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Alpha Turning 30

Not everyone gets excited about their 30th birthday, some even come close to being traumatized by it. For APM, it's both cause for celebration and an opportunity to reflect on the goals for the future. Like any 30th birthday, we can also look back and evaluate what has been accomplished.

In November 1983, Bob Whitehead began APM with only three volunteers and a vision to provide Bible studies and one-on-one mentoring of inmates. As Leon mentioned in a recent letter, we now have over 200 men in these Bible studies and APM has remained true to its original mission. Shortly before Bob went to be present with the Lord in 2001, transitional housing was added to that mission.

In the same way that our culture has been spiraling downward in the last 30 years, the need for prison ministry has grown. The US has the highest documented incarceration rate in the world. The prison population has quadrupled since APM began 30 years ago.

As we look ahead, the challenges are many, and so are the opportunities. For those of you who attended the annual banquet last month, you got to see and hear first hand some of what God is doing through APM, and that “more be credited to your account” (Phil. 4:17) because of your support.

Men like Nate who shared his testimony are having their lives forever changed. There were many things that struck me about Nate and his experiences. For one, most people would definitely have him thrown away—a hopeless repeat offender getting what he deserves rotting away in prison. God saw him differently and no one meeting Nate now would have any doubt that he's a man of God.

If we're to be found guilty of hammering any point as a ministry, let it be the goal to develop warriors for the Kingdom of God. The card on the back of this newsletter says it, and Michelle confirmed it when she shared what APM means to her at the banquet.

For 14 years while her dad was in prison, she went through ten foster homes and had no need for God because of the sour grapes life had handed her. She's not only a Christian now, she has her dad back who is now a father because God changed his life.

This is what we want to do more of as we celebrate 30 years and move forward into as many years as the Lord gives us.

Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2013

 

Thank You Card From Inmates

Our volunteers at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility recently received a very tangible thank you from inmates they study the Bible with. Click on the thumbnail image to the right to see an enlargement of the hand drawn Thank You card presented to the Bellamy Creek volunteers.

Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2013

 

Annual Banquet a Great Success

For those who attended the annual banquet, you got to experience a real blessing. I only wish more of our leaders would do what Sen. Hildenbrand did and see first hand why prison ministry is so important. Since part of his responsibilities include making decisions about prisons, I believe God made that a successful evening at every level.

Between the offerings received and pledges made at the banquet, our total income was $4076.20 after expenses. Praise the Lord this will help us to reach more men and advance the Kingdom of God!

Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2013

 

Meet Senator Dave Hildenbrand

When it was confirmed that Senator Dave Hildenbrand had accepted our invitation to be the guest speaker at our annual banquet, it meant more than just having a well known name and influential politician to name drop as a means to encourage you to attend. I have an added connection that demonstrates his commitment to truly make a difference in his position. My son had earned the rank of Eagle Scout which is achieved by less than 5% of all Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America.

As part of the usual celebration of his accomplishment, letters were sent to dozens of leaders in business, media, and government. Although many, even most, responded with form letters sent to all Eagle Scouts, which is understandable given the busy schedules these people have, one stood out. It stood out not because it was more cleverly worded than the rest, there was another important difference.

Of the scores of letters sent inviting leaders in our society to congratulate my son for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, only one resulted in a phone call from staff members. I can't fault the others for not including this extra step of recognition, but I am compelled to share that Senator Hildenbrand was the only one to take it to this level.

When we share that Dave Hildenbrand has accepted our invitation to be our guest speaker at the annual APM banquet, I trust that you will not just think it's another politician spewing rhetoric. We are honored to have a man truly seeking to be more than just another politician. To me, he has effectively demonstrated that he is genuinely different.

Granted, he is a local home boy who graduated valedictorian from Lowell High School and worked his way through college on a dairy farm. His above average credentials are impressive and we could tout those, but more importantly, he's going to speak to us from a proven heart that really wants to make a difference.

Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2013

NOTE: The banquest was held on October 21, 2013 and was a great success. See our October newsletter for updated information after the banquet.

