The Harvester - Current

OUR CURRENT NEWSLETTER

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. II CORINTHIANS 5: 17

This newsletter might just be our most intriguing and interesting one written to date, for we are featuring testimonies from our Experiencing God class taught at the Faith Based/Character Prison in Wakulla County . We have been teaching the class twice a year since 2003, and have seen hundreds of men graduate and truly experience our Lord and Savior, Jesus. We are always gratified that once back into the community they continue to apply what God has revealed to them through the Holy Spirit about their new life in Christ. We thank God for the 141 men who have come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord over these past 4 years and others who strengthened their commitment and relationship with the Lord.

The 20 week course as taught by us is demanding because of the various worksheets that have to be turned in if they so desire to receive an achievement award of a personal pen and notebook. When the course is concluded and all 14 worksheets are turned in; they graduate with a certificate suitable for framing. The course is strictly voluntary and this semester we have 65 attendees and 54 who have turned in their work thus far. The graduation ceremony will be held August 16^th and if all 54 complete the requirements, it will be our largest commencement exercise to date. We’re proud of this group of guys!

At our first meeting, we asked them to write down their personal testimony using an outline we provided. You might find this very interesting reading.

My life and attitude before following Christ:

Lucius…I had an “I don’t care attitude” and was constantly in and out of county jail. In total disobedience to man and God, but my Mom never gave up on me. She convinced the whole family to pray for me. It didn’t do any good until now.

Jeffrey…I had been living what seemed to be a life of pain and struggle. It seemed as if every five years things would hit “rock bottom” due to my various addictions and greed. I was so into myself that wanted to give up on life because nothing satisfied. Tried “religion” but it didn’t work. If there was a God, He seemed to be distant, though I met some happy and content Christians who witnessed to me, but I just “didn’t get it.”

Rodney…I was a drug addict, drunkard, adulterer, self-centered, egotist and a control freak. I disrespected everyone and never came under authority to God or man. It was all about me and nobody else, not even God. I was always angry and ready to fight anyone for anything. I was egotistical, redneck “pompous” piece of “dung.” I didn’t care if I hurt someone or if I hurt myself.

Carl…I was brought up in Church, yet never made any connection with God. Looking back I can now see He was deliberately reaching out to me. I was not concerned about anything except that people would like me and I would do anything to appear “cool.” I would do anything to gain acceptance no matter the situation or the people involved. I was completely lost.

Floyd…My life before Christ was completely in step with the world. I was drinking 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. I loved to chase women and party. I was prideful, but knew I was nothing but a drunk. I spent my time in hell and knew about it because of the 13 months I served in Vietnam .

Johnny…I was living a sinful life because everything was about me. …Didn’t care about others or God. I had no direction and I was living a lie. I had no idea of what I wanted or needed. I was empty and lonely and needed acceptance. …I tried to find meaning and purpose for my life.

Mark…I believed in evolution, karma and what goes around, comes around. I was a me, me, me type of guy…selfish and uncaring about others. I would call upon God in times of need, but otherwise ignore Him. Funny, but I would blame God and others for my troubles. I was out of control with no conscience of right or wrong. I thank God I hit “rock bottom.”

Markham …I was popular, looked up to as a leader. …A person always looking for fun and trying to be the “hit of the party”. I was a manager of a company with a good salary and I projected an attitude that everything was under control. It was just a façade…I wore many “masks”. Knew right from wrong but didn’t practice the “right”. Practicing the “wrong” led me to “rock bottom.”

Richard…I was dysfunctional…bad father…bad husband…bad son. …Made life miserable for those around me, even those who tried to help. Kept stumbling from mistake to another trying to give the impression I was “in control.” …found help when I hit “rock bottom.”

George…I never thought about how Christ could affect my life. I just never thought of Him or His will for my life. I went to Church and was active in various Church activities, even went on a men’s retreat. I didn’t feel I needed religion. The Pastor of the Church would preach but I didn’t listen. Had a Bible but never read it. I didn’t think I had to…I was very arrogant.

Christopher…My life and attitude has and was about me. My life was out of control and I was going around in circles. Always trying to find happiness, affection and what I always thought to be love. I thought love was a feeling you got for someone and you did sex. I wanted to be in control and thought I could change things. In a nutshell, I kept going around the mountain never seeing or finding the right path up and over. Never did find it until I got to prison.

Vertice…I was a wretched sinner…completely out of control. I just existed and I was no good for anyone. My attitude toward life was that I was destined to be a loser. I was buried beneath my guilt and shame and the wrong I knew I was doing. I found relief in “drinking and drugging”

David…I was saved when I was 14 years old, but like many people, I got caught up in the world and tried to satisfy my flesh. I didn’t need help, after all I was a man and I could do it by myself. I just existed to please myself and to be liked. Jesus was just not real to me as He was to others. I’m grateful I came to prison, because here is where I really met the Lord.

Pretty interesting reading! Huh? Remind you of anyone?? As Paul Harvey says, “now for the rest of the story” you will have to go to www.harvestoflife.org and click on “NASE BLOG” and see what happened to these men when they discovered a need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Those of you who do not have a computer and wish to read about these new brothers in Christ, just call (850) 422-1381 or write us at Harvest of Life Ministries, PO Box 12233, Tallahassee FL 32308, and we will send you a copy.

In Christian Love,

Dan and Marilyn

The ministry of Harvest of Life and especially Dan and Marilyn covet your prayers and intercessions in the following areas...

Spiritual and physical protection as we travel daily and minister in the prisons of Florida
Victory in the warfare for the souls of men and women in the prisons we serve
Godly wisdom and scriptural knowledge to combat heresy, cults and spiritual deception
Financial support for the Bibles, videos, literature and personal needs

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Oh yes! Please remember that Harvest of Life Ministries is not funded by any group or denomination.

We depend upon God and the generosity of those reading this newsletter.