Courageous brothers and sisters (2004-06-07)

When inmates know that they are about to leave, they are anxious...

I have been out of the loop for so long, will I fit in? How should I deal with this gap in my life where I am not in touch with what is going on in the world? Will my friends still like me? Will my relatives accept me? Will I interrupt my spouse's live? Will my kids still hug me? Will I be able to find a job? Will I be able to drive again? Will I be able to make decisions like a normal person  can? When I am stressed out, will I go back to the old ways? Because of these concerns, many released inmates commit crime again and come back into the prison system.   

Satan loves to see us doubt like this and more, but last night we built a stronghold against Satan's sneaky plots, for our Lord is our fortress. Instead of waiting for Satan to attack our dear brothers and sisters as they leave FDC, brother Roger extended to them an invitation to commit themselves to the way of the truth for the rest of their lives, and to wear the spiritual armor to become ministers of God's work. Instead of being a slave to sin, they are challenged to be soldiers of truth, instrument of love, walker of faith and worker of harvest  for the rest of their life.

Last night, 17 men and women responded to this invitation of serious commitment! And Roger commissioned them to the field. They know that this is going to be a bumpy road ahead, but they are not afraid. Let's hold hand in hand in prayer to support these courageous brothers and sisters, so that they not only rise over temptation, but be a blessing to many.

Peter