Finding the Truth in Prison

On February 14, 1991, a young man’s life reached a crisis. For 13 years (beginning at age 15), he had wandered aimlessly through life experiencing the Navy, marriage, moving from town to town and delving into various religions. Nothing worked out and now he faced the biggest setback of all — prison.

Prison

It was a cold winter day when he entered the county prison. He knew he was in deep trouble; he was alone and scared. For days, he reflected on his disappointing life, often weeping bitterly. While no one had been physically hurt, his guilt and shame were overwhelming as he reflected on the trusts he had betrayed, deceptions practiced and other acts he had committed. With his spirit broken, he began to pray for forgiveness, strength and safekeeping.

He began to seek right direction in life; he wanted to know more about God. A cellmate gave him a brand new NIV Bible. In two weeks, the young man read all the way through from Genesis 1:1 to the end of Revelation 22:21. He then read through the Old Testament one more time and the New Testament three times.

Questions

From prior contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses, he knew the kingdom of God is to be on earth and that the grave is a place of rest. Having now read the Bible through, he had a multitude of questions and could clearly see what he learned as a boy in the Church of Christ was not true. His big problem was that the various denominations which came to the jail could not satisfactorily answer his questions, leaving uncomfortable voids in his understanding of God’s word.

This situation continued for four months. During that time, the young man was transferred to another prison. When purchasing a fan from an inmate, he learned the fellow prisoner was an ex­Christadelphian. The two prisoners discovered their common interest in the Bible and the young enquirer was given a Herald, “God is One and Not Three.”

Answers

Intrigued by the sound scriptural approach taken in the pamphlet, he found it related well to his own Bible reading. He questioned the various preachers who visited the prison about the trinity. They warned him that Christadelphians are “off the wall.” This did not bother him as he was looking for the truth, not a popular group, and he was now getting sound answers.

The young man spoke with the ex­Christadelpian again and his interest grew in what his fellow prisoner called “The Truth.” Circumstances combined so that the two men ended up sharing a cell.

Helpful reading

What followed was a study of God’s word for some five to six hours a day. The young man was committed to under­standing the Truth. When the two were not studying together, he was reading — Elpis Israel, The Protesters, Brethren in Christ, various Heralds, the Tidings and the Logos magazines and the BASF (four times). He also read How to Search the Scriptures, The Slain Lamb, The Sect Everywhere Spoken Against, Eternal Life, A Declaration, There is One Baptism, The Good Confession, The Instructor (three times), Ecclesiastes and Other Studies, The Minor Prophets, Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Events Subsequent to the Return of Christ, The Good News of the Kingdom, Wrested Scriptures and the monthly Isolation League exhortations.

With his interest growing, he was directed to us. Starting in July, we corresponded regularly and we were amazed by his grasp of the Truth. In March, 1992, our friend requested bap­tism.

A preliminary by mail

The circumstances were certainly different from normal, yet it was obvious that our diligent seeker had come to know the Truth and desired to put on Christ’s saving name.

For the next four months, a preliminary examination was conducted by mail and our friend was visited several times.

We then corresponded with the prison as to what accommodations could be made to perform a baptism. The prison chaplain came to our aid and the necessary arrangements were made.

Upon arrival, we were somewhat unsettled by the fences, barbed wire, etc. It did not help that the chapel was in the middle of the maximum security portion of the prison. As we entered the main door, however, we were pleased to be met by the smiling face of our friend and soon-to-be brother.

A good confession

Once in the chapel, we heard a wonderful confession of faith. We were impressed at the depth of answers and his solid understanding of the Truth. Certainly our Heavenly Father “now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” The young man’s spiritual growth was evident, yet he humbly realized, “no one can come unto me unless the Father has enabled him” (John 6:65 NIV).

Upon the conclusion of his satisfactory interview, we proceeded to the baptismal. We will never forget the moment of our friend’s baptism and his joy as he came out of the water. It was as if a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The “old man” had been buried and now he rose to a new life in Christ.

Our time was up, so we had to leave, but, Lord willing, our parting will be short. Our new brother is scheduled to leave prison in November. Our ecclesia looks forward to his settling in our area.

May our Heavenly Father continue to bless our new brother as we begin a journey together to God’s kingdom.