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The Power of a Letter People underestimate the power of a simple word, a card or letter. Think about being at summer camp, away at college or in the military when mail call came and there was a letter for you. The anticipation, holding that sealed letter. The stamp, postmark and the fact someone took the time. It didn't even matter what it said, just that it was there. That letter, that simple piece of paper said, 'I'm important. I'm not alone. Somebody out there really cares what I think, feel and that I am. I am here. I am not forgotten."
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John asks: Listen to my song...
- Arrest me oh Lord and set me free,
- Arrest me oh Lord and rescue me,
- Arrest me oh Lord and take all my sin
- Arrest me oh Lord fill me from within,
- I have been a poor sinner for most of my life,
- My wages are jail time discord and strife,
- As I sit in my jail cell with Bible and pen I write to my Jesus please save me from sin.,
Sing it with me...there is more Can you hear the melody? Close your
eyes and it will come to you tears will flow and you will be moved. God gave me the words and each time I say or write them I cry. I heard a young man testify in a Jail service. He said I was not arrested but I was rescued by God. |
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How often do we keep letters and cards, tucked away in boxes, drawers or books so that one day in the future we can pull them out again and read? Letters mark the path of our lives, and encapsulation of events, joys, pains and the reality of being human. They remind us of who we are and what we hope to become. They melt loneliness and awaken dreams. And for inmate, living within a sanitize society of rules and restrictions, a simple letter replaces despair with hope. Where hope exists, miracles happen.
Evangelizing in Ink The Christian faith's unique mandate for evangelizing, spreading of Christ's message of hope, redemption and eternal life spawns from its followers actions. What we do, rather than what we say demonstrates our faith. Christians do not need churches or holy places to be Christian, for Christ tells us that wherever two Christians meet in honor of Christ's name, this is a church. Through us, the holy spirit works.
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Thanks to Christ's sacrifice, we need not be perfect, know scripture by heart or even attend formal religious events. All we must do is believe, ask His guidance, honor God through word and deed and share in each other's joys and pains. God works through people by bring those we need into our lives at the exact time they are needed. Human angels, when we help another in selflessness, that is what we become.
Pen Pals for Jesus does just that. It brings together people in the body of Christ who are exactly what the other needs. For the inmates, Pen Pals become their window to the world. A source of inspiration, hope, learning and faith. For the writers, each becomes a special friend, confidant and teacher for someone who often hasn't known kindness in his life or has felt little in recent years. Together writer and inmate build fresh foundations. Hope returns and where hope exists, anything is possible.
This program, a ministry of the pen, is about changing lives through faith and friendship. Over the next several months we'll bring you stories from behind bars, from the spouses and children of inmates and writers just like you who decided to do something to change a life, and by changing a life, help change the world. Getting Involved Most of these men are forgotten by society, their families and their community but they've reached out for help and hope through faith. Others are lonely and finding the isolation of prison difficult to bear. A simple post card from someone, anyone to make them feel wanted or even
acknowledged can provide the catalyst for turning a man's life around. It can give him the motivation to change and a figurative shoulder to lean on in times of doubt.
You can help by becoming a Pen Pal and adopting an inmate. Or if letter writing just isn't your thing, but you'd still like to help, you can donate money, Bibles and supplies like stamps, postcards and envelopes.
John B Warnken, founder of Pen Pals for Jesus is joining Couples Company as a contributor. Over the next several months he'll share stories of hope, redemption and forgiveness gathered from his work with prison inmates. The following will give you an idea of what the program is about and why it is so needed. For more information, contact John at http://penpals4jesus.com/ Or write:
Pen Pals 4 Jesus P.O. Box 506
Floral City, FL. 34436
Check back here each month for the featured Inmate story. This month we feature Jeff Freeman... 7-09-06
From inmate
Jeff Freeman
SC DOC # 240894
Kirkland Correctional Institute A – 2 - 25
4344 Broad River Road
Columbia, S.C> 29210
To: PPJ
Hello friend,
My name is Jeff Freeman, I'm incarcerated at Kirkland Correctional
Institute in Columbia South Carolina. I love to meet new people
especially believers in God whom I can learn from and teach. I have a life sentence in here for a burglary charge.
I have never hurt anyone in my life I just had a drug problem and
stole stuff to support my habit. I've always been a believer in God
and now I'm closer to God. Everyday is a struggle but as long as I
try God is there to help me through. I would love to hear form anyone
who has time to write and I would like to ask that you please pray for
me.
I'm going up for a board this week to determine if I can transfer to
another prison where things will be a lot easier on me and my family.
Just let me know and please keep me in your prayers to get my time cut down so I can go home to my parents and family please.
Thank You,
Your brother in Christ
Jeff Freeman.
Transcribed from Jeff Freeman's letter to Penpals4jesus
He was given our address via a friend in prison
https://sword.doc.state.sc.us/incarceratedInmateSearch/index.jsp
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