Forward by Dale Russell
“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future,
and accepts you just the way you are.”
– Unknown
Visions of Hope has now surpassed a decade of prison interactions. Within those years are the personal stories that beg to be made known. The most important ones don’t tell you how to think, but give you questions to think upon. At the same time these stories invite a redemptive act and the chance to be individually restored. It is a story that God is an expert at.
“God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much,
the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.”
Colossians 1:14
I am not always sure what healing is or what it should feel like but looking inside prison walls becomes a powerful way to make discoveries. For Adults in Custody (AIC) storytelling is the most powerful way to define life change, purpose and redemption.
The art group at Snake River Correctional has been creating art for over 10 years now. They were the first to conceive the idea of using art as a fundraiser for Otino Waa Children’s Village (OTW). They were the ones to set the bar for all other prison art groups. They are crazy about their OTW kids.
To help celebrate these 10 years, we will be creating a photobook documenting the history. In this process I have been compiling a huge amount of material, including important glimpses into the lives of these men. The following are examples of how art, OTW, VOH and God create community, enable us to see through the eyes of other people, and open us to the claims of others.
Redemption
by Richard Reeves
I was given a life sentence (twenty five years), now with less than five years left to go on that. Looking back at the person I was before I found out what doing art work could do for me, it’s like night and day. Before art, I was mad and didn’t care about anything, myself or anyone else. It was a dark and hard time in my life.
For many years, all I did was wish and pray that I could bring back to life the person I killed, trade it for my own. But we know this can never happen.
About nine years ago I was asked to join the Otino-Waa art program. At that time, I didn’t know that this program would change my life. At first it was all about what I could get from the program, not what I could do for the kids.
Then I saw the first viewing of the video “Lost and Found”. This video changed my way of thinking about the art program. I thought about the kids my art was helping and not about myself or my so-called troubles.
My special redemption moment came from a simple but very heartfelt letter from Connie at Otino-Waa. It is the most heart-warming one I have ever received.
Hello Richie,
I am so glad to communicate to you through this letter. I know it’s my first time to communicate to you. I just want to say thanks so much for the beautiful picture you sent. It does not mean you are unable, but you are able, and you can change the world through your art. Thanks so much because you have got a new family at Otino-Waa. I love you so much. I have three things to tell you and that is love, love, and love. I am praying for you and I believe you will be healed in Jesus’ name. I heard about you just two weeks ago. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks, Connie
Up until I received the wonderful letter, I didn’t think I could ever be redeemed for what I did. Now I know I can feel and share my redemption through my art.
Redemption
by Russel Thomas
There hasn’t been a day go by that I don’t think of the hurt and disappointment I’ve done, and I regret my mistakes so very much. It cuts my heart like a knife, and I want to tell them how very sorry I am and wish I could change it, but I don’t have the power to do that. Only God has the power to do that.
What I can do though, is look at the man standing in the mirror; I can strive to the best of my abilities along with prayers to make him a better person. That person is me and I can and have changed so much in how I think, see, feel, and reach out to make amends any way I can, I am not perfect. All my thoughts are not pure, I make mistakes, but I have changed in many ways.
I understand how much community, home, country, prayer, and love heal and each time I replace a bad memory with a good one. I’m able to give more back. My art allows me to be able to express myself while being able to generate help to many others. I think of this when I look at the mirror.
I still have questions. Am I making the best of my time here? Am I growing? Am I making a positive, earnest attempt to be a better man? Am I different than the man that came here? What do people who interact with me think of me?
I don’t know the answers. I can only hope they see the changes in me. However, I feel the changes in my heart and very soul. I have things I can give and share with others. I can help in the community. I want to help. I do help. I love you, my country, and home.
If you can find it in your heart, please forgive me. I’ve asked God for forgiveness a million times and the bible says once you’ve asked it is forgiven. I guess I really want God to know because I keep asking.
This is me when you peel away the shell. Thanks all of you for being you and giving me a chance to be a part of you.
From my heart with love, passion, hope, and sharing,
Russel Thomas
Now it is your turn. There is a way for YOU to be part of both of these stories.
Visions of Hope provides art supplies to all contributing art groups. SRCI has made use of these supplies to create what you see above. The annual budget for all groups is $3000. We will always fulfill our promises, but this is only possible with your help. Please consider how you can be part of the redemption story with funds for art supplies!