On this page we will be sharing inspiring stories, notes, poems and occasional articles written by inmates.  Read and be blessed!

It is against regulation

to pass notes in chapel, however Chaplain Joe found this one on the floor one night after service.

The following poem was written by Brother Mike C., Howard R. Young Correctional Institute.

Click on the poem to enlarge it for easier reading.

I want to live the rest of my life in peace.  Just like Jesus says in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you; let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
These words mean so much to me!  I will keep these words with me all my life. I would like to find a church in my area that sings songs like we do here.  Also I would like to get baptized.  Can you please help me?
Thank you,
Greg
(name has been changed)

Dear Chaplain Joe,
Hi, my name is Greg.  I'm writing to ask you if you can help me to find a church to go to when I leave here.
When I came to prison I had never read a Bible before.  I'm 43 years old and also had never been to church.  The funny thing is when I walked into my cell and looked in the drawer under my bed, there was a Bible looking right back at me!  In 6-7 weeks' time I have read all of the New Testament and a good part of the Old Testament.
I am giving my life to God.  My trust, faith and love.  The funny thing is God has blessed me on three of my prayers already.  These blessings makes my faith and trust even stronger.

There's a lot I've got to be sorry for.  All year in 2011 I thought my life was over.  I felt hopeless.  Worthless, like no one could ever love me again (I've been going through a divorce all year).   I tried to kill myself 4 times in 6 months.  It appeared to me that God didn't want me to die.  He spared me for some reason!
I thought my life was over all year long, but now I realize it is just beginning!  I feel like a new born baby taking his first steps.  At 43 years old, I feel God all around me and in my heart.
He makes me stronger every day.  God is holding my right hand and He leads me and guides me like  a father with his little baby boy taking his first steps.