2024
Should I give men multiple chances?…
Off the Chain / 0 Comments /2024 begins my 20th year working in the prisons and my 19th full time. It is hard to believe it has been that long. I hope we have done some good for the kingdom in the last 20 years. I have studied with and taught literally thousands of men in that time. So many have walked away from the seed that was sown into their heart, but some have produced fruit.
Men in prison wear an ID badge. It has their name, DC #, and some other identifying information. Their DC # is six digits and is alpha numeric. If this six-digit number stands alone, it indicates this is the first time the inmate has been in prison in Florida. A letter designation in front of the DC # indicates subsequent incarcerations. For instance, an ‘A’ letter indicates a second prison “bid”. A ‘B’ letter indicates this is their third time in prison, etc. Even among inmates, these letters are significant. They tend to look down on guys with ‘C’ letters and beyond. They wonder after four trips if those men will ever get it.
We don’t assign DC #’s in the transition program, but we have had more than a few men who have come through the program multiple times. I think the most so far is four. Should I give men multiple chances? I have asked myself that question many times. I have operated so far on the premise that if I see change and repentance, then men will always get another shot. I pray constantly for wisdom to make these kinds of decisions. Most of the time these men have failed again. A few never got another chance because they died.
We have two men in the program currently who are on their ‘A’ letter. They are both doing much better this time through. They have both been out nearly two years and are faithful. I have asked one of those men, Ken, to give you an idea of what happened the first time and what is different now.
In 2012, while in prison, my spiritual journey began unexpectedly. A fellow inmate, a devout NT Christian, approached me with an invitation to explore the teachings of the Bible together. What started as a simple study resulted into a transformation, and my baptism into Christ.
Upon my release in March 2018, I had a fervent commitment to my newfound faith. I was confident I would never come back to prison. However, the pull of earthly desires soon clouded my path. I gave in to the temptation of forbidden relationships. That led me to sin which resulted in me violating my probation and I found myself back behind bars.
During my second incarceration, I restored my relationship with God. I reached out to Daryl. I wanted another chance to restore our relationship with him and the church, and to see if he was open to consider me again for the transition program. He offered me forgiveness and hope. His counsel, rooted in the wisdom of scripture, touched my heart. Through his words, particularly the piercing truth of James 1:13-15…
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
I confronted the depths of my own sins. I asked for forgiveness and redemption with a repentant heart.
After my failure, I carried with me not only the scars of my past, but also a newfound resolve. Armed with a new commitment to follow the scriptures, I found forgiveness and support by members of the Lord’s church while still in prison and then after release. My goal was to be renewed and to walk with Christ daily. With every step, I was reminded of the grace that sustains me and the unwavering love of my Christian family.
I was released from my second incarceration in August 2022. I entered the transition program a second time. I had a more determined faith because I knew the scriptures better, and I had a better understanding of their relevance to my daily life. I was determined to serve others instead of my own desires. The truth of James 1:13-15 clearly brought the reality of falling back into sin to the forefront of my mind. I was determined not to let that happen again. Now, I try to constantly assess my own desires compared to God’s will. This kind of thinking has become a cornerstone of my faith. Supported by my Christian family and the transition program, I’m grateful for the path I’m now on, focused on serving the Lord and staying true to His teachings.
Ken really has been a different person this time. He is a faithful servant, and good example to the other men and to all of us at Middleburg. He needed a second chance. Don’t we all at times. We should get it the first time, but we don’t. I am reminded of God’s dealing with wicked Ahab (1 Kings 16-21). After getting chance after chance (I don’t know how many letters Ahab would have needed), God sees the slightest sign of humility and he tells Elijah that he will show him mercy. Why? He is merciful to the ungrateful and evil – Luke 6:35.
Thank you for your support.
Daryl Townsend
