June 12, 2010 – Johnston – Winnsboro, TX
Well, we’ve reached the mid-way point in year 10. To me, it is just as exciting and rewarding as it was the first time we served at the Havins Unit so many years ago. I guess you could say we serendipitously (the word of the week) found ourselves in a place where He needs us to serve. The rest is history and all glory goes to Him.
The overall general population at the Johnston Unit is down significantly. Although we didn’t get a formal count of attendance, there appeared to be 60 to 70 in attendance for the service. It was a wonderful time of worship. Mitchell focused on Galatians 3 for his message. There were 16 men who met in prayer at the “altar” to ask Jesus into their hearts.
In Galatians, we find Paul writing to the churches at Galatia with the intent of addressing the false teachings that had been infecting the Galatians since Paul was last there. There is one repeated phrase that summarizes the subject of Galatians – “the truth of the gospel”. It warns of the dangers of works salvation. Eternal life is not based on works as no one can perfectly obey the law. The Galatians were mistakenly trying to achieve perfection through their own efforts. A person can only be justified through faith. The “law” is to convict us of our sin, demonstrating the urgent need for redemption through Jesus Christ. We can stand justified only through faith in Jesus and nothing else will save us.
Some may say, “It’s not about being good, but about what you believe and only you can make that choice.” Our promise and hope is found in verse 26. As believers we are adopted by God Himself and have become Sons and Daughters of the King. We’ve been set free to receive an eternal inheritance.
I recently came across an old church bulletin that included a letter from an inmate (shown below). Each time I read this I can’t help but think about how many people (in and out of prison) are experiencing these feelings. What can you do to help stop the suffering?
My Name: It Don’t Matter
You know, I’m so tired of living in this life. I’m tired of having no family and friends. This is my very first time in prison and what I see is hurt and pain. No one wants anything to do with me because I am a poor man. If anybody knew the hell I had to go through half my life and why I have a mad mans face and why I look crazy in the face. But if people went down the roads I had to go down they would understand. But not until. I’m sitting in my cell wanting to die and not knowing how. Have you ever felt so alone that you feel God don’t even want me any more! The world don’t care. I need help and I don’t know how to ask for it. Should I die for that reason? If only my Mama was living and I could say I’m sorry Mama for all the hurt and pain I’ve caused and the things like that hurts a person inside and outside. Please God let me find the peace I’m looking for. I don’t have any friends in here that I can talk with. I really don’t cause I don’t have the money to pay for them. In here that’s what its all about. Say whatever you may, not all of us are bad people. I’m a very kind person. I lost everything out there because I’m an alcoholic. Why me? I just wish I had someone I could talk with. Is there anyone out there? I want so much to go to sleep and never, never wake up until I see God there with people who care! One thing I do know, I’m tired!! Whoever reads this, you found a friend! Maybe we will meet again in another world.
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