 

Two Letters From the Same Inmate

Marcell wrote us two letters in July. Although we frequently point out how the men in prison usually come from broken homes, no one can say it better than the inmates themselves.

7/8/2013:

When I was eight years old, my mother awakened me about 3 or 4 am to leave my father. I was living quite well at that time in 1969, my parents had good jobs, my father a forklift driver in the automotive plant in Pontiac, my mother the head chef at Bloomfield Hills Country Club.

Little did I know my father was an alcoholic before I was born and my mother liked to party. They fought all the time. That is why she uprooted me to leave a beautiful home to an attic in Detroit with one older sister and three brothers—me being the youngest. I went from a home with both parents to a single parent.

My siblings were violent from the very start of my childhood and they carried this behavior into adulthood. One of my brothers attempted to murder me, another brother said he wished I was dead. My mother said I was a mistake, and my sister cannot give anyone a reason she hates me but she does.

I got a break to get away from a violent family. I was accepted at Northeast Louisiana University in the 12th grade, drove there with my mother, sister, and her boyfriend, and was $200 short to move into my dorm. My mother would not put up the money so she asked my sister. She said she would not loan my mother the money.

My oldest brother was murdered at the age of 19 with a $60,000 life insurance policy. He told my mother if anything were to happen to him to make sure I went to college. I was in the 9th grade when he died. My mother didn't have a penny of that insurance money. I remembered all those basement parties every weekend with lots of food and liquor.

I graduated high school in 1980 and a life of crime started in 1981. Here I am, I have never been able to get out of this life of crime and I never gave Jesus Christ a chance to save me until May 4, 2012. I was arrested and went to jail. Now my mother, father, and two brothers are deceased. The one brother left does not have long to live due to alcohol.

I have no one for an emergency contact, so if I die there's no one to call. So here I am all alone but since 3/3/2012 I have been in communication with God in the Holy Bible. And God will never leave me nor forsake me. That gave me hope. Since then I have been reading and studying; this is how I became a Christian.

I attend chapel and Bible studies with Alpha Ministries. Jesus is the Son of God, the gospel is the good news—go out and tell the world to repent, spreading the word. I'm sharing by my walk and my language when prisoners sit and try to talk. I always mention whatJesus would do or say. After that they don't come around me much.

I'm growing by living in the Spirit and with love for all men. My favorite Bible passage is Romans 13:1-7. I'm praying for Alpha Ministries. I'm tired of losing. Thank you and God bless!

Sincerely,
Marcell

7/31/2013:

God bless you and APM. I pray that you and Alpha are in good health and God watches over you.

What you and Alpha are doing is a blessing from God, Oh! Thanks for the “How America Lost God” newsletter. I appreciate information such as that, I hope you have more. I'm not a father but I come from a fatherless home where my mother was shot eight times by her live-in boyfriend when I was in my teen years, and, after that shooting she took him back.

You can't imagine how I felt, or what I tried to do, but I had to live in the same house with him there. I remember going to church between 5-7 years of age, then it stopped after that period. I only wish I was not born into the family I was born into. I desire to build or establish a Christian family and support system in Grand Rapids.

I'm having a hard time in here, there is so much regret and pain. If only I was following Jesus Christ at a younger age, I would not be in this hell and I'm not just talking about prison, my life on the outside was a prison. How I long for God to relieve me.

I wish I could attend the annual banquet. I love to be involved, Oh! I wish I had a friend and a family.

Stay healthy,
Marcell

NOTE: Marcell has a release date in March of 2016, yet he has applied to be a mentor with APM. Through APM and your support, men like Marcell do have friends and are part of a true family.

Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2013

 

You Are a True Blessing From God

In May, we included a prayer request for Bob who was moved to another facility. Here is a letter from Bob we received last month.

It's great to hear from you. All is well here. I am back to working now as a cook in the kitchen (busy, busy).

They do have services here but no programs like Alpha, Prison Fellowship, or Keryx, just primary services on Sunday which I miss because of work. They do have a secondary service on Friday evenings. Most of the pastors and lay people volunteering here are from the local Baptist churches. They do a pretty good job of sharing the gospel.

