2019 Newsletter Archive Vault
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What Makes Alpha Different?
As we prepare for the annual Impact Night (October 14, 2019), it seems like a good time for a reminder of what makes Alpha Prison Ministries different from most other prison outreach ministries. Here are just a few of those differences:
We answer calls, letters, emails, etc. Leon is very adamant about that. It seems this ought to be normal but it's not. We have been told by inmates and others that in some cases we were the only ones to respond.
Alpha is a one-on-one men's ministry. We get men into the Bible so the Bible can get into men, helping prisoners and former inmates become godly husbands and fathers so the next generation doesn't have to suffer the same fate they did, which lead to their incarceration.
In 2008, President Barack Obama cited the following effects of broken homes: “Children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crimes, nine times more likely to drop out of school, and twenty times more likely to end up in prison.”
We see the reality of these facts. Since Leon became Executive Director in 2000, Alpha has had 250 transitional housing residents, including our current ones. Of those 250 residents, 243 came from broken homes! All Alpha House residents are required to study the Bible with Leon and they also receive mentoring.
Prison chaplains have informed us that it's very rare to have volunteers like ours who consistently show up weekly or biweekly to study the Bible with inmates. A rare byproduct of this approach is that the inmates themselves often become Bible study leaders.
Volunteering for Alpha is addictive. Volunteers have a difficult time discerning who is getting more blessed between them and those they minister to. Many of our volunteers have served several years.
Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2019
Update on Brian's Re-sentencing
Last March we published Brian's letter concerning his re-sentencing hearing. Here's an excerpt of his most recent letter and the updates on his situation.
God's blessed me so much over the years with great brothers and sisters around me. They have helped strengthen me and make me who I am in Christ.
The hearing was very brutal and long. I did a lot of crying there. I'm scheduled to get re-sentenced at the end of September or early October.
A brother here named Bob who is waiting to get out this month (August) said Alpha won't have any openings until next year. I was wondering if you could give me an idea of when the next openings for Alpha House will be. I'll be paroled in January or February at the earliest.
I still think my best opportunity is Alpha House and parole will most likely be refused if there are no openings at Alpha. I can't go back to where I'm from because of the victim's family. I don't want to hurt them any more by living there.
I want a fresh new start away from the people of my past—to start over and build a life in God. Alpha is the only placement where I was accepted in Kent County. If I know about when there will be openings, I can ask the Parole Board, when I see them, to set the parole date around one of those dates.
I still remember in March of 2012 when I was accepted at Alpha and have enjoyed writing to you all these years and keeping myself on the active list. I haven't known when I'll have a chance to get out. I will know by the end of the year what God has planned for my future.
Thanks again for everything you have helped me with so far and I look forward to being a part of Alpha Prison Ministries. I need this so much after being in here for the last 36 years. May God continue blessing you, your family, and Alpha Prison Ministries.
God bless,
Brian
Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2019
Healing for Our Sin Cursed World
One thing that particularly struck me in Brian's letter is the dilemma often faced by inmates like him. When a sinner repents they are immediately forgiven by a loving God who paid the ultimate price to provide their redemption, but the aftermath here on earth still exists.
Before he went home to be with the Lord, I had the privilege of serving on the Board with Marv who was a Board member and in prison volunteer. Marv got into prison ministry after his own son was murdered. Marv not only forgave the perpetrator but invested the rest of his life to serving inmates.
As we pray for Brian, pray also for the people he wronged. Pray that they would discover the peace that Marv did. Life on this sin cursed planet has grief and hurt for everyone. Jesus is the only one who can heal that.
Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2019
Elmer Visits “Happy Jack”
APM Board Vice Chairman Elmer DeRitter and his wife are Outreach Volunteers in the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). They also taught in prison seminary level courses for The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) designed to train pastors and ministry leaders. “Happy Jack” (right) was a student of theirs for 3½ years and received a Certificate in Ministry Leadership.
Jack now leads Bible studies (including Alpha's) and does a great deal of one on one ministry and Christian encouragement to inmates. You will no doubt recognize his name because he frequently writes and his consistently cheerful disposition often gets published in our newsletters. He both calls and donates regularly and is a great friend of the ministry. Shown here is a picture of Elmer and Jack taken during a visit on July 5th.
Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2019
New Residents and a 5th Grade Teacher
EDITOR'S NOTES: We received a phone call, then a card with a donation from the 5th grade teacher of a recently approved new resident due to arrive this summer upon parole. This truly demonstrates the heart of a teacher! Following is the text of the hand written message included in the card:
Nicholas and I would like to thank you so much for accepting him into your transitional housing. He has come a long way since I met him and I am so happy and proud of the changes and choices he has made for his life as a result of his decision to serve Christ.
I am also especially grateful in knowing that he will be starting this new journey with the help and influence of strong Christian men! May the Lord continue to bless you and the wonderful work you do for the “captives” who have been set free!
With grateful hearts we thank you once again.
Agapé,
Nicholas and Lorraine
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2019
Another New Resident Due to Arrive
While on the subject of new residents due to arrive this summer, we look forward to welcoming Jonathan. We also have something we don't normally receive prior to a new resident joining us—a picture. Please pray for Jonathan, Nicholas, and the other residents, Tijuane, Eang (our first Asian resident and a wonderful brother), Rob, John, Hanson, James, Jeff, Mike, and Nathan.
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2019
A Christian's Call to Duty
by Nicholas Butler (used by permission)
This excerpted blog post was written by the same Nicholas who is due to arrive this summer as an Alpha House resident. It's available in its original full length version here.
As I have come to discover, being a Christian isn't easy. There are many self inflicted trials and tribulations along the way. Jesus transforms our lives and the Holy Spirit convicts us when we commit ourselves to him. But, an essential component of commitment is action and responsibility. In 1 Peter 1:15, we are called to be holy in conduct because he who called us is holy. Additionally, 1 John 3:3 states, “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”
Most of us fear the words “holy” and “pure,” they send us off running. This is because of our mental perception of these words. We render them unobtainable and we sincerely believe that these are characteristics or attributes only reserved for God. And as such, we justify or minimize our intentional misconduct by believing we cannot be holy or pure on this earthly plane. In essence, we lack accountability and make excuses for deliberately choosing to engage in presumptuous sins.
I can remember a time in my life, not that long ago, when I rode the fence between my Christian daily walk and participating in gang behavior. In my time alone in a single-man cell, I felt the desire to do better, to change, and surrender myself to God. I had completed over 100 Bible correspondence courses and retained intellectual Christianity, but I lacked the emotional connectedness to God. It didn't dawn on me until years later and a second prison sentence that my desire had to translate into action.
Commitment to Christ and the Christian lifestyle is action. Changing our thoughts and interactions is imperative if we are “not to be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). On Judgment Day, intentions in a world of action will mean nothing. Romans 2:6 reads “the righteous judgment of God will be rendered according to our deeds,” or actions.
Commitment requires that we not only understand the causes for our behavior, but that we stop quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) by using these behaviors as a license to sin. 1 John 3:9 reads, “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for his seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”
All of the past adjectives we used, or continue to use, to self identify, contributed to the old man who we no longer are. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 6:11, tells us that we were washed and sanctified, as well as justified in the name of Jesus and by the Spirit of God. Sanctification means that we were set apart and consecrated by Christ when he died on the cross for our sins. He took our sins and gave us his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21), our new man is created according to God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). We need not look outside of Christ for acceptance or for the opinion of others, we are acceptable to him (Ephesians 1:3-6).
A significant aspect of walking daily with Christ is allowing the word of God to penetrate our defense mechanisms and to reach our most intimate thoughts and beliefs about ourselves and others. We make our walk with Christ easy when we become objective enough to encounter our pain, worry, and doubt. It is essential that we recognize how our past experiences and expectations have influenced how we not only perceive, but also how we receive God's truth and love.
Oftentimes, God's glorious character isn't reflected in our intellectual, free will, and emotional capacities because we have suppressed his truth for a lie. An example would be the excuse that true change can't occur until we leave our environment or circumstance. This excuse validates sin and makes it seem like it is alright to continue sinning. This makes our walk difficult because we allow Satan to twist and distort our perceptions so that his deceit becomes reasonable and attractive to us.
