Why We Do It

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chuck, Stek, and all of the volunteers who go into, and work with, the inmates at Dawson State Jail. I want to let every one of you know that I appreciate every moment that you gave up in your own lives to spend time with me.

I know that when I first came into the “God Pod”, I was somewhat rebellious as to what you were telling me about my life, and what God could do in my life. All of you spent many hours working with me; teaching me that God loved me no matter what my past was like and what I had done. You showed me what following Christ was really all about. It was not about religion or works, it was about a Father’s love for a wayward child, and to what extent He would try to bring me back to Him. You taught me God’s word, you showed me His love through your own sacrifice and actions. You never judged, you never put yourselves over any of us.

You also went a step outside of Dawson. You reached out to my family. You began to know them, and what they were like, and where they were on their own walk with God. Before I truly knew how my family would accept me when I was finally released, you already knew the support I would receive from my husband and children. You knew about the church they were attending. I believe you did this so that you could help me to adjust to life on the outside, and to give me my best chance at succeeding.
I was released in March of 2010, and I began looking for employment. Many doors were closed to me due to my past. While I can understand this, it was still discouraging. Once I was released, you did not abandon me. I was able to call and talk with you. You came to visit me in my hometown, in my church, and with my family. You strengthened me, you encouraged me, and you continued to show me what Christianity was all about.

Six weeks ago, I was hired on by a company here in Perryton. To my surprise, I was hired as a secretary and accountant, despite my past. The company is owned by a Christian man, who happens to be an elder at the church I attend. I can only thank God for working through each of you; for you taught me to keep my standards high and to trust in God. Many times I was tempted to give up and take any job that presented itself to me. I never dreamed that God would reward me in this way.
I have each and every one of you to thank for my life as it is now. You gave it back to me, you gave my family back to me, and most of all, you gave my dignity back to me. You did this by teaching me about God, and His grace and love, and by demonstrating His grace and love in your actions.

I can never thank you enough for what you have done, and are still doing for me, and for all of the other inmates in whose lives you are reaching into. There is no way to repay what you gave to me. I can only hope and pray that God gives me the chance to change someone else’s life as you have changed mine.