Thanks very much for your inspirational letter and words of comfort, which really cheer me up and make my day at this difficult time in my life. (Age 63) Thanks a million for the bold print lesson for me. It is so much easier to read.

Aaron (prisoner)

The most important thing I’ve learned in this course is “Jesus Christ is our righteousness”. To enjoy fellowship with God we must not only know that we have been forgiven of every sin but we must also know that we are clothed with a righteousness that is acceptable with God.

That kind of righteousness is a perfect righteousness He gives us by putting us in Christ. God does not see us as we are but He sees us in Christ, a perfect righteousness before God.

Arturo (Spanish prisoner)

May God’s peace and love abide in your lives and may God the Father who created the earth, rain dew blessings on you because you lend help to us who are detained. There have been many people whose lives you have touched that have told me about the marvelous things that they have learned from the Word of God and they have told exactly what the Bible says.

A companion here in prison gave me a piece of paper and told me that I could receive free Bible courses so this is the reason why I am writing. I am here in prison in Virginia for an indefinite period of time so it would enchant me to receive one of your courses and I would wait for it with happiness. May God bless you and I’ll see you soon.

Terry (prisoner)

There are many things I have learned from you Bible study series. Not only the things I have learned but also they have reminded me of things I have forgotten. Sometimes not only the big picture but also the small things we also must know. God made not only the earth and all things above, on and in the world.

But when sin came into the world by man, Christ came in the flesh and died to break the chains of sin and give us salvation. One man brought sin and one Man released us from sin and gave us eternal life.

To SOURCE OF LIGHT: I love ya! God bless each and every one of you who devote his or her time to sending out God’s Word. For God’s purpose! For me! Sometimes you may never see what your fruit of labor for God does. But for myself, thank you from a million tongues! Know that not only I love you for what you do for me but also God loves you for what you do for Him!

Casey (adult)

I am looking to go to court later this month. Would you send me my lesson before then because I would like to continue with your lessons? I don’t know where I’ll be after court. I’ll let you know what my address will be.

Janis (young adult)

I have an acquaintance from high school (1990’s) and she called me. I wanted to be a testimony. I told her what had been going on in my life and proceeded to tell her how she can know the Lord. She has not made a decision. I’m praying that she would come to an understanding and get saved. Her name is Crystal.

Betty (adult)

I have a grandson (22 years old) that is not saved. I’m going to see him this month and want to talk to him about the Lord.

Lori (adult)

I’m praying that the Lord will prepare my husband’s heart. I want God to be glorified and Alex would accept Jesus’ gift of salvation. He needs to repent and have faith in the Lord Jesus.

I try my best to read my Bible study so I can do good on them. But I got two young children at home and sometimes I lose my place where I read. I have a son that has ADHD and sometimes he is a handful. But that’s not an excuse for me for not doing good work like I should but it contributes.

Cathy (adult)

My husband and I sold our home back in March of this year. We found a home through foreclosure with Freddie Mack. We’ve been staying with my husband’s brother. Freddie Mack has promised to put in a new septic system but I hope they keep their promise. We hope to move in by the end of the month. I’m so weary of the waiting. My husband’s brother smokes and drinks so bad. I’m tired of inhaling the smoke, etc. He needs the Lord too!

William (Spanish prisoner)

May the All-Powerful One bless you brethren. When I received the beautiful certificate that you sent me, I was very proud and told all my friends. I hope that you will send me the second course. I want to finish as many as I can. I send greetings to all the directors and my teacher that cares for us Hispanics. I want to give you one thousand thanks. It’s the best present that I have ever received! I feel content and happy. May God bless you.

James (prisoner)

I am currently incarcerated in jail awaiting my trial for driving while being declared an habitual offender. I was riding a scooter, which no license is required but I did not know you must be eligible to get a license. My attorney will be talking to the Commonwealth attorney about reducing the charge from a felony (12 month in jail) to a misdemeanor of driving on a suspended license, which carries 10 days. I want the Lord’s will but hope it will happen.

Luis (prisoner)

I’m in jail and my one-year-old son with my ex-wife was taken from her for being negligent. I’m praying that I can get a pre-release and God get me out of jail before September so that with His help I can get full custody of my son before D. C. S. puts him up for adoption in September.