I feel that there is a choke hold on the Holy Spirit here. Please keep this facility up in prayer. There are a few strong Christian brothers in Christ here, but outside of that, most of the people filling the pews don't really seem like they want to be there. It's time for a revival and the Holy Spirit to be able to roam freely over this compound.

Thank you for the mention for prayer in the last Advocate, it is very much appreciated. I am now in group and I will be seeing the parole board sometime in July. So my December out date may be looking very good. Only time will tell.

There is a gentleman named Reuben who is here with me at this facility. He is going to services here and we are in group together too. He is striving to live a life for Christ and he wants to genuinely be a better person. I gave him Alpha's address and told him to ask for an application. Hopefully all will work out for him.

I am doing well. I'm working 32-42 hours a week, still running about 20 miles a week, playing a little softball, and I'm reading and studying my Bible as always. God's word has to take center stage as I continue forward in my walk down the narrow path led by the Holy Spirit.

This is the only way to know God's will for our lives as I'm sure you already know. But for me it's a new concept. Faith in Christ has been a learning process over the last 11 years. I am so thankful for APM for being there to answer a lot of questions in the beginning, for mentoring me through the volunteers, and for your encouragement . You are a true blessing from God.

Love in Christ,
Bob

Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2013

 

Life After Hitting Bottom

The following is Bill's testimony, who is a current Alpha House resident:

Some bad things happened to me when I was a young child that I allowed to affect my life. My uncles used to get me drunk for their own amusement and my babysitter's boyfriend physically abused me. Mainly it was the verbal abuse though... “You're no good,” or “You'll never amount to anything...”

On the other hand, good things happened in my life when I was approx-imately five or six years old (Eph. 1:3-5):

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will (KJV).

I knew somehow God loved me and at that moment told him how I loved him. I got baptized as an infant, went to church every Sunday, received first Communion, then Confirmation. My actions didn't show my love. I started drinking, smoking, and getting high at a very young age.

I continued this lifestyle and in the process I was divorced twice and lost five beautiful children—all because of my selfishness. It seemed as if I had to live out the “good for nothing”, “never amount to anything” person I was told that I was.

I was in and out of jail for drinking or small amounts of drugs, but never repented of this lifestyle. I woke up from one of my many blackouts to a living nightmare. I committed a horrible crime. I hit bottom is what they call it in Alcoholics Anonymous.

I decided to repent. I laid on a concrete floor crying, praying, and asking for forgiveness. The Holy Spirit came upon me and gave me the comfort I needed. Then came my court sentence... They were not so forgiving.

In Matthew 4:10 it is written, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve.”

I wasn't doing this with my life. I started reading my Bible (a first in my life), took Bible studies via mail, and attended services. This strengthened me enough that years later I had the confidence to take a trade program. I excelled in there, became a tutor, and then a greenhouse technician for eight years.

Genesis 50:20: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (KJV).

My confidence level has changed quite a bit thanks to the Bible. I consider it my “Chilton's Manual” for my spirit man. Fellowship with the men at both APM and AA for Christ also gave me a big boost.

Two of my favorite feelings are to be in Christ and win someone over to his kingdom. The other is to bring a Prodical Son (like me) back to his goodness. Oh, can't forget praise and worship time either. After all, this is why we were created.

I have been abundantly blessed to live at Alpha House and even entrusted to become a house manager. I have plenty of garden area, a good job, and more. Mainly though, one of my children came back and I think the others are curiously watching my walk.

Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2013

 

The Call

Prison poetry by Cortez C. Robinson, Kencheloe, Michigan

The time is now. The charge is clear.
For every man, he must now hear.
He that has come, full of grace,
Brings the light to a dark place.
The time is now to spread the news.
Good or bad, one must now choose.
Till the ground and plant a seed.
On the Bread of Life, all must feed.
The time is now, the seal is broke.
Receive the crown or Satan's yoke.
Straight is the path, narrow the way.
No darkness is found in the light of day.
The time is now, judgement's at hand.
The King of kings will make a stand.
Heaven's glory triumphs over them all.
Satan's legions soon all to fall.
The time is now, we must not wait.
Receive the pass through heaven's gate.

