From Saul to Paul
November 3, 2022 - UPDATE on our friend 'D' who is currently in jail awaiting trial. Steve has been going to visit every week and oh, the conversations that they have had. I have been connecting with 'D' thru "jail mail" via technology and just regular snail mail. We are excited to tell you that 'D' came to faith in Christ recently and all I can say is WOW!
I told 'D' several months ago that I was not praying for his release, but that he would have a "Damascus Road" experience with Jesus! Boy, has he ever. Mine and Steve's heart is full. How do I know that it's real? I know because when 'D' makes a decision to do something he is ALL in. He doesn't play. Especially with God. Will he have setbacks, make unwise decisions at times, of course he will. Don't we all? My friend 'D' is a lot of things, but a liar he is not. As a matter of fact he tells me and Steve probably too much 🙂 Oh the stories I could tell. Stay tuned because his story will be told here at the cafe after the first of the year. He has already given me permission 🙂
'D' is an awesome writer and I wanted to share a few excerpts from his recent letters. This letter made me cry -
"Sometimes maybe at times I go a little deeper than I should with people that I don't really know, but if I can't do that, what should I do? Draw back into myself as I have done most of my life, except this time close the lid and be done with ever trying to socialize with anyone ever again? I said a while back that a person has to be willing to take chance, as I have been putting my heart on the line. I don't know how to be as honest and sincere as I have been. Wanting real friends has been my desire all of my life. It's tough in life when you look around hoping to find someone, anyone, only to discover there's no one. But, guess what? I've finally found Jesus! I've been wanting all my life to meet Jesus and how to open my heart to him, to talk to him as a real honest friend. I have that friend now. Will I have heartaches and struggles the rest of my life? Of course. He said the world hated him and they will hate me too!"
"You guys know how I am. You're my friends. Y'all are probably the smartest, wisest people I know and I'll be the first one to let y'all know that I've learned a thing or two by watching and listening. You thought I wasn't paying attention, huh?
Want to know what our friend 'D' is doing now? Because of the change in him, even his cellmate has been reading his Bible along with 'D'. His cellmate told him that watching certain things on TV had convicted him and so instead, they are reading the Bible together and talking about what they have read.
Final thought from 'D' -
"I kept having those feelings that God allowed me to spend all those years in prison training me for a purpose and then an insight came to me that really blew my spiritual fuses. Maybe God wasn't training me here in jail to go back to prison but that I could come here to jail on Sunday's to help win souls for Christ. They have a small room here that they allow someone to come in on Sunday to preach. I've been here since February and I've only seen a preacher come in twice. The guys here are so hungry to hear the word but they've been so neglected by outside preachers. Is this a revelation from God or what"?
'D' if God used Saul and changed him into a Paul, he can do the same for you 🙂 Pray for us as to how to help 'D' when he gets out. Right now, all we have is a bicycle for him to get around. Section 8 housing has a waiting list a mile long. His money issues have to be addressed. This is only something that God can accomplish. Pray for timing and resources to be there when needed. In a lot of ways our work is just beginning.
Pray that contacts can be made that Steve can get inside that jail to either preach or we would really like to show the CHOSEN as a vehicle to reach out to these men who 'D' sees as "hungry".
If you would like to write a note of encouragement to 'D' or send a Christmas card to him, he would be so appreciative. He has been trying to respond to everyone that writes to him. Send mail to:
Cafe Connections
Attention D
319 E Main St
Pickens, SC 29671
