I had lunch today with Carl Carlson, the founder of Men of Valor prison ministry. I gave him a few samples of the new Seek Social Justice study that was just released (MOV is the subject of Lesson 4: Working Toward Justice), and he caught me up on what the ministry was planning for the next year. As I was leaving, he said he was going to send me an email with letters that some of the men in the Jericho project had sent to a Sunday school class where the children had made them special Christmas cards. He told me as only Carl can say (imagine a big, burly voice): “This is gonna bless you big time. I mean, big time.” I’ve included here the email he sent me. They provide a unique insight into what God is doing inside the prison:
Thank you and the children at the church for all the Christmas cards. It really meant a lot to us in here. Some of us don’t get mail in here, or at least not very much. There are a lot of us in this place that have burnt most of all if not all of our bridges. Even though we’re in a great ministry such as Jericho we are still human and do find ourselves beating ourselves up about being incarcerated. With this all being said, I’d again just like you to tell the kids thank you very much for reminding us that we are still loved, and thank you as well for allowing God’s work to be done through you. May God continue to bless you and your household. Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Sincerely, DS
I thank you for your love and kindness that you show me when you decide to make this card for me and all the men of Jericho because when I was out on the street I had people that said they care about me but they didn’t write or send me anything for Christmas at all. So for you and all the other little ones to show love to me makes me know that God is still with me like He said. I thank you very much for the cards that you took time out to make for me and the other men here. I can’t say much more except that I love all of you. Keep God in your life please. I’m not afraid anymore. Thank you for the good news and joy. AP
Just a few words to say thank you to you and the children. I was blessed by a card from a little girl by the name of “Caroline” which put a big smile on my face. I love the card it has 2 stick people dancing also wearing a big smile, a Jesus Loves You sticker, a sticker on a heart and a Christian fish symbol and a sticker of Jesus colored. When I think about the time these children spent preparing these cards; one word comes to mind “precious”. I can almost visualize Jesus smiling down on them smiling to. Are you smiling yet? Big smile. I tape the card to my bed to remind me that Jesus loves me and to pray for Caroline daily. Thanks again and I have you and the rest of the children in my prayers as well. Caroline has officially a prayer warrior God bless! With Christian affection, AR
Dear Blessed Little Ones, I find it really hard to put words to this. Never in all my years of being in and out of jail and prison have I ever even heard of Jesus’ little children making Christmas cards for people like myself. But it never seems to amaze me of how Jesus can just reach in and touch our heart. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to say that I pray that all of you and your family are blessed with the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. God bless each and everyone of you! Thanks JP
How can I explain how much the kid’s cards meant to me? Everything was so beautiful and right on time. I thank each and every person that has something to do with this. I thank you for letting God use each one of you to do this. This is truly a blessing that means so much to me. This is something that I don’t deserve, but God forgave me that I might receive His love. Thank you, RT
I want to say thank you to all the kids that sent us men Christmas cards. Please let them know how much all their effort and love in making the cards are blessings to each man in Jericho. Tell them it’s kids like themselves that make a better world to live in. Keep God our Savior and Jesus Christ in their lives. I wish all their dreams come true for all of them for Christmas, and all members of your church. Happy New Year and May God be with you all. Your brother in Christ, ML
I want to thank you and the children for the wonderful cards filled with so much love and hope. It is a honor to know that someone cares for us in such hard times in our lives. It really lets me know that God is working in this day and time to change people’s hearts to be Christ-like. So continue to show compassion to others and God will continue to pour down his blessing upon you and others. Much love, God bless, RK
Thank you so much for the beautiful card. It was a blessing. A wonderful cheer, warm loving feeling flowed through my heart and left me with the biggest smile. God bless the wonderful love that is given from a child on Christmas! This was a very wonderful Christmas, a wonderful and thoughtful gift. God bless you. You will be in my prayers always. Love, WA
