For
the first time, my parents have finally gotten a glimpse of the man I am
through the eyes of you guys and that means so much to me. You have no idea- oh
they know that I changed, that I talk different, act different. But somewhere
in there was a seed of doubt, but i believe GOD has erased all doubts yesterday.
I received this email from my good friend Brother
Abe from the Hutchinson Correction Facility.
Over the last two years, Abe and I have developed a friendship and
recently I was able to meet his family and hear more of his story. We are the same age and would have graduated
high school in the same year. He has
been taking TUMI the past 3 years and the Lord is using him in a powerful way.
In December we hosted an event called Christmas
connections at Morning Star Ranch. Our desire was to connect with the families
of the TUMI students from Hutchinson Correction Facility. Abe’s family was one of the families that
came, and throughout the weekend I was able to hear from his parents their side
of Abe’s story.
Abe’s father shared with me how in 1993, his other
son, Abe’s brother, was shot and killed. This devastated the family and left
Abe angry and bitter. A couple of weeks
after his brother’s death, Abe was involved with the crime that imprisoned him. There
were two others involved who were tried as juveniles and released by age 21;
however, Abe, only age 17 at the time, was charged as an adult and given a longer
sentence. I will never forget Abe’s dad expressing with a heavy heart how he
lacked the money for a good lawyer, and how in that one month, he lost two
sons.
For the first years in prison, Abe was angry and
bitter and rejected anything to do with God. However, God pursued him and Abe
finally reached his breaking point and surrendered his life to Jesus. By God’s
grace, Abe was able to receive complete forgiveness and also forgive those who
had hurt him throughout his life. He has continued in discipleship for many
years throughout his prison sentence, and now after taking TUMI classes and
being trained as a pastor he has as clear call to pastor and minister.
That night after listening to Abe’s dad share his
story, I was able to tell his parents about the potential we see in Abe. I
shared how we see him growing to be an amazing man of God who will be a part of
His Kingdom growing in the city. We also shared more vision about World Impact,
and TUMI and how Abe is a part of what God is doing all over our country. He is
just 1 of 1400 inmates taking TUMI classes and studying to be a leader.
The following morning I received the e-mail from Abe
and just wept as I read it. The healing that is happening is wonderful!
Bro,
they had a marvelous time. Normally when I call home. I talk maybe about 15-20
minutes. You know the phones are expensive. This time however my mom had a lot
to talk about, how comfortable she felt. How lovely it was and she was so glad
that they went. Man it is truly awesome for real. That is the best visit I had
since I have been down and no one came to see me. I told my mother don't worry
about coming to see me I rather for them to go there.
My dad for the first time that I can ever remember told me that he was proud of
me. I never heard those words cross his lips. Not that I can remember. Heck we
talked for about 20-30 mins alone on the phone which hardly ever happens. Our
communication is through my mother. We have always had the relationship that if
we don't talk in person we don't really talk only send messages through my
mother. He comes to see me, so we talk a lot then. But for the first time, they
have finally gotten a glimpse of the man I am through the eyes of you guys and
that means so much to me. You have no idea, oh they know that I changed, that I
talk different, act different. But in somewhere there was a seed of doubt but i
believe GOD has erased all doubts yesterday. Thank you Jesus. They already know
I am going to Wichita once released; God through you made it an easier
transition for them. I am so elated for real, you have no idea brother. My dad
kept saying, they have a lot of love for you. They think extremely highly of
you, he was like I was really taking in and what they were saying. For the
first time I was listening. To hear and see your belief in me sparked something
in him. He was talking about going to the man's retreat. My mom mentioned about
going to the women's one but she go to the one next week. She is coming though.
I've said a great deal; send my love to
all the family, thank you all.
Love,
Abe
Love,
Abe
Abe’s story is one of many across our country where God is
bringing reconciliation among inmates and their families. Continue to
pray for our inmates and their families, that as these men grow in their walks
with Jesus the gospel would reach their families and bring deep healing in
their relationships. Tomorrow, I will share with you more on how God used
Abe recently as he prayed for healing for a fellow inmate.
WOW! Amen!It's beautiful to hear about the ripples of the LORD'S GREATNESS! GOD BLESS YOU ABE AND MATTHEW!
ReplyDeleteAmen. Thank you.
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