Letters from Prison

Here are just a couple of the letters we receive from inmates in 6 states. We have literally thousands in our archive, and you must read some!
This first one is from a FORMER inmate, who has been home now for a few years. However, his thoughts show his continued appreciation for this ministry.

Hi CJ,
I read a few of the letters from people from prison. One was from a person that I know and what they said is sooo true.  Your visits brought so much joy to a place that is just so negative.  It gives hope to some who cant find hope.  It was a bright spot in such a dark place.  I know first hand how it feels in there and what it meant to me to have the privilege of attending your services.  We looked forward to it for months and talked about it for months after your were gone.  I know that you know how much the guys and gals in there appreciate your efforts, but I wanted to tell you again myself.
Thank you so much for what you do.
Your Friend,
D.E.
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10-10-09

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, at Centinela State Prison, we were blessed to have a visit from Brother C.J. It had been a while since he was last here, and we were very eager and excited to have him minister to us through his music.

 He did not disappoint. I and many others in the congregation were swayed and moved by the power for God’s spirit touching us through C.J.’s voice and guitar. He even played music that we regularly sing during services; and yet, when C.J. performed them, my heart was softened and tears flowed. Those symptoms are evidence to the power for the Holy Spirit working through Brother C.J.’s ministry.

I’d like to thank your ministry for sending C.J. to minister to those of us in prisons. Thank you for being faithful servants of Christ. God bless you abundantly. We look forward eagerly to Brother C.J.’s next visit.

Your’s Sincerely,
BV
Centinela

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Received on 8-1-08
Dear CJ,

Greetings my Christian friend and brother. What a blessed day it was to join you in praise, worship and fellowship Saturday afternoon. My spirit was so moved with compassion I could barely retain the tears of joy! I don’t think I could even begin to express the elation that literally flooded my soul.

When I left Calipatria, I went through a very spiritually dry time. I was so downcast and had a difficult time trying to lift my head, heart and soul to find any type of spiritual high. Sure, I maintained my faith walk and I communed daily with our Father. But, I avoided chapel services as they seemed to be directed by people who were fake and Godless, fraudulent, fruitless and trying to elevate themselves.
 Anyway, I was in a spiritual desert dying of thirst and you brought to me that cool, fresh, living water I needed to quench that thirst. Thank you for being faithful, obedient and true to our Father. The Holy Spirit in you has an awesome impact on, not just me, but all you bear witness to. I say that, not to puff you up, but rather to let you know that your ministry is right on and that God is certainly being glorified because of you and your faithfulness to His call. May God grant you His special favor and abundant blessings according to His riches in Heaven!It really did my heart good to see you again and I look forward to another service in which we can fellowship together and glorify our Father.
 
 
 

 

Take care and, though I know your prayer list must be exceedingly long, please remember to pray for me and my family. I’ll certainly keep you in my prayers.With great heart-felt love in Christ,
Curtis
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Received on 7-31-08

 

Brother CJ,
God bless you! May our Lord Jesus Christ have His hand of protection upon you and all your loved ones. I’m still thanking God for this beautiful day He has given us again. God is so awesome, always on time.

Yesterday, July 27, 2008, I went to chapel expecting to receive, and receive I did! Just praising the Lord like we were was incredible. I had tears rolling down my face. I can remember when I didn’t really want to sing songs; I just wanted to hear the message. But now, I struggle with which one I desire more; the messsage or the worship! He always seems to show up right on time for me and He knows what I need at that moment.Well, brother CJ, thank you again for your presence and for doing God’s work. I love you in Christ.

Although I know that all the honor and glory go to the Lord, I would just like to thank you, my brother CJ, for caring and loving us enough to share Christ with us. I’m going to keep you in my prayers that our Lord may always bless your travels and supply all your needs.

Your Brother,
Charlie

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Received on 12-06-07

To CJ and the Band:

Hello, my name is D, but everyone calls me X. Long story, but I was nicknamed after (famous musician), which is ironic; I can’t sing a lick! Then again… one could agree, neither could (famous musician)!

But you! You guys JAM! Your whole band was awesome! Blew me away is more like it. Hearing you guys play and your message last night was definitely a blessing.

Dude, I can’t get over how talented you guys are.

I really want my girl to hear you guys. She is recently saved too. We are both clean and sober now and accepted Jesus into our lives. That is totally answered prayer, believe me. I don’t know whose prayer, but God bless them!

Can I share my testimony with you? Enclosed are pictures of my testimony. Meet M and E. When E was born Feb 2007, [I was here  :(  ] The hospital did a hair follicle drug test on M, and it came back positive for Methamphetamine. If ever there were a formidable foe in our lives, that demon’s name is Crystal Meth. She’s got a pretty first name, but you’d think with such an ugly last name, we’d have been more careful:(      We weren’t.  We invited her in, listened to her lies, and feasted upon them: Soul Poison. That’s what they should call that stuff, Soul Poison. We didn’t see the warning. Someone must have pulled the label off. You know, that cool little skull and crossbones…

So… the hospital had CPS on speed dial. CPS automatically tagged us as this tattooed-trailer-park white trash, Meth addicted, COPS re-run watchin’, textbook dysfunctional family. “And don’t tell us… the baby’s daddy is probably in prison somewhere for something like trafficking stolen property” or whatever… C’mon! Could they be any more stereotypical?!! So when they found out this was all true  :(   they came in and snatched up baby E.

Fellas, I’ve been shot, stabbed, beat, hit, slapped, threatened, stalked, hunted and I never dropped to my knees.
I dropped to my knees that day.
I dropped to my knees and cried.
I dropped to my knees to pray.

“God, I’m worthless. I probably don’t deserve any favor, but I know it was You who have been answering my other prayers all my life. I need you to forgive me for being such a white trash wretched dope fiend and… don’t let me and M. lose our boy! I know you will answer this prayer, but I also know that I am going to have to make some serious changes in my heart and my life. I am ready to do that.”

Let’s just say that God is true to those that are true to Him. Since this prayer, I have committed my life to Jesus and what do you think happened? Miracle after miracle, that’s what! has totally shined down on me and M’s life and this whole CPS case. Look at the pictures. They are not the best pictures, but the content is…    perfect :)

There are challenges, don’t get me wrong. But we are much more strong and together than ever before. It would mean the world to us if you could have your churches pray for me, M and E. Things like the continuing hedge of protection, financial favor and a safe comfortable place for M and E to live while I am in here. CPS is still involved, but they have even said that M is the best case they’ve ever had and she has E all the time. What’s cool (this is how God works) is she also has the foster mother’s help and friendship and FULL health insurance for M and E. She could use more Christian friends in her life. I have more of that in prison than she has on the streets.

I hope this makes it to you and with it comes my gratitude and respect for what you guys are doing for us “lost” sheep. Thank you.

Thank you for your prayers, and I will pray for you.

God Bless,
D
ASPC Florence