blessed over here and we appreciate the love that you all have for the Lord. May the Lord continue to bless you. Thank you so much for being a true servant of Christ. I hope and pray to see you all from CA in the Spirit. God Bless you, Cory.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters, Your letters 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 62876

Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2876 USA

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

God Has Sown Goodness

by

Oscar Romero

God has sown goodness.

No child is born evil.

We are all called to holiness...

Why then is there so much evil?

Because the inclinations of the human heart,

have corrupted people, and they need purification...

No one is born to kidnap,

No one is born to be a criminal,

No one is born to be a torturer,

No one is born to be a murderer.

We have all been born to be good.

To love one another.

Why then, O Lord, have so many

Weeds grown up in your field?

The enemy has done it, says Christ,

And the people, who have let the weeds

Grow in their hearts...

Youth: Ponder how we are all called to goodness,

And how the older generation - my own, I regret -

Has left you a legacy of so much selfishness

And so much evil.

Renew, new wheat, newly sown crops,

Fields still fresh from God’s hand.

Children, youth: Be a better world.

How I Turned My Life Around

by

Eva Fry

My father was an alcoholic who died at the age of 57. His drink of choice at the time was 100% over proof rum.

I hated what alcohol did to him and what he did to our family while he was under the influence. When I became a teenager, I fell into the same trap and started to drink. Why? Because it was all I knew and because I needed friends. It was easy to do what they did.

I was headed down the same alcoholic path my grandfather and father were on. But fortunately something happened which opened my eyes and made me want to stop my destructive destination. I had children! I realized that if I didn’t break the alcohol chain, I might give my children the life I had and end up like my Dad.

I was already living the life style. I was going to the bars each weekend with my husband. It became our weekend entertainment. We were having parties at our house with alcohol as the focal point. Late one night, after another wasted night at the bar, while my husband took the baby sitter home, I reflected on my life. I realized it wasn’t going anywhere, but to the same life I had as a kid. I knew if I didn’t make some changes, my kids would live a repeat of my life.

It was then when I got down on my knees and asked God to help me quit drinking. Fortunately, all I needed to do was make a commitment to stop, and I was able to do that. I believe it was because I never got to like drinking, and I never drank much. It just became a social habit, which luckily I easily broke.

From that point I never tasted alcohol and my life totally changed. My kids did not end up with the life I had as a child, and I didn’t end up with the life my dad and grandfather ended up with.

My children are well-adjusted kids who are successful. I am still married after 43 years, to the same man. We have an alcohol free, happy life. What did I do? I found truth and lived it. I now have the happy consequences.

#1. I found God.

#2. I repented.

#3. I tried to make up for my mistakes and I learned to be honest.

#4. I was obedient to God’s commandments.

#5. I learned to love.

#6. I discovered and developed my talents and gifts.

#7 I work toward my potential, serve others and do good.

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Eva Fry is currently living in Valley Center, California. She worked for ten years providing a volunteer program at Juvenile Hall in San Diego, California.

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