Used by permission.

Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2013

 

Plundering the Enemy Camp

Sometimes I wish everyone receiving this newsletter could sit in on our monthly Board meetings. Those of you who minister inside the prisons already have a good sense of the pulse of this ministry. Our meetings are not just to discuss the business of the ministry, but to stay connected to what our volunteers are doing.

Randy has recently shared some tough moments from the front lines. He has sat across the table looking into the eyes of an inmate who after surrendering his life to the Lord has had some of the worst trials of his life, including the death of a child. The decision to follow Christ invites trouble from the enemy and the men we minister to live daily in an enemy stronghold.

Randy also shared how he has been studying the Bible with an inmate named Cory. Cory is not a believer but he is seeking to understand the Bible. Pray that God will make the lights come on for Cory because only God's Spirit can make his word come to life in the human spirit.

When you read Guy's testimony below, it serves as a vivid reminder not only of the horrible cruelty the devil unleashes on people's lives, but that delivering a message of hope is literally raiding the enemy camp. Although your problems probably pale in comparison to what some of these men have gone through, your support of prison ministry means your trials are just evidence that you're doing something the enemy doesn't like.

There was some discussion at the Board meeting about the content of Guy's story and publishing something that will be very unsettling because of the cruelty that Guy endured as a child. But such stories are sadly too common among inmates. Your support is changing lives and Guy's story demonstrates the power of God to deliver even from the worst experiences.

This is the message that needs to be heard, and it's the takeaway value we want you to receive. It is heart wrenching, but you are helping to supply a happy ending.

It's true we oppose a vicious enemy, but that's not the right focus. If God is for us, no weapon forged against us has any chance of success. Jesus went so far as to say the gates of hell cannot prevail against us. We can plunder the enemy camp with no fear of evil and your support will not go unrewarded. Thank you.

Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2013

 

Every Pet I Ever Had This Man Killed

Growing up for me was fast and hard. I grew up in a brutal home where I endured physical and mental abuse from my stepfather.

The physical abuse was often severe beatings from the buckle of the belt, a fist, or a swift kick from a steel toed boot. The physical abuse was almost tolerable compared to the mental abuse! For years I had to listen to this man beat and sodomize my mother, and often the sodomy was done at gunpoint.

Every pet I ever had this man killed. He once made me hold my pet cat while he decapitated it telling me, “You let go of that cat and I'll do this to your mom and make you watch.” I was around 8-9 years old. Later I learned that he would threaten my mom with making her watch him kill me if she ever left him.

Just shortly after my 13th birthday I was at a friend's house and he showed me his dad's 38 pistol. When I left his house the gun went with me! I kept it under my mattress for 3 days trying to get the nerve to kill and all I needed was for him to hit or rape my mom and I'd have the nerve.

I came home from school to find him sitting at the kitchen table with this 38 and it was easy to see that it was still loaded. He asked, “What's this?” and I still don't know how I did it, but when I pretended to sit at the table I grabbed the gun and had it cocked and pointed at him. Then I said, “To kill you the next time you hurt me or my mom.” He never tested my nerve.

With him at gunpoint, I called my friend and he came over. I told him to go into my room and pack me some clothes. While he was doing this I was telling this man in graphic detail how I would kill him slowly and painfully if he ever put his hands on my mom again.

Thirteen years old and out my own! I quickly got into drugs and by 14 had worn out my welcome at friends houses where I stayed after leaving home. Fourteen years old, out on the streets, sleeping in abandoned buildings, and eating out of dumpsters. By age 16 I was a full fledged crack head and the streets had hardened and frozen my heart. I was doing anything necessary to support my habit, stealing and other criminal activity.

I tried getting and staying clean a few times but was never successful. I moved in with my mom only to end up maxing out her credit card at the ATM and forging personal checks to support my habit, stealing from other family members until I'd lost all trust and confidence from my own family.