In Genesis 3, Satan, in the disguise of a serpent did just this. He appealed to Eve by making her question God's truthfulness and by inferring that by eating of the tree, she would have greater significance apart from God. Specifically, that some type of hidden knowledge would be revealed to her and that she would be equal to God by knowing good and evil. We have the victory, Christ defeated sin and all things leading to death, we just need to start acting from our victory.
Be responsible for your commitment to Christ, knowing that Christ dwells in us and the Holy Spirit lives in us.
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2019
Inmate Response to APM Newsletters
We recently received this feedback form an inmate named Tom:
I was just re-reading the last several APM newsletters. I always enjoy them and appreciate Alpha's dedicated efforts on behalf of inmates—like me. Of course the personal testimonies are of great interest and impact.
Thanks, Tom. It's exciting to be part of what God is doing to build his kingdom both inside and outside of prisons.
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2019
Nicholas Responds to APM Question
EDITOR'S NOTES: Our Alpha House transitional housing application includes a section asking the applicant to briefly describe personal and family history such as family life, places lived, friends, hobbies, etc.
The following response from Nicholas in March is a good representation of a common theme found in nearly every application. That theme is broken homes and very often includes abuse, drugs, alcohol, poverty, and so on.
It's not as much about the tragic circumstances most men in prison have faced, it's more about how they overcome. Overcomers share another common theme. Rather than play the victim and excuse themselves for their actions that result in incarceration, they take responsibility and prevent the generational curse from being passed on.
Alpha's role could be accurately described as simply partnering with Christ to facilitate the process of genuine rehabilitation. Thank you for partnering with us.
I was born in Detroit to a single parent home. My father was a drug dealer who eventually began to abuse the drugs he sold. My mother was on welfare and we lived in a low income area. I had three brothers and one sister.
My younger brother was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of five. All of my mother's attention and affection went to him. My basic needs I lacked at home found fulfilment on the streets in the form of a street gang.
My father was extremely abusive to my mother when he came around, as well as my uncles. My friends were gang members.
We only went to church on Easter or Christmas, and this was only when our grandma came around.
I enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. Today I enjoy reading. I have good relationships with family today, as well as Christian friends who support and encourage me.
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2019
Thank You Baker Book House!
Alpha Prison Ministries thanks Baker Book House for their generous donations of Bibles. These Bibles are sent free of charge by this ministry to inmates in Alpha Bible studies throughout the Michigan prison system over many years now. Thank you again Baker Book House!
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2019
Martin Shares His Story About Bill
NOTE: This is Martin's entire letter, our printed newsletter featured an excerpted version.
On the night of July 3, 1997 through heartfelt tears, I said, “Jesus, if you are real come into my heart and change my life.” Immediately, his resurrected Spirit entered my body. I felt empowered by the reality of his presence.
After two hours of crying and thanking him, I asked, Lord, “What do I do with my life?” He responded, “Return to Michigan. Turn yourself in to the authorities, and tell the men in prison about me.”
I knew, I would be in prison for a long time, but nothing mattered except following Jesus. One week later, I returned to Michigan and turned myself in for the two bank robberies. In the Kent County Jail, through the eyes of Christ, I saw men whose lives had been destroyed by sin.
I wanted them to know the freedom, joy, and comfort of knowing Jesus Christ. I would purposely interact with them in order to plant the seed of Christ in their hearts.
Three months later, I received a stiff sentence of 8 to 48 and 10 to 60 years in prison. Due to my violent criminal history, I knew, most likely, I would spend the rest of my life behind prison walls.
However, my desire to serve Christ and point men into his arms did not diminish, but rather increased. In Jackson Prison, my burden for the souls of men intensified. I was able to sense their pain.
My first two years were spent in a level 4 maximum security prison spending 23 hours a day in a cement cell. Needless to say, the days were long and quite challenging. However, I occupied my time by praying, memorizing scripture, and reading my Bible for hours at a time.
Eventually, I was moved to a lower security level where the prison population was booming. Through my eyes, Jesus saw a multitude of lives destroyed by sin. I devoted my time to steering my fellow inmates into the arms of Jesus Christ.
So many stories of victories, but I will only share one that stands out in my mind.
In 2001, at the Carson City Correctional Facility, I befriended an older “grumpy” gentleman by the first name of Bill. Bill was 61 years old. He was serving a life sentence for first degree murder. He had been in the prison system for close to 30 years.
