Forward by Dale Russell
We have been blown away and so blessed by our Adults in Custody (AIC) who are willing to share their lives with us. Their sharing demonstrates many things I hope you are noticing. We have seen humbleness, forgiveness, sensitivity and, as in this story, a deep concern for others. When I experience these stories it tells me, loud and clear, this person must not be the same one who entered prison. It shows me there is value in his life because he adds value to others. What a great reminder of how loving and powerful God’s redemption is. Thanks Alexander!
How great is our God?
It was 2017 when I made the decision to get involved with Visions of Hope. It was a selfish decision, a prideful decision, in that I was thinking about myself when I made it. I’m lending a helping hand, I’m doing good, I’m helping others, and yet God has used Visions of Hope and so many others to chip away at my heart of concrete I had carried with me for so long.
I thought to myself, I can do better
In the first few months after signing up with Visions of Hope sponsorship program I just donated the money without focusing on the letter writing side of sponsorship. It wasn’t until the Visions of Hope team showed a PowerPoint and explained what mail day was like at Otino Waa that I thought to myself, I can do better. I began to write David once a week. This went on for about a year without getting any response. And then one day a letter showed up. A letter, complete with childish handwriting and misspellings but characterized by God’s love. I read it and cried. I was blown away by his faith love and trust in God. Here I thought I was pouring love and encouragement into this child and God flipped that over so quickly I didn’t see it coming.
Oh, my goodness, it still brings tears to my eyes
That was just the beginning. Oh, my goodness, it still brings tears to my eyes to think that while I was in prison God used a child named David who is halfway across the world to soften my heart and forever change my life. No other motives, just love, excitement and wonder.
The children of Otino Waa have little in the way of material possessions, yet they are rich in God’s love beyond anything I’ve experienced. They have shown me what faith in action looks like. They are courageous in their prayers, leaders in their own community and even have love for a forgotten prisoner like me!
I am so grateful to David and all the kids at Otino Waa. You have forever changed my heart and my life.
How great is our God?
AIC Alexander Cox