By AIC Shane Hall
Intro by Dale Russell – I would like to introduce you to our new blog writer, Shane. We have known him since 2014, our first visit to Two Rivers Correctional. Shane is a strong believer and a dynamic worship leader who takes the chapel experience to memorable levels. It is our privilege to include him in these blog posts.
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On September 9th, at about 6:00 PM, they came into my housing unit and posted a memo stating we were now on Tier 3 (Conditional lock down- once again) due to COVID restrictions. This means I would go to work as a CAD/ CAM designer for the O.C.E. (Oregon Corrections Enterprises) and at the end of the day I would shower, make a 5-minute phone call, and go back to my cell. With Tier 3 restrictions all cell moves, transfers, and medical procedures would be temporarily on hold. However, if you haven’t understood prison culture by now, all of this is subject last minute (surprise) changes. I would rather believe it is subject to God’s will.
“Are you sure? I think we’re on Tier 3”. He said, “You’re not!”
At 5:00 AM on September 10 a voice came over my in-cell speaker saying, “Hall, you’re being transferred. You need to pack up your stuff and be ready in 30 minutes!” I laughed and said, “Are you sure? I think we’re on Tier 3”. He said, “You’re not!” At this point I had no plans to leave. I hadn’t spoke to a counselor nor had any paperwork been placed on me. I had been at TRCI for about 14 years. This, for all intents and purposes, was home.
I have to say there was a bit of trepidation. I’d be leaving a place where I’m somewhat comfortable. I have a good roommate, great job, respectable relationships with most guards, staff, and inmates. Even more important was that I had a great Bible study. I said, “God if you want me to leave, this is crazy, but I trust You.” My fear vanished and I gathered my belongings in a plastic garbage bag and seized my guitar. I was told to strip and put on a jumpsuit. I was then chained, cuffed, and told to board the van for my departure.
One man tried to run a bluff as if he didn’t care…….
In the van were nine other men. Their faces were full of anxiety, fear, and worry. One man tried to run a bluff as if he didn’t care, but I’ve been in too long and knew how deep in his thoughts he was concerned. I write this to help explain how God ushered peace into my heart. I was concerned about leaving, but at the same time, excited to see what God’s will would be for me.
You are headed to a new prison. A place you are not known, where you will have to reestablish yourself. That means breaking through the many barriers of prison politics, clicks, games, gangs and being assigned to a cell with someone you don’t know. All these great unknowns the devil loves to use against us. He was trying hard.
I didn’t expect it, but God seems to have brought me here
I arrived at DRCI on September 10th, 9:30 AM. I was issued clothing and assigned to a unit. I walked into that area and surveyed my new surroundings. Immediately, a man walked up to me and said, “You’re from Two Rivers, right?” I said, “Yes, I am Shane Hall.” Another man said, “I know you! What are you doing here?” I said I didn’t expect it, but God seems to have brought me here.
I went to my new cell to see who I might be with. Let’s just say it was a very unhappy man in his late 50s who was content to sit on his bunk all day and cleanliness was not his strong suit. Yet, I was intent not to let anything diminish my peace in Jesus.
I walked down the stairs and looked across the dayroom and saw a man coming down the opposite staircase as he yelled, “Shane Hall! is that you?” No way man!” He ran and hugged me. It was Jeremy, a man who I had the honor of baptizing at Two Rivers in 2017.
As we walked to the yard, it was incredible to see at least 20 – 30 men I knew through chapel at Two Rivers. These were all fellow brothers in Christ who introduced me to even more fellow brothers.
All this is due to our Father’s care and plans
Within two weeks I had a job, a new cell, (moved to a different cell with a man who believed in cleanliness is next to Godliness), appointed president of AFSP (American Foundation of Suicide Prevention) and assisted in making a video for suicide prevention week that aired at DRCI and other state agencies. All this is due to our Father’s care and plans. He promises peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) He is our Rock (Psalm 62:1-2). Trust in the Lord in all circumstances (Proverbs 3:3-4).
I must tell you so much more has taken place and hopefully I can share more Kingdom victories with you in the next few months. Please know, I didn’t wanna make this all about me, but I made a choice to trust in the face of so many unknowns. Please know it was a fight. The devil and his cohorts were relentlessly whispering their evil tidings to try to move my focus. There are struggles and tendencies to pull away from God and run off on my own, but I just kept saying, “I will trust You.” When my fear increased, my prayers increased. When I felt weak, I would see someone I know and hear them say, “You’re the Christian guy from Two Rivers, I know you.” It was then easy to imagine my Father saying the same thing.
Shane makes a point that we can all relate to. When have you been in a new situation that invited anxiety or fear? Did you quickly discover the Rx for that as Shane did? Notice how the appropriate words soothed his soul. You can do the same for our AICs!
Every month we publish a simple, two-page newsletter containing notes of encouragement from YOU. Your words would be like the AIC yelling across the room, “Hey, I know you!” Imagine how comforting, yet simple? Would you be willing to change someone’s day as they take to heart your encouraging words? A simple sentence or paragraph is perfect.
Consider many are swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about. What if they only need your praise or encouragement to change everything?