One summer afternoon, after watching Bill for a while, I decided to befriend him with every intention of planting the seed of Christ in his angry and restless heart. That day, I walked with him on the prison track. I asked if he would like to attend a weekly church service.
His response left me speechless.
In a harsh tone of voice, he scolded me without mercy for about three minutes. He screamed, “I have been in prison for nearly 30 years, I have watched you Christians and all of you are fake. I want nothing to do with the church.”
Needless to say, I walked away from Bill feeling like a complete and total failure. Instead of bringing him closer to God, I alienated him from God. However, although discouraged, I did not give up on Bill. I continued to talk to God about Bill's life.
Two weeks later, I approached Bill again as he walked the prison track. This time, I expressed concern regarding his health. Bill and I walked the track and talked for hours. Over the course of a few months, Bill and I became best friends.
Bill was the head tutor at the prison school. Through his assistance, I had become one as well. One particular evening, Bill and I are sitting in a prison classroom grading and reviewing assignments. All of the sudden, I hear the sounds of groaning, wailing and weeping.
I looked at Bill thinking he was having a massive heart attack. Huge tears were flowing down his face. I asked if he wanted me to call the guards for medical assistance. His body trembling and through tears streaming out his eyes said, “Martin, 30 years ago, I killed a man. I hammered him to death. I am a murderer. God will never accept me.”
He could not stop crying. Tears of regret, sorrow, and remorse continued to flow down his face. At that moment, prompted by God's Spirit, I pointed him to the cross and introduced him to the person of Jesus Christ.
Through tears and sobs, Bill voiced a heartfelt prayer to God. He confessed his sin and accepted God's pardon through his Son, Jesus Christ. Immediately, the Spirit of Christ entered Bill's body. Bill raised his arms in victory and wept even more thanking Jesus Christ over and over. His tears were tears of gratitude and eternal happiness.
As my heart bubbled with inexpressible joy, I got teary eyed and began thanking God for his love and mercy over Bill's life. God gave me the opportunity to disciple Bill for a few months before I got transferred to another prison. After my departure, Bill became a spiritual leader under the umbrella of Alpha Prison Ministries at the Carson City Correctional Facility.
In 2015, Bill went home to be with the Lord.
In 2005, after serving close to 10 years, I was granted parole and released from Jackson Prison.
You may be wondering why I am rambling on about Bill and my prison experience. First of all, the redemption of lost souls is the heartbeat of God. The Bible says God is not willing that anyone should perish. It says, Jesus came to set the captives free and to set at liberty those who are oppressed by the devil.
Like Billy Graham, there are many in the body of Christ called to engage in the battle for the salvation of souls. Our time on planet earth is brief. To a large degree, the church has become complacent when it comes to biblical soul winning.
Last summer, Billy Graham appeared to me in a dream. He stood about 20 feet away. He was wearing a very nice suit. He did not say a word. He simply stared at my face with a very deep and concerned look in his eyes. His eyes seem to be on the verge of tears.
Jesus himself is looking directly into the heart, eyes, and face of every believer. He desires for you and I to intervene in the lives of people regardless of their status or walk of life. He cares for the lost. He cares for those on the streets. He cares for those behind prison walls.
He is speaking to each one of us right now. He is saying, “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.” Go therefore, and preach the gospel to every creature. Church, our season of inactivity is over. The time has come to speak life to the valley of dry bones.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Bill's testimony, as written by himself, was originally published in 2002 and Martin's testimony was published in 2006.
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2019
APM on Facebook
In our January newsletter, we mentioned that Alpha is looking to improve opportunities for you to help raise awareness of the ministry and the effect we are having. As part of that effort, we have initiated a highly proactive Facebook strategy.
We encourage you to check us out if you have not already done so. You'll easily notice that we strive to post quality content that is interesting, informative, encouraging, and accurately represents the ministry.
Likes, Shares, and Follows are greatly appreciated.
Many of you receiving our newsletter are already well adjusted to Facebook. The APM Board could be better described as being at the Facebook for Dummies stage, but we've had good coaching and excellent response to our published material.
We are now able to share, and enable you to share, the ministry of APM in ways that far exceed other methods. You are an important part of this adventure. Your engagement with our Facebook page makes it better, makes us better, and gives everyone a chance to see the “authentic” face of prison ministry.
