Truth Frees Us Prison Ministry
Straight for Bryan's Cell - November, 2003
"Cookies & Snickers ... and the Love of God"
One of the highlights in our rather drab routine is the receiving of Quarterly Packages. Each inmate is allowed to get one 30 lb. box, full of goodies, once every three months. Although Mom's special cookies are not permitted, it provides parents or friends an opportunity to do something a bit more personal than sending money orders; and it also gives the inmate the wonderful privilege of possessing something that's not state property, something from home. I was blessed with a package about two weeks ago, and one of the items sent was the latest in evangelism tools.
In this box of love my parents sent me a new pair of running shoes—which do make me run faster and further—some sun glasses to keep the wind out of my eyes as I run faster and further; and even some nice sweatshorts so that I look proper as I keep the wind out of my eyes, and run faster and further. But more useful than my new attire was this revolutionary witnessing device that was enclosed.
Now, I know that some of your gears are turning upstairs, but rather than prove you wrong immediately, allow me to drag this out a bit. First, let me tell you what it is not. It is not that ever rumored manual "How to Win A Soul in 60 Seconds." Nor is it an ever popular, but yet to be released, apologist handbook titled "100 Difficult Questions Answered." It is not a "How to Share Your Faith" study course, pocket Bible, or any other items that have come off the printing press. But it can be found in just about every store—convenience or grocery—in America; measures five inches long and two inches wide; and costs under a dollar. Have you found me out, or given up?
In my big box was a much smaller box of ten, individually wrapped, radical new missionary devices. Their names Cookies & Snickers.
"How can a candybar be a witnessing tool?" question you. Well, in this update I would like to share with you two people in particular that have been affected by these tasty treats; and then a third gentleman, not because he has been won over by these delightful snacks, but because I know that you care. I'll begin with the one that weighs heaviest on my heart.
One Sunday as I greeted people coming into church, a group of three or four men made their way near. I recognized one, but the others wore strange faces. Everybody in the group had their heads shaved bald, skin browned by the blistering desert sun, and quite frankly I assumed that these were just some more guys going to church just to get some more yard time to work on their tans. As they entered the door one of them pointed to me and asked if I was going to be preaching today? "Oh no," I thought to myself, "another dissatisfied hearer." And I joyfully said, "Nope. Today Chaplain John will be preaching." Whew! I was relieved, but what this man said next convicts me still today.
"Hey, fellas, this guy can preach! Man, brother Lefty (what most of the men refer to me as) I really like how you put it down," said he; and my breath was taken away. Then he came over and put his arm around me and introduced himself as Steve (name has been changed to respect privacy). Steve told me how that he heard me preach last Saturday and wants to be on the list for my Saturday afternoon services. I began to reason inside of myself that this man must be a mature Christian, because not to many men here would just tell you how great you are, and how much they would like to sit under your teaching. But to my dismay, dear readers, Steve was the antithesis of such.
One afternoon after the services came to a close, Steve pulled me to the side and asked if it was okay for him to be here in church? "Of course," I said, "why do you ask?" Steve explained that he struggles with drugs and he knows how people are going to react when they see him in church. "Steve," I firmly said, "you don't worry about what other people may say. Just make sure that you keep coming back." He then asked if he could come to me for some guidance in the future, and I responded with an "I pray so."
In the weeks since then I've spoken to Steve several more times, and then last week I gave him a little care package with a Cookies & Snickers bar nestled inside. "You didn't have to do that," Steve told me. I let him know that I knew that, "but this is to let you know that I love you, Steve, and I'm glad you're here." His face brightened up and his eyes began to fill. I trust that he'll be back.
"Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
The next gentleman that has unknowingly been victimized—for the lack of a better term—by these chololately bars is a man that goes by the name of Gato (name has been changed to respect privacy). Now, Gato professes to be saved, and has been attending every Sunday service for over a month now. And though I've been supportive of him, it has been from afar. But not without good cause.
You see, with the exception of bodily harm, this guy Gato has treated me worse and taken greater advantage of me that any other person in my five years of imprisonment. However, despite his cruelty I have played the old "forgive but don't forget" game, and remained hospitable from a distance. But just a few days ago, I sent him a Cookies & Snickers with a note attached letting him know that all the unspoken animosity that I have had towards him is no more. I asked for his forgiveness, and told him that I loved him. In return I received an enthusiastic "thank you," and only time will tell if God will use me in his life. Who knows, perhaps that candybar will be the first step?
Finally, Randy (name has been changed to respect privacy) is the young man I thought you might like to hear about. Whatever Randy's past may have been I know not, but the person he is now reflects warmth, intelligence, and an eagerness to serve God. He used to come to every service, but in the last month he has attended none. I saw him slip away, gave him some space, and approached him only a day ago. I spoke to Randy as gently and the best I know how, but it took no strong argument to win him back, for he was ready before I even approached him. As a result of faithful brothers encouraging him back and much prayer, his young heart was suffocating without Jesus and once again he was ready to breathe in the breath of life. This Friday I should see his face where it shines best, i.e. the house of God.
It's amazing what a candybar can do, but at best it only breaks the ice and lets another know that you care. What these men really need, and hundreds just like them, is prayer and guidance. Therefore it is the goal of this update, not to start a soul winning candybar trend, but rather to challenge each of you reading this to help us at truthfreesus.org. We desperately need your prayers for these men and mentors too. Who knows, perchance you could have been the influencing voice that kept Randy from straying; the one who will walk Steve through his infant years; and soften a saved but hardened Gato. Will you help us today?
If so, then please let us know. If you are unable at present to commit yourself as a mentor then please devote these men to your daily prayers; and let us know that you did so. But if you're interested in becoming a shaping influence in these men's lives then we can get you started in that as well.
Until next time ... I'11 be sharing the love of God one candybar at a time ... straight from Bryan's cell.