Danny (ex- prisoner)

I have been locked up for 10 years and two months. I been out for six months and been alone the whole time. I’m 42 years old, no kids, never married and I’m so lonely. I would love to be married and have a son and a daughter. I would like for me to have a good Christian family.

Carol (prisoner)

My marriage is on the rocks; my teenage children “Hate” me (their words). I am currently estranged from my kids. I need my family reunited and healed so my marriage can stay in tact.

Frank (prisoner)

Thank you for praying for Jeanette and the family. I received my first letter in six months from her last Friday. It was postmarked the day after you mailed my lesson to me and had prayed about the situation. No one can tell me, God doesn’t hear and answer prayers.

Robert (prisoner)

Safety is an issue in this prison. That’s something I pray for my children and grandchildren along with their health and well being. My mother and father need salvation. The Lord answered my prayers!! I know that it was through your prayers that my daughter, Tracy wrote to me. I’ve not seen her for 15 years. THANK YOU!

William, a prisoner wrote several poems that I will include in the next three issues of the “Mailbag”

GRANDMA
I remember when I was a little boy,
My grandma use to say,
Come and sit beside me, son,
I want us to pray!
We would bow our heads to God.
And then we would give Him praise,
Thanking Him for mom and dad,
And being blessed in many way.
I would sometimes lift my head to see,
If grandma was done,
And with tears in my grandma’s eyes,
She would say, “Thanks for my Grandson”.

I love my Grandma,
My Grandma loves me.
She taught me all about Jesus,
And what it meant to be free.
Yes, I love my grandma
And my grandma loves me.
I love my grandma,
Because she first loved me.
My grandma gave me all that she had,
The very best was her king,
So for all you loving grandmas’
In grandma’s name for you I sing.

I love my grandma
She taught me all about Heaven,
And the blessed Trinity.
Yes I love my grandma,
And my grandma loves me,
I love my grandma,
Because she first loved me.
Well, my grandma’s gone to Heaven now,
But I can still see her tears,
As I bow my head to God,
And thank Him for those years.
Because I love my grandma,
My grandma loves me,
Yes I love my grandma,
For all eternity.

Greg and Hemanth

Joseph (prisoner)
It takes time and money for this material to be sent so thank you for your investment.  I do not take it for granted.  I do pray for the people that God has put in my life to learn about Jesus and you are part of that prayer.  Sometimes I get discouraged in this prison because there are so many Muslims that are violently opposed to Christ and His Gospel.
But God is keeping me focused on Him through prayer and song.  I don’t say much about my faith in here and I know Jesus wants me to share His salvation message.  I need God to strengthen me in this area.  Actually God has equipped me so I just need courage.  I just wanted to thank you for doing the Lord’s work because each study I receive, I learn more about the Bible and Jesus.

Thomas (adult)
My desire is that Jesus may use my gift of music and joy to lead others to Christ.  May Jesus shine through me to al the people that I meet.  I want to start reading the Bible but don’t know where to start.  Can you help me?
(Editor note: We have sent him a guide for his reading God’s Word)

Bonnie (adult)
I have begun a week ago re-memorizing Scripture plus new ones.  At this time I am reviewing the Book of Ephesians which I memorized years ago and it’s a joy to re-memorize and the Holy Spirit is truly enlightening my spiritual eyes of understanding.  I memorize well and love to do it.  I need to be consistent and be filled with the fullness of God and know Him in a much deeper and intimate way.

Kelsie (teen)
I just returned from a Christian camp and I’ve realized a lot of things I do are very sinful.  I want to be able to get on the right tract and live the way God wants me to.

Jessica (teen)
I was being diligent in prayer and my walk.  I’m convinced that it’s just too hard.  So I don’t think I’m worthy to pray or praise.  I miss doing it!  I feel like I ask for forgiveness WAY too much.  (Editor note: we sent her a booklet “What Does It Take To Follow Christ?)

Courtney (teen)
My brother, Ben is in basic training (for the Army) for the whole summer.  I hope he passes it.  I’m scared about going into middle school.  I have new skates and need courage to try them without breaking my bones.

Karis (Eight year old)
I need to be a better sister to my five-year-old and three-year-old brother.

Jessica (ten year old)
My grandpa is fighting with my mom.  Grandpa is my mom’s dad.  He needs to be saved.  He don’t go to church but watches TV instead, while people go to church.

