by Inmate Jeremy B.
(Forward by Dale Russell) As we continue to enjoy the writing talents of our adults in custody (AIC), we are blessed with a new writer, Jeremy B., who is also a very talented artist. This letter was sent to the Otino Waa kids last fall but seemed to deserve a larger audience. Thanks Jeremy! We appreciate you sharing your story.
Dear Otino Waa Children and House Moms,
My name is Jeremy, I usually go by JB. I wanted for you to know, that I know for sure I am a child of God, loved with an unmatched eternal, unending love. This is my story of how God has strengthened me even in the depths of difficulty.
A large dark beast called prison
For so long I was consumed by guilt and shame. I plummeted into the depths of despair in a sea of shame all around me. In the depths of that crushing darkness God sent me important help. Not the help I was asking for, but a large dark beast called prison. Or as I like to call it, “God’s hospital” for the spiritually injured.
Through the grace of God, I have found healing through staff members here, a whole gallery of volunteers, addictive recovery and healing programs, Visions of Hope and the chapel service I attend.
All this support did not end with my spiritual healing. There was much more.
Last fall I was stricken with COVID for 20+ days. Nearly losing my life to this horrible virus, I was strengthened by an outpouring of prayers and support. I had so much encouragement from those around me and so many outside of prison, giving me such a peace and reinforcement. I never could have found such love anywhere else.
COVID claimed AIC around me
Through these amazing people in my life, I have seen God’s merciful hand healing me and even comforting me as COVID claimed AIC around me, three loved ones and soon a fourth. Christ’s teachings of an eternal hope gives me comfort knowing that I will see my lost loved ones again as we will all be singing with my most high God. It might be a strange thing to say, but COVID showed me many important things that needed to be more outstanding in my life.
All trials as joy
My dear brothers and sisters, please follow Jesus’ teachings and count all trials as joy because of what God will do. Our pain and sufferings are God’s gift to us. They give us a more personal understanding of what Christ endured for our own sins. Struggles we endure are but for a moment in time. If God is included, they will bring us closer to Him as we enjoy his support, comfort and understanding.
“So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever.
It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—
will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.“
1 Peter 5:10
It is my prayer that the spirit of God fills each of your hearts and houses with the Father’s true, unending, and compassionate love. I close with my love and prayers for each and every one of you.
Sincerely with his love, Jeremy
There is a very simple way to send encouragement to our AIC. Every three weeks we send a simple, two page newsletter to over 500 contacts inside multiple prisons. What would you love to hear if you were one of them? Make your day? What words would you like to hear? A simple sentence or elaborate paragraph serves the same purpose. Please consider sending your important note HERE.