Testimonials

A friend who works at a local prison made an unusual prayer request at a Wednesday night prayer service in the warm months of summer, 2006.  “There is an inmate at the prison whose mom has just been diagnosed with cancer.  He asked me to see if someone in our church would send her notes of encouragement and call to check on her from time to time since she doesn’t have a church family.”  
 

We prayed for the inmate and his mom during the service.  I then asked my friend for her contact information and her sons, so I could let him know I was checking on his mom.  On a small slip of paper -  in handwriting that would soon become very familiar - was a name, address and phone number of a sick mother in Knoxville.   Her son’s name was Edward.

 

By the summer of 2007, God had intertwined our families.  Although we were very different, God has used this atypical union to bless, grow and encourage all involved.

Through Edward, I have come to know that many of those behind the walls are incredibly intelligent, gentle, loving and hard working.  They are no different than those of us on the outside. They, like us, are in need of His grace on a regular basis.  With proper nurturing and guidance as they were growing up, many of them would have flourished in this life.  

 

I have a small note posted in my office which simply declares, “love heals.”   Every time I notice it, I feel God’s call in my heart to keep doing what I am doing and to keep praying that He will allow me to see others through His eyes.

 

Today,  I am so grateful that I was at that Wednesday night prayer meeting, and that Edward is now a part of my family.  I find great joy in watching him grow, learn and develop the true desire for the abundant life that Jesus spoke of.  I am blessed, and I am thankful.