July 2011 - St. Silas pray to God for us!

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.  And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.  Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.  (2 Timothy 2:3-8)

Dear Friends,

It is always a hopeful moment when one of the prisoners we have worked with. . .goes home!  The prison life is one that is hard to survive in. For many, the fact that they have survived this hell behind bars is a miracle within itself.  Many will say that the true test of survival will be faced when they get out.  Things impossible with man is possible with God!  They may go in as a prisoner, but we are here to help them come out as a soldier of the living Christ!  Here is a letter I received this month from a prisoner I have been working with since 1998:

“I got your latest letter.  Well Rev. David, I will be leaving this prison before November of this year.  I have a great family.  My parents, brothers, sister, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and those married into the family, all have love for me and I have love for them.  I know that Jesus has agape love for all of us.  I have been going to services and attending bible studies with my fellow Christian brothers. I am keeping busy this summer.  I’ll keep you in my prayers and may God Bless you and take care of you.”  (David in Wisconsin)

We are glad that we have been a part of his family.  Please pray for David and the many others that we have loved and stood with, the forgotten prodigals of our society. Your prayers and thoughts have opened the door of freedom to those who are leaving the bondage of sin and entering the kingdom of light.   

May the beauty of heaven consume you,

Fr. David