Lacy (prisoner)
Thank you for the great work and ministry.  You’ll are teaching the hearts of many women and men behind these prison walls.  I want to do God’s work behind bars.  In order to do this I will need more enrollment cards for some of my fellow Christians if possible.

William (prisoner – translated from Spanish)
When I received the beautiful certificate that you sent me, I was very proud and told all my friends.  I hope you will send me the second course.  I want to finish as many as I can.  I send greetings to all the directors and my teacher that cares about us Hispanics.  I want to give you one thousand thanks.  It is the best present that I have ever received!  I feel happy and content.  Keep sending me courses.  Amen and amen.

Oscar (adult)
I am learning from these lessons so that I can go to Mexico to teach the Word of God.

Jerry (adult – with a wife that can not read to Sylvia))
I want you to know how much my wife and I enjoy you being our correspondent teacher through the Bible courses and teaching us.  It really has encouraged us and taught us a lot from you and you’re teaching the Bible courses and test questions.  It may have been hard but we finally got the messages in what you were talking about.  So we understand it better.
Brenda is trying to read from the Word of God and I’m in the book of Ezekial and reading out loud, but I pray first and ask God to speak through His Word to my heart.  I want to do His will and obey it.

Isadore (prisoner)
I have a problem of lusting and I really want to stop.  My wife needs to stop doing drugs and begin reading her Bible.  Right now my wife and kids are not in my life but I want them to be.

Erick (prisoner)
I want to be able to see my mother and father again before they leave this earth to be with the Lord.  I don’t have very much time left here in prison but my parents are up in age.  I need a new trial and that I can get seven years off my sentence.  I pray that the courts will honor my motion and petition.  My wife Patricia needs prayer also.

Joseph (prisoner)
Here in prison I am under a lot of pressure to cuss and gamble.  I’m around it almost every waking moment.  I really want to be an example of Jesus and His love.

Toya (prisoner)
I ask that my bond with my baby girl (16 months) and myself get stronger.  I’ve been separated from her since birth and it’s like she really don’t know me as her mother because I’m incarcerated.  It hurts me that she is close to my aunt who has her while I’m here, but I still try to be strong.

Luis (federal prisoner)
Your studies are showing me more and more regarding the things God wants me to know about Him.  It is a blessing to me every time I receive them in the mail.  I never want to turn back.  I want to be what God created me to be.  God has given me a wife and son.

Patrick (prisoner)
I need God to continue to provide me with all the resources and tools I need to serve Him and to grow closer to Him so I can serve Him in the future.

Timmy (age 11)
I don’t want to go into foster care.  My sister needs to stop doing bad stuff and lying to people.  I want to have a normal life like other kids.

Lonet (translated from French student)
I want to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in order to do the will of God.  There are good and bad days and the moments the most difficult to do the Lord’s will.  I need healing for my knees after I had arthroscopy done.

Martha (translated from French student)
Yes, I was saved before the benediction on a Sunday night in 1974 in Light Chapel close to my home.  I had gone to attend an evangelistic service and Christ redeemed me from the shadows of darkness into the marvelous light.

Fernando (Spanish prisoner – translated)
First of all I want to give all the honor and glory to our Heavenly Father for the new life in Christ.  My name is Fernando and my brother in Christ is Antonio.  We were prisoners in Connecticut.  I have been here one year and a half and he has been here for five months.  I praise the Lord because here I have been reconciled with God and He took me out of the “fiery furnace of Egypt” which is the world where we walked, involved in drugs, alcohol, parties and other sins.
My brother, Antonio also was reconciled here with Jesus Christ and I had the opportunity to receive forgiveness of our Heavenly Father and now I serve Him.  I write to ask that you send Bible studies to my brother Antonio and I  (this has been done) so we can be filled with wisdom from the Word of God so we can be prepared when we get out of prison.  We give all the glory and honor to God, the All Powerful One, that even though we are physically in prison, we are free spiritually and are free from the bondage of sin.
We praise the Lord for the work that you do in the prisons and for always remembering us like it says in the Word of God.  May God help you and bless your ministry.  All the glory and honor be given to God, the Father and blessed is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Janice (French student – translated)
Yes I am saved.  I watched television and a man spoke of God and His love for me.  I prayed and accepted Jesus as my Savior.

