‘LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY’

Bible study at the women’s prison because I thought she would be thrilled. Didn’t she and my uncle every Sunday visit shut-in elderly people from their church, and weren’t they pillars in their Nazarene church? In a moment, my attitude changed from shock to sorrow at the realization that my aunt was not a Christian. “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples”

(John 13:35 NLT).

WHICH ONE ARE YOU . . .?

"Why would you waste your time on them?” spewed my aunt. I was stunned. The emphasis on them was accentuated by her look of disgust. She couldn’t believe I would dare to waste my time on women in prison. How could I lower myself to that level?

The question from this very religious aunt stunned me. I had shared with her that I was teaching a

I question how people can be so involved in religion and miss the relationship with Jesus that compels a Christ follower to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.” A relationship with the living Lord is the transforming power that causes God’s love to overflow onto the unlovely, the homeless, the elderly, addicts, the drunks, and yes, the prisoners.

This year marks my 37th year in prison ministry. I cannot imagine a more satisfying life. And not because I am doing prison ministry but because I am walking in the plan God called me to. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT).

At Bible study last night, I asked nine women prisoners what they will be taking with them when they leave prison. Reminding them that God is preparing them to do service for Him when they are released, I asked if they had any clue what their mission would be outside. Only one could give me an affirmative answer.

We talked about 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7 and how God prepares us to comfort others who might be going through similar trials that we have gone through. Perhaps they will be able to help someone with an addiction problem or be led to comfort someone who has been physically or sexually abused.

Looking back over the years and thinking of countless men and women I have been blessed by the Lord to minister to, my heart bursts with joy. I remember places, faces, voices, stories and tears. Looking out on a group of 60 or 70, perhaps more, men and women and making them laugh with silly stories helps me know that for a moment, I’ve brightened their world and lightened their load. Sharing with them how very much Jesus loves them and the price He paid that they might walk in true freedom is a blessing I cannot describe. One just has to live it. Listening to several men or women pray in turn, confessing their sins and asking Jesus to be their Lord and Savior is, life changing. I cannot imagine a more full or complete life.

We just completed our 24th year of the Prayer For Prisoners International (PFPI) Christmas Outreach. Thousands of prisoners around the United States sign up to receive a Christmas greeting from a PFPI volunteer and hundreds of volunteers participate in answering the call. This year, the responses from prisons was slow and in order to fill the many requests of volunteers for prisoner names, many prisoners received multiple cards. In the past, some folks have complained that prisoners might get more than one card. My question: How many cards do you get at Christmas? Responses from prisoners confirm to us that multiple cards can make a huge difference. One example is Alfred, who is incarcerated in Marianna Arkansas. “I just want to thank you for all the Christmas cards and support. I was at the end of my rope this year. I just got off suicide watch and moved into a max-2-man cell. I started to receive beautiful Christmas cards from women and men all over the US, wishing me hope, faith, courage and many, many prayers. It’s just what I needed to turn my soul to Jesus, the Light of the world. I had been led by the king of lies for many years, the enemy, alcohol, drugs and the neglect of my two, now adult children. The first card I received said, ‘God is good.’ He really is!”

Volunteers who send Christmas cards step over the barrier of disdain, disgust and whatever else hinders one from obedience to Jesus’ call to reach out to prisoners, some of the ‘prodigals’ of our day. Would you step over that line? Would your heart be moved to reach the “Alfreds” in prison or would you be like my aunt, the brother of the prodigal? Which one are you? Consider this question as you continue into this new year. If you are a Christian, consider the price Jesus paid for your sins. Would you reach out a hand to someone else who needs help up? Or would you walk away in disgust? “Jesus said, ‘I was in prison and you visited me’” (Matthew 25:36b NLT.) Jesus so loves prisoners He identifies with them.

There are many prodigal types in our world today and multiple ways to reach them with the love of Jesus. If you have not yet found the ‘people group’ Jesus is calling you to minister to, give me a call. I would be happy to pray with you. God wants you to know your calling. He wants you to walk in it. You are His workmanship. You are His poem. You are meant to be on mission, be it across the fence with your neighbor, in your supermarket, behind razor wire, or across the world. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

© 2023 Jan McLaughlin. Jan can be contacted at (719)649-2937 or (719)275-6971

And by e-mail at JansMail@Reagan. com. Also visit PrayerForPrisoners.org

A Letter To Steven Spielberg

BETTY JO TUCKER Pueblo award winning film critic

So who will win this argument? Spielberg directs -- and that’s a hint

THE FABELMANS appealed to me, a movie addict, you can see. Michelle Williams has hardest role as the mom with a sad soul.

Paul Dano as the dad is fine. He’s long a favorite of mine. Each of the boys who play main part help movie go straight to my heart.

Exciting scenes of youngster’s shots! Who worries about major plots?

Dear

MR.

SPIELBERG, I am writing you again to compliment you on your direction of THE FABELMANS. The last time I wrote was to tell you how much I enjoyed War Horse despite the sad parts causing me to cry for days after seeing that terrific movie.

Although The Fabelmans also includes sadness, it thrilled me with wonderful scenes about the love of movie making.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I always enjoy films about movies. My favorite one?

Singin’ in the Rain, of course. However, I am happy to report that The Fabelmans ends up in my top five, along with The Artist, Hugo and Hail Caesar!

I like the way you used material from your own life and showed us how you became interested in making films at a young age. After watching this compelling family drama, I was motivated to write the poem review below.

A young boy wants to make movies.

He dreams and schemes and makes his pleas.

His mother tries hard to help him.

But father thinks of it as whim.

He prefers practicality

Not something done as artistry.

Prejudice aimed at Jews exposed That’s important as it's disclosed.

Some more awards I see ahead for Spielberg’s work. Mind what I said.

Because of award-winning playwright Tony Kushner’s sensitivity, I think you were wise to pick him for your co-writer and to choose a fascinating cast. Besides Williams and Dano, Seth Rogen and Judd Hirsch excel as “Uncle Bennie” and “Uncle Boris” respectively. Both are so into these characters that they become almost unrecognizable. Also, the children seem real to me – none of them prettied up for the camera. Plus, kudos to Gabriel LaBelle and Mateo Zoryan as Sammy Fabelman at different ages.

I love the secret in this story. It surprises viewers and gives the film a whole new twist we don’t expect. Good for you to include this change of pace that piques adult viewers. Here’s hoping viewers are not expecting lots of laughter here. Like War Horse, it’s a serious drama.

And finally, the last scene of The Fabelmans is perfect. It’s another surprise for us – one that makes every movie addict like me very happy.

Admiringly, Betty Jo Tucker

"This is the biggest electric train set any boy ever had." --- Orson Welles

(Released by Universal and rated “PG-13” by MPAA.)

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