Good Friday, to you. Today is literally — Good Friday.
Thank you for joining us here on the “Cup.” I’m Shonda Savage an inspirational writer at FGGAM.org and I’m filling in for Dewey today.
We thank God for what HE is doing and working through this ministry and we thank you, our faithful readers and supporters of the ministry for taking part of what God is doing here at FGGAM.
Today grab your cup and let’s drink in some of God’s word this day.
Do you believe in miracles?
I hope you said yes! Scriptures tell us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Hebrews 13:8).
I’ve seen lots of miracles in my lifetime. Most believers in Christ agree that the greatest miracle of all is the miracle of salvation.
“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7 NASB).
I have been so thankful to be part of a miracle that occurred two years ago. But first let me back up a bit–three years ago my oldest son was convicted and sentenced to prison. As a mother, that’s not how I imagined my son living his adult life. I was devastated and heartbroken. Through this season, the Lord began piecing my heart back together in a way that I imagine looks more like His heart. My heart has lots more compassion for others, especially other mothers of prisoners and other inmates.
A little over two years ago, my son shared with me about a fellow inmate who proclaimed to be athiest. I began to pray for this man. Bryan needed hope in a dark world, so I began writing to Bryan to encourage him. Several months later, three days after Easter I received a letter from him. He had been in isolation for fighting and was waiting to be sent to a maximum security prison for he was deemed to be a violent offender. Yet in his letter, he wrote that on Easter Sunday he received Jesus as his Savior. (Click here to read the full story of this miracle: Rejoice Over One.)
I confess–I was skeptical. However, my husband and I agreed that we needed to take Bryan’s word that his conversion experience was real. To show him that we trusted and believed him, we continued to write him at the maximum security prison. We wrote him about Scriptures, shared with him things going on in the “outside” world, and shared family events with him. For reasons unknown to me, his family does not engage with him but on a limited basis.
For two years, Bryan was housed in a maximum security and allowed God to work on his heart. He was not able to attend Bible classes because of his status, but he did not let that stop him from studying the Word of God. He ordered correspondent Bible study courses from different ministries that offer courses to prisoners. He checked out Christian books from the library. He ministered to his cell mates the lessons he learned. He continued to grow in the Lord and began to live a life that bears fruit.
Just two months ago, Bryan no longer carries the violent offender status and has been classified as minimum security. Not only that, Bryan applied for and was approved to take courses in Hospitality Services where he will learn to be a chef. He was transferred to a minimum security facility where he has more liberties as an offender.
This is a testimony of God changing the hardened heart of a man. This transformation is such a beautiful thing to watch transpire. I never imagined seeing such beauty behind prison walls, but the Lord has opened my eyes to see the miracles He works there.
“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also” (Hebrews 13:3).
My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, may I ask a favor of you? Bryan’s spiritual birthday is Easter Sunday. His natural birthday is April 12. Will you take a couple of minutes to drop Bryan a note or card and wish him Happy Birthday?
As I mentioned, Bryan does not receive much mail and receiving mail is a highlight of a prisoner’s day. It only takes about five minutes of your time. As brothers and sisters in Christ let’s fill him up with with the brotherly love we share in Christ our Lord. Send him your favorite Scriptures and passages that give you hope for a better tomorrow. Here’s where to write Bryan:
Bryan Banks #01774253, Jerry H. Hodge Unit, 379 FM 2972 West, Rusk, TX 75785-3666
Do you believe in miracles? If you’re praying for a loved one to come to know Jesus as Savior, keep on praying and never give up! (Luke 18:1) Miracles do happen!
Let’s pray and believe together that as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, the lives of our loved ones will be resurrected with Christ!
P.S. And by the way, my son, Stephen is also doing well. He is in a faith-based program where he spends all day attending Bible classes. Every week when he calls, I’m amazed at what he shares with me that he has learned. His letters have become expositions on Bible verses. I’m so thankful he is growing in the Lord daily. He does work at night as a cook. He schedule does not flow very well with his classes and is seeking a job change to no avail. Will you say a prayer for his job assignment that will compliment his class schedule? Thank you and God bless!