Jean David (French student – translated)
Jesus has come to live in my heart.  On hearing His Word and reading His message, He transformed me spiritually and that’s how I chose Jesus as my Savior.  By His grace I am a new creature, a person and now I can say I have eternal life.  Many thanks my brothers and sisters.

Maiminas (French student – translated)
I was born again through the Gospel.  At the age of 10, I took my spiritual life in hand, and I was saved.  For seven years I have had no regrets and this year I have made the decision to be baptized.  I know it will not be easy but my trust is in God.

Sheila (adult)
Thank you for your prayers for my sister, Victoria.  God has helped me to make a decision to remove her from life support.  If she lives without the life support or if she doesn’t, she’s still in our Father’s hand.  I don’t know how soon this will take place but I know that God is in control.  This has been a hard decision for me but I trust the Lord.  I’m so glad He heard my cry for my sister.

Sharnell (adult – age 85)
During my new life in Christ I have learned to be more patient.  It was only while taking care of the elderly did the word “wait appear to me.  I can truly say that now after reading your lessons, I have just about mastered patience in every way.

Mae Shepard (adult – age 75)
By God’s grace I purpose to let Christ be everything to me.  To love Him with all my heart, soul and mind and to serve Him to the best of my ability.  I purpose to spend time with Him each day in prayer and reading His Word.
I received Christ in 1942 as my Lord and Savior of my life and I have tried to live each day of my life for Him. because He is the best thing that has happened in my life.  I would not take anything for my time spent with Him each day.  I love Him because He loved me and gave His life for me and I truly thank Him each day for being Himself in my life.  I’m happy Jesus is on my side in my life – To God be the glory.

Oscar (Spanish prisoner – translated)
I want God to protect my children and my whole family.  I want Him to help me get out of the problem quickly and that He will help my lawyer to give me good news.  I need my wife to continue on with my children.

Jose (Spanish prisoner – translated)
My family is having a struggle.  It has been over a year since I heard from them.  I know that through prayer, God hears us and that he will give me what I need.  God bless you brethren.

Andre (Spanish prisoner – translated)
I was a very bad person and I didn’t care about anything.  I always did what I wanted and caused harm to so many people but something marvelous happened in my life.  Christ came into my life and liberated me by His mercy.  I am very thankful for the change that Christ has made in my life.

Edgar (Spanish prisoner – translated)
I want to thank you with all my heart because I am learning a lot with the help that you give me.  The exams that you send me have opened my eyes because they are from the Word of God.  There are many things they I did not know before that I now know.  I feel much better and praise the Lord for the many doors that are opening to me.
Thank you for the little booklet that you sent me.  I want to ask you that you send me my exams as soon as possible so I can finish them quickly because I may be getting out of prison soon,  I would like to have my certificate when I finish the exams.  I would also like your help when I get out to help me lead my family to the way of God.  May God bless you for your prompt help.  Don’t forget to pray for my family.

Baldemar (Spanish prisoner – translated)
I want you to know that it gives m m M MUCH happiness and it is very important for me to receive these lessons.  They help me a lot.  God is great.  I’m not alone because He is with me and with my family.  I’m hoping to get out of prison because of something I did with somebody.  I will tell you everything but I need your permission.
I am alone but I want to give my friends the address of you school.  (Send more slips to fill out the names and addresses of these people.)  If you will let me tell you about my case I will writ you soon.  I am alone because my family is in Mexico.  I would love to receive letters because I can receive them.

Antonio (Spanish prisoner – translated)
Thank you for this study.  I like it very much.  May the all-powerful Jesus Christ pour out peace, love, knowledge and His blessing on all of you.  I have a little son, Ethan and I love and miss him a lot and want our Heavenly Father to take care of him.

Call upon His name,        He’s coming back someday,
And you shall be set free.    And no more shall we roam.
Jesus bore our shame,        For He’s the only way,
All for you and me.        To our heavenly home.

So, keep looking toward the East,
Across the open sky.
Soon Jesus will be here,
In the twinkling of the eye.

Sarah (prisoner)
Thank you so much for the envelope.  My dad has been in the hospital going on six weeks.  I just learned today that he won’t be going home this week.  At the earliest, he will be able to go home will be around July 20th.  He
is still facing another surgery and skin grafts.
Things are very difficult for my mom, so she isn’t able to help me like she and dad have been.  I have an awful lot of guilt because I’m not there to help.  I’ve always been there in the past.  While I pray for healing for my dad, I pray that God will heal this heavy sense of guilt.
We’re not sure how my dad will adjust because he won’t be able to use his foot.  They have been teaching him to use a walker.  On top of that, my parents have steps in their house.  I keep praying because I know God can do
all things.

