I know many of these stories are coming from the jail, but that’s where my heart is right now, so I spend quite a bit of time there. Originally I thought this may be a once a week visit, but as I hear the stories each day, I’m continually drawn there. I know some of the stories I hear are sob stories to get me to bring money, but many of these men are truly repentant and moving on from their former lives. Bernie seems like one of these guys.
There was a time when Bernie was on top of things. He had a wife, two kids, a home, and was a member of the Philippine’s Navy Seals and was working his way up to the top when he sided with the wrong group. He followed a leader that led a mutiny back in 2007 and was dishonorably discharged. When he returned home, his wife couldn’t live with him as a husband and told him she didn’t love him anymore and would leave the kids with him. Shortly after that heartbreak, he had three mouths to feed and being dishonorably discharged doesn’t look great on a resume.
Soon, Bernie was influenced to do what it took to feed his kids and saw the amount of money some drug dealers were making, so he joined in. It didn’t take long for him to work his way up again, in a different field this time, and he began making the money he wished for. Well being ruled by the flesh is a slippery slope and soon Bernie began adding charges to his warrant. All it took was one big mistake and he would be locked up for a long time. His biggest mistake came one night when anger got the best of him and he attacked a police officer. Bernie was quickly locked up and his life was essentially over.
It was in prison that Bernie found Jesus and began living for a different purpose. He was in a cell with nearly 60 men, and at the time, it wasn’t a good place for a man trying to live for God. The influences got the best of him and he finally requested to be put in solitary, away from all other distractions (I asked the warden about this one, and it’s true). He’s been there for a few months and he’s getting his alone time with God. The only problem is before this week, no one ever stopped to visit him, so his alone time soon turned to loneliness. I was passing by the other day on my way out, and he just reached out to me and asked, “I know you are leaving, but can you come see me one day and let me tell you my story and share with me the word of God?” Well I can never turn down that request.
I went to him yesterday and we just sat for an hour or so. He told me his whole story and how blessed he is now to know the Lord despite still being in jail and all alone. He didn’t ask me for anything, which is one sign to me he really was just needing the company. I encouraged him with some scripture and just listened, and it was just so refreshing for me. When I first went to the prison, I kept getting letters asking me for cigarettes and soap and clothes. Now I get messages with Bible verses and requests for more scriptures. I know I need to be careful still, but I’m glad to introduce you to the men I see everyday. Thank you for your prayers, we still need them…
