Christmas is here and we are asking what can I give to the people on my gift list? The greatest gift was given to us on the day Jesus Christ was born. He in turn has given us the greatest gift. He has given us salvation. Let me share with you the gift He gives that is often overlooked. He gives salvation which involves changing lives and through forgiveness and restoration.
Yesterday I went to Lake Butler and picked up a young man that was released from prison. As I drove into the prison I was reminded of my arrival there many years ago to be processed in as an inmate. It brought back many memories of the hurt and pain I had caused so many by my wrong choices. As we walked in I passed 3 young men working away serving as trustees. I stopped and shared with them my testimony of the change Jesus has brought into my life when I fully surrendered my life to Him. Jesus has given me forgiveness and restoration.
As we sat there waiting for the young man to be released to us I observed a number of men in the blue prison uniform fulfilling numerous duties as trustees. I began to think about the future of these young men and the paths they would travel. I asked one of the inmates when he could possibly face freedom and he responded by saying it would be several years.
What a waste. Or is it a waste? I am convinced being confined to a correctional facility often times becomes the seminary training for future ministers of the Gospel. I remind you that know me I received my Master’s of Theology degree from the New Orleans Baptist Seminary then I went to prison and received The MASTER’S Degree for service to my Lord and my King.
I have witnessed so many lives being claimed for Jesus to share the Gospel in these 11 years with Christian 12 Step Ministry. In Wildwood we have a pastor of a great church who came from the jail cell to the pulpit. A church in Belleview recently ordained a man as elder after his recovery from addiction and he also serves the church as youth director.
Another young man directs a transitional house in Titusville for recovering addicts. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry a few weeks past. We received news of another young man who began a recovery ministry in another state after his release from prison and several months of victorious sobriety.
I could go on and on. How do I know about these men? They came to the door of Christian 12 Step Ministry and asked for help. We simply took the time to tell them about a Savior named Jesus. What a glorious opportunity is ours daily to share the good news of the Great Physician who heals addicts and brings to them genuine and not tolerable recovery.
Many of you reading this are partners with Christian 12 Step Ministry, Inc. Without your prayers, financial support and hours of volunteering we could never accomplish what God is able to do through this ministry. Your faithful support allowed me to go to Lake Butler and pick up this young man and share with him the good news of Jesus Christ.
Something amazing happened in the office when mom and grandma brought in the little son. He climbed in the chair at the reception desk and said “I am going to work for God”. The future perhaps will be filled with the witness of this young man and his son resulting in the salvation of many souls. I get excited when I am privileged to witness the power of God at work. The day of miracles has not passed. I see them in my office everyday.
God bless you and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!