I've been in prison since May 1998. Fifteen years of prison combined with a bad childhood and being a drug addict has been a long, hard road. For the first 13½ years, I did my time as if I had no out date, and experimenting in the deep, dark world of homosexuality looking to fill the void I've always had in my life.

I've taken full responsibility for my actions and am starting to get answers to why I did it from this Christian book called 12 Steps With Jesus. It deals with all addictions, not just drugs and alcohol. In the past 6 months I've underwent a tremendous change after sincerely asking Jesus to come into my life, and started putting him first.

Yes, I still struggle but... I faithfully believe that because God knows the intent of my heart and my real passion to change, I have been being blessed abundantly!

It was no coincidence for me to be chosen out of 700+ men to be in this faith based program. It's by no accident that you went from not being able to get me into Alpha House until 2014 to August of 2013, my early release date.

This is nothing but God working in my life opening doors of opportunity that otherwise would be closed to me.

Our new Alpha group here at Muskegon is going well, THANK YOU!!

I'm confident that if it's God's will, I'll be there at the end of August, and if not, then this just means that God has something better for me later. If I do not get a parole, I will contact you expeditiously so you can offer my spot to someone else. If this occurs, please be advised that I would want to remain on your list for coming to Alpha at a later date.

I hope this will give you a little insight into my story and I look forward to advancing my relationship with you when I arrive at Alpha House. Please feel confident of my passion to get out and become part of your success rate, and to become a productive citizen of society.

Respectfully yours,
Guy

NOTE: The new Alpha Bible study Guy mentioned at Muskegon is the same one mentioned in our March newsletter. If you would like to be a part of this exciting ministry, additional volunteers are very much needed. We've had to limit the attendance because the demand is greater than we have the volunteers for.

Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2013

 

Credited To Your Account

We're only a few months into 2013, but what a year it is! New volunteers are being raised up in response to our biblical prayers of asking God to send laborers to the very ripe harvest fields. Bill Spurrier was unanimously voted in to serve on the Board in January. A new Bible study began at Muskegon Correctional Facility and over 30 inmates signed up and attended.

During our February Board meeting, there was a lot of discussion about what we do as a ministry, the impact it has, the people who serve, fund raising, etc. It is clear to us that communicating the difference you are making as a partner of APM is vital. As great as things are going, more volunteers are needed, more donations help will us to have an even greater impact.

When Paul was writing to the Philippians on the subject of their generosity, he made a statement that takes most modern day believers by surprise because of the way we've been conditioned to think about the subject of giving. In verse 17 of chapter 4, he states, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.”

When you give to a fruitful ministry like APM, all those lives being affected are credited to your account. This is also the context and condition of the more well known statement Paul makes two verses later: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

We'd like to share just a few examples of what God is crediting to your account:

APM has almost 200 men attending in-prison Bible studies. This is the result of a core principle in our purpose “to evangelize and disciple men who happen to be prisoners and former inmates.” Getting men into the Bible so God's word gets into them is how curses get lifted off, how families are restored, and how a nation is built strong.

These inmates become Bible study leaders themselves. They are witnesses in the facilities where they are incarcerated. Fellow inmates, and even prison staff, watch these men to find out if they are “real.” And they are real.

Some of these men come to Alpha House when they are released from prison where they are not only housed, they further study the Bible, learn important life skills, receive mentoring, and successfully beat the odds of returning to prison. Statistically, 2/3 of all inmates released end up back in prison. For Alpha House residents, it's only 1 in 10. Even for that one, God's not done with them yet either.

These men not only successfully reintegrate into society with the odds against them, Alpha House “graduates” go on to succeed as fathers and husbands. This also includes the following successes just to name a few: church elders and deacons, ushers/greeters, Alpha House mentors, small group leaders, Bible study leaders, ministry volunteers, starting ministries within the churches they attend, small business owners, and valued employees.

Imagine the impact these men have as they give to their churches to advance the Kingdom of God in a way that wouldn't have happened if your money wasn't being used to win them over. As we discussed all this at the last Board meeting, everyone agreed that you deserve to be regularly reminded of the fact that your support of APM is making a difference.

