Today is the Day of Salvation

Dear Fr. David,

Greetings in the Lord!  I am full of hope and excitement for a bright future.  My Savior Jesus Christ has shown me love and forgiveness over the years when I needed direction in my life.  Now I feel a deep desire to return the favor with compassion.  I give all glory and praise to His name above all else, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, glory be to God.  It's taken a lot of hard work to get here, and now the time has come for me to prove myself.  I realize the room for error is very small, and I must stay away from trouble because I am a convicted felon with a criminal background.  That in itself will get me convicted in any courthouse in America. Sad, huh!

I believe if I surround myself with Orthodox Christians, it has to be fine.  Yes sir I realize the work must come from within with a deep desire to surrender my entire life to Christ.  Time is at hand for me to step up and please God.  Just look at what I've put my family through, and for what?  It's time to stop the nonsense and follow through with my commitment to Jesus Christ as I have promised for many years.  God has given my freedom back, and now I must keep my promise as well.

Fr. David, I have spent countless hours reflecting on things about my past that hurt me deeply, things which federal authorities and state prison officials have said that hurt me. Clearly it's outright lies yet prison officials have used these lies to label me unfairly.  I am not a gang member, nor am I a part of anything in prison or outside.  I cannot seem to get a break from this mess, and I don't understand why.  What am I missing here, something from 1993 which I renounced is still being used against me, why?  As you probably know, I cannot control what other people say or try to do to me, but what I can do is always have the truth on my side and believe in God's plan for my life.  I must trust in my faith to  see me through this test, I fear nothing but God!

As I walk in my new life, it would not be possible without your love and spiritual guidance over the last 10 years. You showed a lost kid the true meaning of love and forgiveness, and then you helped me find myself as a human being.  I am truly grateful to you, allow me to some day speak at your church and share your wisdom.  Thanks so much for all the enlightenment.  I shall forever be your simple and humble student. May God bless you and the Orthodox Church, life is so wonderful when you try to do good.  Until we meet my friend...

With love in Christ,

Terrence