Inside Journal®, Prison Fellowship’s newspaper for America’s prisoners, is a powerful tool to reach inmates who might never cross paths with a Christian volunteer. Today, I got a letter from a federal inmate named José. His words put tears in my eyes and reminded me why we invest time, energy, and resources into this publication; I couldn’t resist sharing them with you. I hope you’ll also pray with me today for Jose, that he will continue down the road to accept the salvation Jesus offers him.
8-15-11
My name is José _____ + am at M____. A federal prison in Michigan.
I haven’t accepted God in my life. Am more at the point, at being lost. I dont know what to think. I don’t even know why I am writting this letter.
I am 26 years old and this is my secont time in prison. I’ve never had a job longer then 2 days + I’ve only been good at selling drug. I was never a bum when I was out + I would give money to ever one. Even people I dont know. 2 hundred here, It didn’t matter to me. $20 dollors to the little kides. I just wanted people to like me. I just lost my babys mom today. Not death, but to someone else. I really lost her 14 months ago but I didn’t want to belife it. I have 2 kides by her. My family aint like most familys. No one cares about me now, that I don’t have money. I am by myself for the first time + I don’t know what to do.
I’ve been in the Hole (now) for 2 months + when the chaplein person walked by my cell and ask me if I wonted anything I said yes. Ever other time I would say no but that day I wonted something, anything to get my mind right. So I read the Inside Journal (Vol. 20. No. 3) + as I was reading my stomick had butterflys. Ive picked up a bible befor 2 or 3 times or something to do with God + I get the butterflys evertime. And a feeling of cleaness. I really can’t say in words. But yet I still push away from him. I don’t know why I do this.
I don’t know what am going to do with my life or wair I am going to go. I cant go back to my hometown because I will go back to selling. I cant do that. One more time and Ill get 20 years. I don’t know what to do.
I wanted to see if you all could pass this letter around. Maybe a uplifting letter is all I need, to help me.
From
Jose
PS
I hope all is well on your end + I hope the best for you. For God loves you allread.
Know one has to really write, if they don’t want too. I just feel I have know one to talk to + I wanted to get some stuff off my chest. And who’s better to tell, then you.