When you read letters we share or feedback like Rob's below, we give you our thanks for your support, but God has it credited to your account.

Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2013

 

Opposite Responses To Hard Times

The following was written by Rob, a current Alpha House resident highlighting his past, his decision to follow Christ, and how his relationship with the Lord gets him through hard times where he once was filled with anger and rebellion:

I was an angry, out of control kid with no plan for life but to get high or drunk. I was full of hatred for the things I experienced in life, and was very reckless with no desire to respect authority. I did remember a verse I heard when I was a kid; it was 1 Peter 5:8, the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, and I never forgot that.

When I was 16, I was invited to a church youth group outing to Chicago. My only interest was because I liked Al Capone and that was where he was from. We went to a church there and the sermon was about real life and the forgiveness of sins.

John 10:10, the thief's purpose is to steal, kill and destroy, and Jesus said, “My purpose is to give you life in all its fullness.” And that if I confess my sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

I was overwhelmed with a desire to want to be forgiven and I went forward to the altar and gave my heart and life to Jesus. Now I know what grace is and how much love God has for me, and that it's not by my good deeds. While we were still sinners, Christ died for our sins (Romans 5:8).

God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). God has been so good to me, and my relationship with him helps me to hold on in the hard times of life.

Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2013

 

Lock in a Sock

One of the things we easily take for granted is the safety we enjoy. For inmates, brutal attacks are common and getting worse because prisoners of different “security levels” are being mixed where they used to be separated. In February, we received this letter from Willi describing an all too common danger these men face. Prayers for their safety and protection will be appreciated.

Please forgive me for not writing for a while. As you can see from the return address, I've been transferred to St. Louis (Michigan) Correctional Facility. This was due to being blind sided with a “lock in a sock” while at Muskegon which broke my jaw, took out two teeth, and left me laid up for several months.

All is well now. God is still in control and has blessed me through the ordeal.

I pray all is well with you and Alpha Prison Ministries. I am still interested in residing in the Grand Rapids area upon my release.

Again, I apologize for the lapse in correspondence.

Take care and God bless,
Willi

Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2013

 

Prisons Served By APM

Our in-prison Bible studies take place in these 6 prisons. We have opportunities to minister in other facilities too, but need the volunteers to seize the opportunities. Please pray for the men and volunteers at these facilities, for more laborers in this ripe harvest, and for our ability to expand the ministry.

• Mid-Michigan Correctional Facility
• Boyer Road Correctional Facility
• Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility
• Brooks Correctional Facility
• Muskegon Correctional Facility
• North Coast Correctional Facility in Ohio

Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2013

 

New Year, New Man

The following is excerpted from an inmate letter we received in November:

I thank God for the strength he is giving me daily to overcome this experience in my life. Without His love, strength, guidance, and protection, it would be very difficult. However, I can feel His presence in my life daily and am very happy that He has chosen to bless me.

I am also very thankful that I have loved ones and friends who are praying for me every day. I truly believe that their prayers and their goodwill towards me has definitely helped my situation, and will play a very important part in my future success, and in the completion of my goals.

Since I have been incarcerated, I have learned that I had been an incredibly ignorant and selfish man, a man who thought of people, relationships, and blessings as expendable and discardable. Now that time has passed, I have had time to do an inner search and an overall inventory of my past life and all the choices I've made. I have learned that I don't like how I have lived my life and how I have affected many people along the way.

I have now chosen new positive goals in life. I have also begun to work on the new core beliefs I've created and set upon achieving, one day at a time. I know that with our Lords help, I will be successful in achieving them. I am in the process of creating a new “Ernesto,” and am very thankful for having on my side people such as you and your wonderful organization to help me to become successful.

In case you were wondering if I am still active in worshiping our Lord, yes I am. I am still attending Mass without fail. I am still reading my Scripture from the Bible. I have also continued to attend support meetings every Monday evening and to volunteer my time as a Spanish tutor Saturday afternoons.