James (prisoner)
I have been locked up, this time for 10 years.  I have a wife who is active drug abuser, who hasn’t been by my side the whole time, yet now that I have only a year left is writing me that she still loves me.  I still love her but have no trust in her and see no change in her.  I have been writing this Christian lady for a year now and she has faithfully visited me.  Pray that I will make the right decision.

Charles (prisoner)
Thank you for all the help and concern that was shown to me during this time I was taking your course.  Your ministry helped me so much in my walk with God.  When I began your course I was like a young child, eager to learn God and to know more about, His Word and how to grow in a Christian relationship with other believers.
I hope what I have learned will help to keep me in close contact with God on a daily basis.  Thank you for helping me to continue in an advanced study course.  I hope all those that I recommended to take your course get as much out of it as I did.  Keep up the good work in helping those of us who have made mistakes.  You are caring people of those in prison,  Thank you!

Tina (adult)
My husband, Roger and I have just recently moved to North Carolina from Florida.  We need to succeed here.  We have been homeless in Florida for about six months.  Now we have been blessed with a home but our hearts still hurt for those who are homeless, hungry and hurting.

Robert (adult)
My wife, Sue Ann has just been arrested and faces many years in prison.  She needs our prayers.

Bonnie (adult)
I need a good work in my heart and life and to continue to seek Him in prayer and His Word.  I would like Him to use me to the fullest and to be completely obedient and surrendered.  Help me learn to live a surrendered life.
Delores (adult)
I want to establish a quiet time.  I tried this morning and my husband saw my light on and came into my room and said, “What are you doing?”  I had to to and make him some coffee.

Teddy (teen)
I need daily guidance in my Christian walk and for calmness in my life in these deeply troubling times.
I have never been arrested or incarcerated in my life.  My parents taught me to hold tight to my self-respect and decency.  They taught me to keep high moral principles and values.  I praise God for my parent’s instruction and guidance.

Darrel (prisoner)
I am an image at C.P.D.C. doing jail time.  I had a conversation with another inmate and he was telling me about this program you all have so I can study God’s Word.  So I’m writing you’ll to ask if I can receive any information on the program.  I would love to study this program and help myself to get close to God.  I’m ready for what God has to offer me, because I need to change in my life and this program would be a good starting point.

Marco (prisoner – translated from Spanish)
Thank you for the studies that you send me and also caring about prisoners.  I also say this for the other prisoners because these lessons give them liberty and something concrete to do and not dwell on the bad things they have done before.  That is what I think.  I ask you the favor of sending me more like them.  I thank God in a big way for both you and your family and God bless the pastor and his family.  In general, these studies are very good.  I say good-bye for now.

Rafael (prisoner)
Lately I have been lacking in faith since a lot of negative circumstances have come upon me.  I have been paroled for over a year but can’t be released until I find for myself a temporary place of residence suitable enough for the parole officer to parole me to.

Adam (prisoner)
I want to say thanks to you for sending my kids the lessons.  They have received them and are doing fairly well, just as I am.  I am fairly new in reading the Bible and would love it if you can get me started in some Bible passages.  I have a Bible, I’m just not sure where to start.  Can you help me?  (We did.)

Sergio (prisoner  – Spanish)
I want to ask that you continue to send me more studies.  I want to continue studying and learning from the Word of God and I want to be a good servant of the Lord.  So that I can teach others I want you to teach me through these studies.  May God bless you in a big way.  Attentively your brother in Christ.

Jennifer (prisoner)
I’ve been locked up in the county for seven months now and I just got sentenced on the 20th of May to three years in prison.  I’m ready to go and get this over with so I can be back with my little boy.  I’m waiting for the prison bus to come get me soon.  I haven’t seen my son since Easter.  He’ll be 18 months old this month.
My mother is going through a divorce right while I’m waiting to go to prison.  I have two sisters and a brother who are taking this divorce pretty badly.

