Mail Call: Finding My Way Out of the Darkness

by

Finding hope for a new life.

letters from prison

Welcome to Mail Call! Once a month, we will share letters received from incarcerated men and women. Hear—in their own words—what life is like behind bars, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the future.

This month's letter is from Derek, an incarcerated man from Washington.

* Letters have been edited for clarity and privacy.

FINDING MY WAY OUT OF THE DARKNESS

Hello! My name is Derek. I am writing in regard to God giving second chances. I am 43 years old and have been an addict for 25+ years, and I am currently in jail in Washington facing charges for possession of meth with intent to deliver. The sentencing range is 7­–12 years. After this I will be transferred to face another possession of a controlled substance and possession of meth/intent to deliver with a sentencing range of 5– 10 years.

HOPE FOR A NEW LIFE

As I sit here reading this [Prison Fellowship Inside Journal®] article about Robbie Robinson, I am finding hope for a different and new life. In my 25+ years as an addict, I have survived only by the grace of God. In that time, I have lived through 19 car accidents, four motorcycle wrecks, two drug overdoses, and two suicidal hanging attempts. I have already been to prison four other times for drugs and drug activity. I have four kids that I barely know and [who] don’t know I love them. In short, I have lived in darkness making a wreck of this life God gave me.

I have tried many times to get the courts to help me with treatment or an alternative sentencing program, but never can get the help.

However, I did get on my knees and give myself, my addiction, and my whole life to Christ. Since then, good things have been happening. I was able to get into a MRT [Moral Reconation Therapy, a cognitive-behavioral approach to reduce recidivism] class at the jail which I was told it was an act of God for me to get into because I wasn’t eligible. I’ve graduated and continue in the class as a mentor until my case is over and I’m transferred to the next county. Also, I hold a nightly Bible study in my living area and have had the opportunity to lead a few people in the “sinner’s prayer” and help many others understand the Word of God. I do have a Christian background and have spent time learning in a relationship with God in the past.

mail call january

GOD’S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT

I want to learn more and grow more in Christ so I can help others find their way out of the darkness that they live in. It is my hope and prayer that God will open doors for me to a better life and that I can give back to Him the love and devotion that He gives to me. I know I have a long road ahead of me and that I am at the beginning of many trials and tribulations. But I also know that God’s grace is awesome and sufficient enough for us all.

I want to thank you for the inspiration your Inside Journal brings me and many others. … Maybe God will look down on me and grant me another chance. Please say a prayer for me as I will be praying for you too.

Sincerely,

Derek

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER

Men and women in prison are looking for hope. And nothing provides hope like the living Word of God. The demand for Bibles and Christian content is at an all-time high. Will you help us meet the need? Please give generously today.

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