I have a clean and infraction free record with the institution. I am very much looking forward to my upcoming Parole Board hearing sometime this January. I am praying for a favorable review. I will be praying for you all and wishing you the very best. Thank you for your kindness and may God keep you in His grace.

Yours in Christ,
Ernesto

Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2013

 

Prison a Wonderful Experience? Yes

Here is another inmate letter we received in November expressing appreciation for the ministry and demonstrating another changed life:

I really enjoy going to Alpha here (Carson City) on Monday nights. We have some wonderful people who come to teach us about God. What you and Alpha Ministries is doing for people leaving prison is wonderful. All of you are in my prayers every day.

I really look forward to going to Alpha House and meeting everyone. God has blessed me with many skills that I will be able to use to help others when they need it. Before I turned my life over to God, it was always about money. Now as a child of God, it's not about money; it's about helping others in their time of need.

All of my therapy classes are going good. I am learning so much about what God has done for me and what he expects from me. Coming to prison has been a wonderful experience for me. It has brought me and the Lord close together and has shown me all the wrongs of my past and how to change the future.

I want you to know how grateful I am for your help. Thank you and God bless you.

Your Christian brother,
Justin

Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2013

 

I Survive, Sometimes Just Barely

The following letter was written by an inmate on 11/29/2012 and received by APM in early December. Normally, inmate letters are excerpted for various reasons, sometimes edited slightly for clarity, but Patrick's letter is different. To publish his letter in anything but its entirety would diminish the impact of his brutal honesty. Here it is in full because I couldn't bring myself to leave anything out.

I received your letter and I have to say, I look forward to it monthly now. From the midst of hell, my Savior is still with me daily.

There are many good things happening for me, considering I am in prison (LOL). My prayer life is increasing, I wake up each morning and have a cup of coffee with my Father, we talk often, and he is truly looking out for me here.

I try to pray without ceasing. If I run out of things to pray for, people, places, things, I simply pray the Lord's Prayer, and it has drawn me closer to God.

On Wednesday nights at Bible study, we have a good group of guys. Don't get me wrong, each of us cuss up a storm, we struggle with faith every day. We struggle to survive, not knowing what will become of this day.

But for an hour each Wednesday night, we come together as disciples and leaders within our groups. We leave color, creed, and pride at the door, and for one hour, we become brothers refilling our tanks with the power of Christ. We run on empty a lot here, so we look forward to an hour where we don't have to be tough. We don't have to fear each other, we are safe, if only for an hour.

And it's amazing. We go back to our home boys, distrustful, doubting, disappointment, and fear, and try to get through the day giving God the credit.

By some, we are judged as “soft” or our kindness taken as a weakness. Especially me, I would give the shirt off my back to help another guy, but I also have to stand my ground. If I let them, the average, everyday prisoner will run right over the top of me. So I have to often “take a stand.” I have to “be strong and act like a man” in the midst of it all.

And I do it. I survive, sometimes just barely, but I do it. I have no choice.

Mr. Alderman, if only I had been the man of God out in the world as I am today. Putting God first each day, honoring my wife and children, making them a priority, and not taking them for granted. I had a perfect family, a beautiful home, two cars that ran, and a good dog! I had it all, but I blew it. 22 years of marriage, tossed aside.

What I enjoyed most was being a daddy, I just didn't do it enough. It does my heart good to hear about your boy, and the incredible father he has to stand for him, to teach him, to lead him. Those are the kids that go on to do great things in life, leaders, teachers, fathers. Real men. I wish your son the best. Maybe I will get to say it in person eventually, I hope so.

I do need two favors:

#1, I need your prayers for my tests of faith. Some days faith is hard to come by here. Please try to get as many as you can to talk to God, and ask him to help me in this area.

#2, I need some hope, I need to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I need someone in your organization to become my pen pal. Someone who came out, stepped up to the plate, and has been successful with your ministry. Males only, please, not perfect, but striving to be. Someone who wants to make a difference, like me.

Finally, my 3 beautiful babies need your prayers: Marion Mechelle (20), Patrick II (19), and Caleb Daniel (18).

With that, I'll close.
Patrick

Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2013

 

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