LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY

OCTOBER 2007
“DEREK’S  JOURNEY”

   
            The letter arrived with Prayer Warriors For Prisoners mail and I could hardly wait for my friend, Dolores, to read it.  The envelope was addressed from Derek in Florida, one of the prisoners to whom she sent a Christmas card.  He responded to Dolores’s hand written Scriptures and comments shortly after he received it, expressing his gratitude and telling how it had affected him at the time. In her reply, Dolores asked for his testimony of how God had worked in his life through his prison experience. 

Later that evening was with several friends for fellowship and dessert.  I was so excited about the letter and asked Dolores if she wanted to read it aloud.  She said, “Why don’t YOU read it!”  She didn’t have to ask twice for the impact and joy of this letter had to be shared.  Except for a few quiet comments such as “wow” and “amen.” the room was silent as I read.  Heads shook at the incredulous story of a life gone astray and a loving Shepherd bringing him back to the fold. 

Allow Derek’s story speak to your heart. 

When I was a boy, my mother always took us kids to church and afterward, we went to visit my grandmother.  I still remember those days like it was yesterday. My mom and grandmother were Christians. I’ve always believed in God but my life has been far from the standards of a Christian.  My mother was a single parent and because I was the oldest, was expected to look after my siblings while mother worked two jobs.

I entered my teen years and rebelled.  I was selfish, not thinking how hard it was on my mother to support us.

I tried to enjoy life and live it to the fullest but frankly I always felt something was missing.  I just couldn’t figure out what it was.  After high school, I joined the Marine Corps and this was my opportunity to have fun, explore the world and be on my own.  In my travels, I met many Christians, some who were serious Bible students.  Because my interests were totally self focused, I found it amazing how many people were into the Bible.  I often wondered, “What is it with these people!”  But every time I talked with a Christian, they always quoted that same message or Scripture. 

Eventually, I moved to Florida and got caught up in a lot of things.  In my mind, what I was doing was ok.  I was having fun without hurting anyone.  Neighbors invited me to church and quoted Scripture to me.  Even my neighbors quoted that same phrase as my grandmother and others I met in my travels in the service.  I used to think, “what is it with that phrase?” 

Today, I’m in prison in Florida and definitely NOT living life to the fullest!  I’ve been in prison for almost seven years and seen some terrible things.  Sometimes I cry at night thinking, “I don’t want to be next!”  Since I came here, my grandparents and mother have died.  When Christmas and my birthday come, I am so depressed because and I have no communication from the outside world.  My life is so worthless that I don’t even care if I live any more.
About a week before Christmas last year someone broke into my locker and stole some of my things.  This hurt because I have no way of replacing them.  Yes, I admit it, I cried even though I’m not proud of it.  But you must understand, the only thing I had in this world is now gone. It was a picture of my mother and grandmother and me together when I was a little boy.  It was my prized possession.  Looking at that picture gave me strength because it reminded me of the love I once received from my two favorite people.  Now, I have nothing… nothing at all.

As I lay on my bed shortly after getting robbed, memories of my grandmother came flooding back.  Then I remembered one thing she used to say, “Sometimes people don’t realize how much they need God until God is all they have.”  She used to say that and that other quote from the Bible.  I could not, for the life of me, get that phrase out of my head.  Then, that same night, I received a Christmas card and who was sending it to me?  The people at Prayer Warriors For Prisoners. 

As I read it, I thought how nice it was for someone to go out of their way.  Then I got to the part that had the same quote that all those people used over the years; the same exact one I always heard my grandmother use.  “Ask and you’ll receive. Seek and you will find.  Knock and the door will be opened to you.”  I couldn’t hold back the tears.  After all these years, I suddenly knew what it meant and also what I needed to do.  I asked Jesus to come into my heart and cried harder than I’ve ever cried.  If I had to come to prison to find the Lord, I’m fine with that.  I understand I made a life changing decision and it isn’t going to be easy.  

People tell me I am different somehow, but please remember to pray for me.  I am in a very hard place but I learned one thing recently: Jesus is always there!  “Ask and you’ll receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened unto you.” I guess NOW I can say I am living life to the fullest!

Finishing the letter, I noticed Dolores wiping her eyes as I brushed tears from my own.  No one spoke for several minutes as we considered in awe the power of God’s hand moving through an obedient servant as she performed a simple act of kindness, sending a Christmas card to a prisoner.  Dolores’ words broke the silence, “I never dreamed God would use me to affect someone so deeply.”
At a recent PWFP event, a chaplain shared about the hopelessness of prisoners and awesome God who hand selects people to give prisoners hope.  Dolores was chosen to restore hope to Derek.  God gave them both an incredible gift.  Her “visit” dramatically impacted Derek and changed both their lives for eternity.  Jesus loves prisoners so much, He identified with them when He said “I was in prison and you visited me.” 

Be a part of the Prayer Warriors For Prisoners Christmas Card Outreach this year.  Participate as an individual or hold your own card party at church, home or study group.  Invite others to join you.  Celebrate the gift of giving by reaching out to the “least of these”.  Make a difference in someone’s life for eternity.  God wants to use you to change a heart.  Call today for information.
Jan McLaughlin is Director of Prayer Warriors For Prisoners and can be reached at 719-275-6971 or by e-mail, prayerforprisoners@msn.com