This month, I’d like to share how your generosity continues to help our incarcerated mothers and fathers. This story was relayed to us by volunteer Larry Hurt after talking with Chaplain Charles Grasty at Louis C. Powledge Unit in Texas. Larry said:
“We had our kickoff dinner for volunteers in East Texas last night, and we prayed the Lord would once again lead us to the harvest in the prisons.
We have seen much fruit from their involvement. Let me tell you one story.
Michael, from California has a 12 year old daughter who he had no contact with and had not even seen a picture of for about 5 years. He and his ex were at odds with each other and by his admission, he had no kind words for her.
During our program last season Alfred, who was a graduate, challenged Michael about his attitude. Alfred challenged him to get his act together, forgive his ex and do things God’s way. Then, watch what the Lord would do.
Surprisingly, Michael took the advice and began working on his own heart of unforgiveness. He was advised by the men to begin slowly trying to communicate his heart of wanting a relationship with his daughter to his ex. She came back with some critical words but there was a small opening in the communication.
As Michael responded in a forgiving way things began to open up, and his ex sent him an updated picture of his daughter. He was delighted and had a prison artist reproduce the picture with angel wings for our Returning Hearts Day.
Michael has now been released, and I received a text from him a few days ago. He wanted to let me know he had a first-ever video call with his daughter, sent me a screenshot with the caption ‘A Returning Heart,’ and said that his relationship with his ‘wife’ was slowly improving. ‘I think the important thing is that we put our trust in Him and don’t give up. Drop the bitterness and let Him do His will. Lean not on our own understanding and know that God has a plan. We just gotta get out of the way.’”
Larry and his team in Texas are really the ones who fulfill the vision of Lifeline Global. They were called to minister to the incarcerated and through Malachid Dads and Hannah’s Gift, bringing these mothers and fathers closer to restoration.
If you feel called to help incarcerated parents take steps toward family restoration in your area, contact me. You can make a lasting difference.