Brittany (ten year old)
My girl friend hasn’t changed and is still annoying and a word twister.  I will be in 5th grade this fall and am worried.  There are many supplies to get.  My backpack will not fit in my locker and I’m so so So SO nervous!!  I think I’ll just told Jordan how I feel or maybe talk to my counselor at school, because she copies me and she says “fine, I’m sorry so you just hate me 4 ever.”  Also it’s hard to get rid of her.

Agatha (prisoner – Spanish)
I praise to the Almighty God because He is everything to me.  I would like to thank you for the opportunity to study the Bible with you.  It is a great privilege.  I am so happy that I want to continue doing them to the very end!  Thank you very much and may God give you many blessings.

Sierra  (prisoner)
I am having a real hard time making up my mind on what to do about my abusive husband.  Should I give him another chance or not?  He abuses me mentally, physically, emotionally and sexually when we are together at home.

Cherfina  (prisoner)
I am a single mother of six boys and need all the blessings I can get to help my sons and me.  I pray that God will strengthen my faith and life.  Emotionally, physically, and financially and any way He can.

Mary  (adult)
Thank you so much for the certificate.  I am so very proud of that.  My daughter lives with me and was very proud of it also.  She wants to start back on hers.  I think she was in the second or third lesson.  As soon as my other family moves I am getting them started in doing them.

Lowell  (adult)
I have lived in my hose for six years.  I live on S.S. D. I. and am very ill with a number of problems and diabetes.  I have not had a working furnace the whole time I have lived here (lives in central Indiana).  I. C. A. P. will not help me and I don’tknow where to turn.  In February my car broke down.  Now I can’t get to the store to get food or to get my meds.  It takes me two and a half-hours to walk nine blocks.
In January I had to shut off my phone so now I can’t call a cab or friends to get a ride. If I can’t work this out in some way I will have to go into a nursing home  I am 52 years old and my eyes are going bad (ha! ha!)  What’s new?   (Ed  note: We have a nearby friend checking out the validity of this account)

Jose  (Spanish prisoner)
In the name of my God Jehovah I give thanks for al of you amen.  Thank you for blessing me with your prayers and for ending me the other book about prayer.  I am also writing to tell you that they have lowered my level and I am being moved to another prison.  I would like you to pray that where they end me that everything will go well and that His sweet presence will be with me.  I also want God’s will to be done.
I thank God for His sweet mercy, compassion and grace for our lives, and us Amen.  Please continue to send me the lessons.  Please excuse me for sending my lessons in late.  I was in the hospital for surgery.  I am much better now.  I want to be a productive person in His ministry.

Damian  (prisoner)
My cousin, Sammy is in Florida.  His wife has left him and he wrote me asking me why God hates him and is talking suicide!  I told him to trust God and that He won’t let him down.

Denise  (prisoner)
My desire is that my husband,Clay, be restored to me.  He doesn’t know I’m in prison and haven’t had contact with him for over a year.

Vincent  (prisoner)
I believe with all my heart that my heart is in the right place (in Christ).  I want to get ordained for the ministry.  If you knew how much the Lord has used me this past year I’ve been here in jail you would understand my desire.  My question is “How can I be ordained through the mail?”

Sheila  (adult)
These lessons help me get in the Word more.  I have read these Scriptures before but reading them and answering these questions help me to know what I have learned from the reading.  I don’t always comprehend what I read but when I have the questions to answer I have to read it over and over until I get it and that really helps me.
I thank God for using you’ll to be a blessing to me by giving me these lessons.  It gives me something spiritual to do and that’s what I need.

Pedro  (Spanish prisoner)
Yes, these lessons have been a blessing because through these courses, I have learned about the Word of God and as I study and review the lessons, I feel that Jesus is in my heart.  Thank you for helping me.

Michael  (prisoner)
Praise God for allowing your ministry as well as offering a way for people to be able to learn more of God’s will for our lives, especially the deprived.  Jail is not always a place of comfort, yet these studies help.

Adam  (adult)
I am in recovery for drugs.  I’m trying to change my life so I can be a better father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.  I need God’s intervention in my life for my recovery and protection for my family.

Bittnah  (Teen)
My friend, Jordan is nice sometimes, annoying at other times and she copies me.  She gets upset easily, gets mad at me, but I feel bad for her. She thinks it’s not fair when I get something good, but she doesn’t.  Also she steals my other friends and drags me from my friends.
I don’t want to say that she’s not my friend because I forgive and forget.  But sometimes I really do want to say, “Jordan, you’re mean and selfish!  Please just find another best friend!”  But I don’t have the guts!  I am so mad sometimes!