We welcome your input, ideas, and interaction. This is an exciting new venture for us and we look forward to how God is going to use it (and you).
I can pretty much guarantee that many of our volunteers are about as Facebook illiterate as our Board. We're admitting our weakness so you don't feel alone. However, every week you have a story worth sharing. We would love to hear from you. Send us an email and we can tell your story in a way that doesn't violate any rules.
Connect with us at facebook.com/AlphaPrisonMinistries.
Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2019
The Devil is in Panic Mode
If you notice the first inmate prayer request from Mike asking prayer for those who oppose faith based programs, this is becoming an increasingly serious issue for the prison system. That doesn't come as a surprise to those of us with biblical understanding, but the need for prayer is continually intensifying. God is building his kingdom within the prisons but the devil is heavily invested in defending what he considers his territory.
It has nothing to do with facts or logic. This is spiritual warfare. That alone is strong evidence that the spirit realm is as real as we know it to be. In the early 1980's, I had the opportunity to hear Bill Murray (not the comedian) speak and give his testimony. Bill is the son of renowned atheist Madalyn Murray O'Hair.
I vividly recall him sharing an observation he made concerning his mother that eventually led to his conversion to Christianity. He realized that for anyone to hate God as much as his mother did, God must exist.
That is very similar to the forces at work in the prison system. Statistically, about two out of three parolees getting out of prison will return within five years—most in a much shorter period of time. Some studies place that number as high as 90%. Faith based organizations consistently score about 90% success as opposed to averages of around 30%.
The people who oppose the Kingdom of God being advanced in the prison system are not the enemy, Satan is. Those people, and all our leaders, need our prayers…they need light and truth and understanding.
Following are a couple inmate letters that help represent why the devil is so scared by what Christ is doing through effective prison ministries.
Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2019
Brian's Re-sentencing Hearings
I'm just writing to let you know I'm at Saginaw Correctional Facility for my first court date of many on my re-sentencing hearings. My last one is May 21st and I'll know then if I'm going to get out soon or not. That's the sentencing date.
It could change any time though. I gave it to God to do what he sees fit for me. I don't need the worry.
I hope God's been blessing you, your family, and Alpha Prison Ministries. I had my first visit with my family in almost 3 years Friday afternoon. It was good.
I pray that there's a spot for me at Alpha House when it's time for me to get out. I'm kinda scared, the last time I was out was June 1983 and before that was November 1981. The world's changed a lot since then. I just have to trust in God to show me the way and help me through the transition.
I still believe that my best chance is Alpha Prison Ministries. My pre-release team's not found any other placements for me yet as a backup plan if no rooms are available.
I signed up for Keryx since they have it here. I can't wait to see all the brothers and sisters from the outside again. God's blessed me so much in the last 20 years. Take care of yourself and may God continue blessing you, your family, and Alpha Prison Ministries.
Brian
Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2019
William's Discipleship Journey
I'm writing to thank you for sending me the new Bible. I got it today, it is real nice. I'll put it to good use. It is the nicest Bible I've ever had. I will take care of it.
I would like to ask you and everyone to pray for my three aunts. They are having health issues. Their names are Lynda, Jackie, and Connie. They're all I have left on my mother's side of the family.
I'm leaning toward getting to where I feel comfortable talking to strangers so I can talk to people, and tell my story to people I meet, and try to lead them to Jesus Christ. I'm trying to learn the verses I need to know to do it. If you could send me a list to help me out I would be grateful—just an outline to show me the way to do it. I don't want to tell anybody anything wrong. I don't want to face God on Judgment Day and have that against me.
I'm glad I went to Alpha Ministries back when I first got to Level 2. It changed my life. I'm also glad I get to come to Alpha House upon my parole.
I made sure that I have my proper ID, Social Security card, and Birth Certificate so I can get a job and pay my tithes and get people like me Bibles. For the first time I'm preparing to go out there and do things the right way.
Well, keep me in your prayers. I'll be sure to keep you in all of mine. Until next time, God bless you. I'll be looking forward to getting a letter from you soon.
God bless you and Alpha Prison Ministries,
William
Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2019
Happy 2019: Our Best Year Ever
Looking at the circumstances, we wouldn't be able to anticipate a great 2019. We've had our longest running and most consistent series of “red” monthly financial statements, and the Board is evaluating how to respond if that trend is not reversed.
