Helping and Enriching Lives Through Prison Ministry

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Some people get it. Some people act like they get it, but don’t.

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Dear Supporters, Brethren and Friends,

Some people get it. Some people act like they get it, but don’t. Some people never get it and don’t really want it. This observation is neither original nor profound, but it is true. Just read the book of John, and see if everyone that followed Him were in one of those categories. I pray for wisdom constantly so that I can discern these things in the men I work with. I am always humbled by the fact that I still get it wrong frequently. It is much easier for me to recognize the men who will not make it than it is to determine which of them will. I wish I could read men’s hearts, but I’m sure it would only produce pride in me so I am forced to apply observation and judgment.

Some People Get It

This was a note that an inmate wrote me recently after he and I had a difficult one on one session…

Looking back on our one on one, I’ve come to a conclusion that I became defensive when you said that my parents were (involved in- DRT) evil. I guess anyone that has to have a separation from their family in any aspect would be a tough challenge if that emotional and natural relationship is there. I do see it now that you’re on the outside looking in and not from the aspect of prison, but your evaluation is pure and not corrupted by bias opinion because it’s not your family. It took more thinking and a separation from myself to view it plain as day. If you’re stealing you’re a thief. No doubt or argument about it. So if you are practicing evil you are evil.

Matthew 10:36-39 (ESV)

And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Some People Act Like They Get It

Wayne Barfield was recently asked to leave the transition program. I have worked with Wayne through his last two terms in prison. I thought he had it. He had only been out for a few months when he found a like minded woman on line. They began to see each other. He would lie about where he was going so he could see her. This went on for months before it ended with his drinking and using the latest fad drug K2 (synthetic marijuana). It is sold in stores as potpourri or incense. It is much stronger and more hallucinogenic than marijuana. He wrecked his work truck and was noticed by several as being impaired on more than one occasion, but never would be honest about what he was doing. He still doesn’t get it although he seemed to for a while.

Luke 8:14 (ESV)

And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

Some People Never Get It and Don’t Want It

I recently taught a class at Lawtey called Victim Impact. The goal of the class was to try and get inmates to realize the harms that their crimes have brought on others. The class was composed mostly of men who were forced to be in there. These men fought me almost every class and further tried to convince me that they were the real victims. The night we discussed crimes of domestic abuse some made the argument that many women like to be beaten that is why they are abused. Yes you heard that right. They didn’t get it and they don’t want it.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV)

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

The reality is that you have to sort through many men to find the ones that really get it. Thank you for being patient with this work and allowing me to take the time to find those men, to teach them and let the word of God distinguish them over time. Thank you for the financial support that sometimes, when looking back, has been used on men that acted like they got it, but did not. Thank you for supporting the sifting process so there can be a harvest.

Daryl Townsend

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