Antonio   (Spanish prisoner)
Thank you, brethren in Christ.  This study is very beautiful.  I like it a lot and I thank you with all of my heart. May God our Father, and His Son Jesus pour out grace, peace, love and His blessings on all of you.  Amen!

Derrick  (prisoner)
My legal case is coming up and I’m praying that I will be given a second chance at freedom and my release from prison.  I have learned my lesson and will never do anything to come back to this place again.  My father and uncle need financial security.

Clay  (prisoner)
I’m trying to depend on God and let Him lead the way with my incarceration.  It’s tough for me being that I have a release date of 2076.  I have an appeal pending and I know that God is in control of everything, though sometimes I forget.  I don’t want to lose my way and fall into the Devil’s trap.

Marvin  (prisoner)
I have a parole hearing coming up the end of May, and my desire is that Jesus would be in my favor for a parole so I can go home by 1/19/2011.  I need God to help me speak the right words to show the parole board how sincere I will be so I can be with my two sons that needs Dad’s help in many ways.
I’ve never been in prison before and I’ve been in prison for five and a half months and this has been an experience I will ever forget.  This has altered the way I will live when I leave and I will keep to myself.  A lot of the men I don’t want to mix with due to their activities.  I’ve been sentenced to 14 months to 15 years for drug possession.  I hate drugs and alcohol.  I want to know God’s Word better so Satan can never hurt me again.  Your studies are helping me learn things I didn’t know up to now, about the Word of God.
Paul  (adult)
I am trying to start my life with God this time after doing a lot of drinking and drugging.

Thomas  (prisoner)
I have “life without parole” and I’m appealing to the governor for a “commutation” on my sentence which would give me a “life with a 30 year minimum” sentence and allow me to see the parole board for rehabilitation hearings.  This way they see a changed man for God’s glory.

Gerald  (prisoner)
I still need your prayers that the honest truth will come out in my situation and I will get out of prison.  I long to find my daughter and reunite back with her.  I want to tell her how sorry I am for what I did when I got Her with the wrong crowd.  I didn’t have any other choice to file for divorce from her mother because she walked out on the two of us when my daughter was a teenager at the age of 16 or 17.

Michael  (prisoner)
My mom has stomach cancer.  It has returned.  She has been so faithful and good to me.  I just want her to see me, living my life for the Lord and happy.  Before God takes her home I just want one more chance to be a son and a blessing to her.
I have lived such a selfish and self-centered life with my alcohol addiction.  God had to choose her especially for me.  She is a good mother and I love her very much and don’t want to lose her.

Marjorie  (teen – age 17)
I have a bad problem because I like to get mad with anybody.  I don’t care if they are older than I am.  If someone says something bad to me, I hit him or her.  I don’t like to smile and I like to sit by myself.

Wilton  (Spanish prisoner)
I want to be a new person in Christ.  I have made many mistakes but I want you people to pray that I will follow God’s way.  I have a family who is Christians and I care about them.  I want to return to Christ and our God.  I want God to guard my love ones in the name of Jesus.

Shane  (prisoner)
I want the Lord to use me to win others to Him.  I need God to help me prepare myself for His use.  I don’t want to waste the new life He has given me I’ve already wasted one life.  My case goes to trial in July.  I have three children.

Jim  (prisoner)
My mom and dad have been married for 56 years and are having trouble in their marriage.  I believe God is able to restore the love they once shared.

Rayford  (prisoner)
My sons are 24 years old and 23 years old.  I used drugs in the past.  I was lost and now am found.  They are in the Navy and right now they have hate in their hearts toward me.  I’m praying that one-day, they will have forgiveness toward their father.

Michael  (prisoner)
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for giving me this chance to get to know Him.  I go out twice a month to a detention home to speak to them about my life struggles and how I feel since God is in it.  I know the people/staff who take us from the Federal Medical Center out there that they don’t want us speaking too much about God but I pray that He will touch their hearts.

Derrick  (prisoner)
I need legal help to be released from prison with God’s help.  I would never do anything to come back to this place.  I’m a first time offender that got 40 years.  I need money for a good lawyer to help me with my case.  They did things wrong and a lawyer could help.  I am looking forward to being released and going back to my father.