DANIEL'S STORY
Daniel (not his real name) is an inmate I have worked with for several years. He is short, pudgy, only has an elementary education and is deaf. Because of his disability, size, and lack of education, he is viewed as weak and easy prey by other inmates. Daniel sought support from prison staff by becoming an informant, causing him to be labeled a “rat” by other
inmates and by officers who benefitted from his information.
Daniel became a Christian before I met him, but was not a good advertisement for Jesus.
He tried to impose his religious views on everyone he met and got into fights with
roommates because of their lifestyle choices and language. He was kicked out of GED classes, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups, because he disrupted their meetings in his attempts to convert others. The prison system moved him around like a hot potato because of his tendency to create havoc.
Daniel regularly attends our worship services, weekly Bible study and counseling sessions.
Interpreters are provided for worship services and counseling sessions. Even though there’s no interpreter for the Bible study, Daniel comes anyway because he is in a safe and helpful group.
God is transforming Daniel, and he has begun to grow in Christian maturity. Christian inmates now seek to nurture and help him grow, instead of joining others in viewing him as prey.
As a result, Daniel no longer informs on others or tries to impose his views on them. Also, he
recently made the costly decision to cease manipulating a non-Christian friend on the outside who would send him money. The consequence is that he no longer has money for coffee and store (extra food, etc.). Life is not easy for Daniel. He was recently returned to the main prison after being assaulted at the minimum security unit and is now more safe because the prison has given him a cell to himself, so he no longer has to share space with others.
Thank you for your prayers and financial support that allows me to work with inmates like Daniel. God is using you to transform lives.
Dwight “Rip” Van Winkle