Update: 8/18/2010
There has been so much happening in Brian’s life since his release from prison this spring, he is now gainfully employed and has his own apartment, but before I tell you too much, I want to invite you to our Fall Benefit where Brian will be telling his story in person. Be sure to go to the link on our website and get your free tickets to attend this exciting dinner at Guy’s Party Center where you can not only hear and meet Brian, but have an opportunity to hear and meet Andre Thornton, former MLB slugger for the Cleveland Indians and entrepreneur here in Akron Ohio.
Update : 4/3/2010
I asked Brian if he could write out his personal testimony for you to enjoy, and he graciously agreed to do so.
- Please pray for Brian’s family, tomorrow his teenage daughter is going to join us for his second week at Maranatha for Easter services.
- Please pray that God will tenderly and graciously heal this family according to His will.
Thanks and enjoy this update to Brian’s story:
Brian’s Story: 4/3/2010
Before I came to Christ, I was a poor excuse for a human being. I lied to everyone that I came in contact with, I didn’t provide for my family, I didn’t live up to my responsibilities that a father and husband are required to do, and I didn’t give God a chance to show me that there is a better way. No one trusted me, no one wanted to be around me.
When I was arrested for this last incarceration, I knew that something had to give. I had cried out to God several times and he was listening as He always does. And as we all know, God does what He does when He wants to, not when we want Him to. While I was in prison, I was introduced to a man that was also a fellow inmate. I had at the time my ideas of who Jesus was but wasn’t sure how to ask Him into my life. So, I asked Him into my life and things just started to go the way that He wanted them to go. I gave up that illusion of control and gave it to Him. He made me see through people that we all matter. Regardless of who or what you are doing, He loves us all and will never leave us. I really believe that this time that I spent in prison has been a blessing.
Today, I have a new purpose. I must help any and all that I come in contact with and expect nothing in return. I must remember that I don’t run anything, I’m just along for the ride. And it just keeps getting better and better. God is in control, it’s by design. Jesus said it the best way. Behold I make all things new. He will always love and never leave me. God gave his Son for us so that we may live. It was the greatest gift that has ever been given.
Today I’m making amends to those that I have wronged and trying to have a relationship with those that I have hurt. Someday I hope that my kids can say that their Dad is a good man. It is His will that I live for everyday. I can’t do this without Him.
Sincerely,
Brian
Brian 3/31/2010
I first met Brian in the Summit County Jail in February 2010, he had sent an inmate request (KITE) to the Chaplains office asking for a copy of Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose Driven Life”.
When I took the book to him, thanks to our book drive, I spent about 45 minutes that day inquiring about his life and his relationship with the Lord. He informed me that he had just returned from prison after completing a seven year sentence. He was awaiting a court hearing for his release to a half way house. He said that he had trusted Christ by faith for his salvation and that he wanted to continue in his faith upon his release. I gave him our church address and written directions to the church. I also gave him my business card so that he could call me for a ride to church when he earned his first pass.
Now I can tell you that I do this same thing with about every inmate that I ever meet in jail, because it is our desire as a ministry to connect men and women to a local church upon their release, I wish that more ex offenders would call me, but I get really excited when they do. I wish I had more volunteers that would take our folks to church upon release!
So about two weeks ago I received a phone call from Brian, from the Glenwood Halfway House asking if I would consider picking him up for church, he told me that his case worker would call me later for additional information and verification of who I was and what I needed to do in order to make all this happen.
I considered it a privilege to bring Brian to my home church, Maranatha Bible Church, we attended ABF and then morning worship. He was so warmly welcomed, and prayed for in ABF, I am very proud of our class! It was Brian’s first time in seven years to be in an automobile, to stop at a Starbuck’s for coffee, to sit in fellowship in a local church setting, and then out to lunch at Mariachi’s after church. He was experiencing some serious culture shock. I mean, can you imagine being away for seven years, the things that have changed in the way we do things? I remember dealing with a man that had spent 17 years in prison, and did not know how to purchase gasoline for a car in the gas station!
Please pray for Brian:
- Today I will pick him up to go to the license bureau to get his Ohio ID card
- He will begin his search for a job real soon
- Brian has an ex wife and 3 children , there is an outside chance of reconciliation. Please pray for his family.
We at Broken Chains Ministry are so grateful to our prayer and financial supporters for making it possible to make an impact in the lives of men and women here in the Summit County Jail. Perhaps you would like to invest in these lives also. You can do so by clicking on the Donate Now button located on this page, where you will be able to make a secure online donation to Broken Chains Ministry.
Thanks so much for praying for and financially supporting the work we that do.
In Christ’s Service,
Chaplain John Wiseman