VOLUME SEPTEMBER 2001 c
September 26, 2001
USEFULNESS/GIVING/HELPING
In my journal entry for Thursday, September 13th, I briefly shared that the effects of these terrorist attacks have
even touched those who live and work in the prisons.
Many of the inmates have not been unmoved by these tragic events. The
prison guards, of course, most of whom seem to be volunteer firemen in the local communities, are all involved in their blood
drives, food and clothing collections, and with attending memorials and candlelight vigils in their towns. This is all good.
However, many of the prisoners are also trying to be of help. Yes, there
are good things that happen in prisons.
During the second week of this month, or chaplains held prayer vigils
in the chapel, and they encouraged us to attend. Also, in our little prayer fellowship which meets twice a week, we’ve
been fervently praying for our President and government leaders, for all who have been hurt and who are in mourning, as well
as for our nation.
In addition, many of us wanted to give blood. I wrote a letter to one
of the prison administrators here, asking if I could do this. He promptly replied that the Federal food and Drug Administration
no longer allows this practice because of the high rate of "tainted blood" among prisoners. Oh well, I know that my blood
is good.
Furthermore, the facility’s Superintendent has granted permission
for an ad hoc committee to be formed to take up a collection for the Red Cross. Almost all the inmates who were able to, donated.
I gave five dollars during the direct collection. Then I was able to
give ten dollars through a special collection by the "Christian community" which will be gathered together in one lump sum
and given over to the ad hoc committee in behalf of our chapel fellowship.
The Lord also provided me with enough so that I was able to send out
my own donation by check for $40 to the New York State World Trade Center Disaster Relief Fund which has been set up in Albany,
New York.
I do thank God for these opportunities to help, even if it’s only
in giving small sums of money. And I am not saying this to boast, for such a little amount is no sacrifice. Besides, God should
always get the glory for everything, and never a mortal man.
But at this time I feel a burden to mention these things. For many Christians
and even the general public need to know that many inmates care. We grieve like everyone else. We pray for the hurting. We
have our own regrets over past actions that got us here.
And right now I believe that I am speaking in behalf of may thousands
of prisoners whose voices never get heard, whose acts of kindness never get recognized.
For the most part, people on the outside don’t have a clue as to
what prison life is like, and as to how inmates think and feel during times of crisis and great national loss.
So I hope I have been able to provide some clarity. Whether the public
is cognizant of this or not, I know that Christ is touching the lives of men and women who are incarcerated. I’m glad
that He is!
David Berkowitz
September 27, 2001
YOM KIPPUR/HEALING AND HOPE
I awoke early this morning to pray and talk with the Lord. I still feel
a numbness about all that has happened since the 11th of this month. It just doesn’t seem real.
All throughout th is ordeal there’s been one Scripture which has
been on my mind continually, and I will quote it here:
"If My people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and
will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
I believe this passage says it all. And while some will say it is only
applicable to ancient Israel, I think It is just as valid for the Church today. For God has His people through out the world
and in every nation.
As Christians we have been called to make intercession for those who
are our government leaders and for all those who are in position of authority (2 Timothy 2:1-8).
And Jesus said to His disciples, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew
5:13). Then He went on to say in the following verse, "You are the light of the world" (5:14). He’s talking about us.
Christ has called His Church to be a blessing to others, and to impact
this world in a good way and for God’s glory. We’ve been called to season the world with God’s love. For
even though we are not of this world, in a spiritual sense, we are to shine forth and display the goodness of Jesus Christ.
So may the Church yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and press
forward with the Spirit’s power in a greater way than ever before.
A true healing of America must begin with God’s people.
David Berkowitz
September 30, 2001
AMERICA
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
I’ll never forget this month. All that has happened, the many senseless
deaths of firefighters, police officers and civilians. Our nation stands at the brink of something monumental, but exactly
what it is I do not know.
I would love to believe that America is at the beginning of a new "Spiritual
Awakening" that would ultimately result in millions of people getting born again as each person places their faith in Christ.
So many Christians have been praying for such a nationwide revival for
so long!
But whatever happens, I believe that no Christian should be complacent
at such a time as this. The way things are now, how can a believer in Jesus not pray? How can we allow worldly pursuits and
lukewarmness to overtake our lives?
It is time, I believe, top venture into deeper waters and to be bold
in our witness, and yet remain very kind, loving and compassionate.
Furthermore, I heard on a secular radio station that sales of Bibles
have risen 25 percent since September 11th. A number of my friends from New York City to Colorado have told me that, since
this day their churches have been packed every Sunday, some with standing room only.
And in here things have gotten back to normal. The inmates still talk
about it. We all watch the news.
There have been no negative comments towards the deaths of all those
police officers. No one expressed hostility towards any law enforcement person who lost his or her life.
So many funerals have been shown on TV within the past week. I’ve
seen the endless rows of solemn police officers gathered to send their comrades off to their graves. To me this has been so
sad. Yet not a single prisoner uttered a derogatory word.
And as I mentioned in my journal entry for September 26th, most of these
men gave willingly when a donation was taken for the Red Cross.
Yes, America is really changing.
David Berkowitz
