Here are a few of the personal responses I’ve received from
the men who are in prison.
However, before you read those, I want to share
that I’m also trying to encourage some of their families, mainly their
children. You see, I was a child while my dad was in prison the first time, and I remember receiving gifts from strangers on behalf of my dad. This included stamps so I could send my dad letters (something the prisoners really appreciate).
These are photos of a package I recently sent to a five-year-old girl by
request of one of the prisoners for his daughter. He only asked if I could send
her a little girl's Bible. I decided to send her a little more than that (one is a "big girl's" Bible for her mom to save for her until she's old enough; it's not shown here because her full name is on it and I don't want that to be seen). You can see
the "little girl's" Bible I sent by viewing the pictures. According to my dad, this girl's dad is in for twenty
years for selling drugs. That will take up his little daughter’s entire
childhood, and it breaks my heart that she won’t ever grow up knowing the
protection of her dad. The photo below is a picture of her little bible cover for her "Sweetest Story Bible." It was originally plain pink. That was boring, so I decorated it a bit. Her name is on the back, but I won't show that here. You see, the little girl Bible above will teach her the popular Bible stories, assuming she's never heard them.
I also sent two "kids" Bibles to two other children: one boy age 8 and a girl age 10. This was not requested by this prisoner, but he did ask that I send them some "Bible studies." I'm sending them the materials I'm using in my Wednesday evening 4-5 grade classes as a "correspondence course" for these kids. I'm curious if they'll actually do them. I promised them a certificate if they complete the thirteen week "study."
Below begin the “thank you’s” from the men, WRITTEN BY MY DAD who has access to a computer (I left out their last names). Under Kemph listed in number 2, I had to send this man a giant print Bible:
1. Dennis is standing right here and says, "Thank you very
much for the books. Thanks to the lady who wrote me the letter. It was very
much appreciated.
Sandi,
Dennis is really coming alive in Christ. He's one of those four we burried with
Christ. He loves the Lord. Pray for us all. Love you! Dad
2. Kemph is here and wants to tell you this.
Firstly, both of us are blown away over his beautiful bible. He can read it!!!
And he's sending in his bible study and says he wants to be baptized! I am so
happy for him. Now here is what he wants to say:
"My handwriting isn't very good which you will see on
my bible study. I can't tell you in words how much it means to have a nice
bible like this. I'm willing to pay you for it, because I know they cost you
all money. So, just tell your father and I'll be glad to send it. Because I
really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. And I will read it every day!
And I won't forget where it came from. If there's anything I can do, please let
me know or let your father know.
I'm looking forward to being baptized, more or less as soon
as possible. I don't know how it is in here. [I'm going to study with him in
the morning!] It's one of the nicest things that's ever been done, and I really
appreciate it! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I know the Lord will
look out for you. Yours truly, Kemph."
Sandi, this is wonderful. I am so utterly happy for him and
for all the people that have given to this. I have tears, because he is one I'd
never have expected to respond!!! PRAISE GOD!!! He's about my age, has a long
white beard and is tough as nails. He's a chiropractor has had a gazillion
experiences in life and is an old rodeo bull rider. Not much on book learning,
but very wise in the world. He’s in here on methamphetamines. PRAISE GOD!!!
Whoops he just came back and said, "And tell her how
grateful I am for this bible!"
Whooooie! Please share this with all the folks who have
given. Praise God. We'll surely baptize him soon. Praise God! I am ecstatic!
Love, Dad
And lastly, a letter from Brian, which was sent to me via
snail mail:
3. Thank you so much for your help in getting my Bible. As
you can tell from your dad’s reaction, it is a great Bible. I just can’t thank
you enough. And do not worry about the cover not being what I wanted, The Bible
is what I wanted and more. I plan to use this Bible for years, and hopefully,
I’ll be able to use it in school. It’s seeming impossible to find a Christian
College that’s accredited and offers Christian Counseling or Psychology through
correspondence. But even if not, your Dad and I are already putting our new
Bibles to great use in one-on-one studies. Thank you again, Sandi, God has
truly made you into a blessing.
In Christ’s name, Brian
P.S. If you ever need anything please let me know. Not sure
what I can do from here, but I owe you a lot. Thanks!
Sandi here: Just so you all know, I don't want Kemph to "pay me back" for his Bible. I want him to have the experience of being GIVEN a GIFT. He owes me/us nothing. And so you can know what most of the prisoners are receiving, here's a photo of the Bibles I've been sending with their names engraved in gold on the lower right side. Here's where you can find it on Amazon.
Praising God for His blessings! Thank you ALL for making this possible!
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