Looking at the situation in the natural, we face another huge obstacle. Most people have no enthusiasm when it comes to prison ministry…until they get exposed to it that is. The prison problem in this country affects everyone. With even a small amount of insight, attitudes change and it's easy to see the positive impact prison ministries have.
We do have an advantage. God understands. Jesus made special mention of prisoners as do some New Testament authors. God is very much interested in what he can do with the discards of society and the world. He turns the wisdom of this world on its head. He transforms hopeless situations into successes and miniscule into enormous.
The financial woes we've been experiencing have not gone unnoticed by those we minister to either. There have been numerous expressions of concern. After all, they know better than most how much impact this ministry is having.
God's not done with us nor the people we reach any more than he's done with you. One thing I know about anyone willing to receive our newsletters—you're not an average Christian. Consumer Christians don't care about prison inmates. There is nothing to make them care unless it hits them personally. This ministry lacks consumer appeal.
We know many of you are praying even if you're not able to give financially. That is of exceptional value! Thank you! But imagine the eternal impact something as simple as social sharing could have if we just gave you the tools to be able to do that more. Us “old school” guys who serve on the Board are looking to do just that. Stay tuned.
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2019
We Concur
Leon shared another prison ministry newsletter with me that stated some of their findings about state prison inmate statistics. Maybe our numbers would fluctuate slightly, very slightly, but they are entirely consistent with what we find. They find the following:
The average age of an inmate in a state prison is 34 years old
He reads at a sixth grade level
He is imprisoned about 100 miles from home
He has two dependents
He was probably raised by a single mom
He has very little knowledge of God, especially a Father God
He has a 70% chance of returning to prison within 5 years of release
He has a high likelihood of drug and/or alcohol abuse
Their conclusion is the same as ours. That man “must be born again” or the problems will never be solved. Prisoners consistently face these kinds of facts. Life has been very unkind to them. But born again means a new lease on life, a fresh start, a clean slate. That's when all the odds against them lose their grip, and they are empowered to beat the devil at his own game.
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2019
Definite Need for Christian Initiatives
My name is Matthew and I am currently incarcerated with Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). I was at Central Michigan Correctional Facility for a while and was able to start your Bible study. However, I got a job in the legal library that conflicted with the callout time for Alpha. I have since moved to the Handlon Correctional Facility to take part in their vocational training program.
I am writing to inquire about applying for housing at your Alpha House facility. I have no residence to return to and the job placement in the Grand Rapids area for this program is about 85%. It would be a tremendous blessing from God to be able to get out of here into a Christian environment from day one.
I was also wondering if there is any possibility of bringing the Alpha Bible study to this facility. There is a definite need for any Christian program at any MDOC facility. If there is any way I could be of assistance in that option please let me know. My earliest release date is September 2019.
Ending a Vicious Cycle
My name is William. I'm at Brooks Correctional Facility. I just rededicated my life to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I have been doing a lot to change and I would like to apply for a spot at the Alpha House. I'm currently serving time for a parole violation. For the past 17 years I have been in and out of prison.
I finally reached the point where I want to change my life and live a godly life, free from drugs because they are bad. Every time I parole I go back to using drugs and drinking. I know Alpha House could help me to grow stronger in walking with God and provide a controlled living environment.
I would like to be on the 87% side instead of the 2 out of 3 that comes back to prison side. I would like to thank Alpha Ministries for helping prisoners like myself obtain a good faith based living environment.
I am doing everything I can to change the way I think since I rededicated my life to Christ. I feel at peace! Even the guards tell me to keep up the good work. I hope that I get a chance to participate in the Alpha House ministry. God bless everyone at APM and I will pray for all of you. Please keep me in your prayers also. Thank you.
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2019
Open Response to William's Letter
William's letter and many others like it are common in Alpha's mailbox. It would be easy for William and others like him to beat themselves up over the past and “work hard” to change his life. The mention of rededication indicates a classic pattern of trying and failing.
The way The Message Bible translates the opening verses of Ephesians 2 beautifully illustrates how to break free from this tyranny:
It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish!
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, January 2019
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture taken from The Message. (The Message)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002.
Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
