March 1, 2002
THE GOVERNOR
What I have done by my criminal actions is inexcusable, and many are suffering
and hurting till this very day. However what some people in the news media have done in recent weeks is also inexcusable.
For they have given out incomplete information, and in the process, caused the reopening of many wounds.
Even the Governor went over the airwaves to denounce the upcoming parole
hearing in June. He publicly vowed to fight against me getting released from prison.
I do respect his position, and I do understand where he is coming from.
Personally I happen to be very inpressed by Governor Pataki and how he has carried himself while in office. However, once
again here is an example of the media's misinformation Thus I believe it would be best for me to write a fairly short, polite
and respectful letter to Govenor Pataki. I need to share with him my views about the matter of parole. I want to assure him
that, contrary to the impressions given by the media, I agree with him that I don't deserve parole, neither am I trying to
obtain it.
With my letter I will have the chance to express my sorrow over this tragedy
and tell him that I am trying my best to make amends to society whenever I can. I will share that I always pray for those
whom I hurt, and I long to see them healed and to have the closure they long for.
Lord willing, within the next week or two I'll write to the Governor. I
know I will have the right words. I trust, too, that this will help to clarify everything.
Furthermore, when the letter is completed, I will send it out via Certified
Mail. I do not expect to hear from Governor Pataki, and there is no reason for him to reply. But it will reach his office,
and this will be good enough.
David Berkowitz
March 2, 2002
HEAVEN
For we walk by faith, and not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
I did not have to go to my work assignment today,. so I spent most of the
day in my cell praying and going deep into God's Word. It was so refresing not to have to rush off any place, but instead
to remain quiet in His presence.
The Lord reminded me of what the apostle Paul said as he was sitting in
a dark dungeon. Persecuted Paul had this to say, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).
If Paul could keep his hope in the Lord alive during his trials, and if
he could praise the Lord even in the most difficult of circumstances, then so can I. For the same Holy Spirit that was in
him, is now in me. So I can rejoice even when, all around me, things look bleak.
And earllier today I was thinking what heaven is going to be like, and
how wonderful it's going to be when I see Jesus. In fact, the way things are going in this world, it may not be much longer
before He comes for His bride, the church.
In addition, what the Lord also pointed out to me as He spoke to my spirit,
is that I must always be looking to Him. I'm not to look at what is going on around me, whether it be in this prison, in the
news media, or even in the world. I am thankful that for me, even now, a door to heaven is open. For Christ has given the
invitation that I may come boldly to God's throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy, and find the grace to help in my times
of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
David Berkowitz
March 3, 2002
DAVE'S MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Lord touched many lives today. This morning we had a special memorial
service for one of the prison's civilian employees, David Kirschenbaum, who passed away unexpectedly in late February.
Because this service was in honor of Mr. Kirschenbaum, who was very well
liked, many men who would never have come to a regular church service showed up. We had a packed house for our choir and worship
team, and for my chaplain to minister to.
At one point, the chaplain allowed each inmate to say something about David
if they wanted to. I was able to share that Mr. Kirshenbaum was one of the friendliest staff members I've ever encountered
in all my years of imprisonment.
About two dozen men out of the seventy-five who were in attendance got
up to say a few words. I saw men cry, even two I know of who are Mafia types, and who are doing multiple life sentences for
gangland style killings.
I'm never surprised by the way God can touch any heart. I had a good vantage
point for the entire services as I am the doorman and greeter. This is my post each Sunday morning. I greet and embrace everyone
who come into the chapel, and I say goodbye when they leave.
As for David Kerschenbaum, he always had a kind word and a smile for everyone.
It's people like him who help to dissipate some of the atmosphere of negativity that can so easily smother souls in such a
place as this.
David Berkowitz
March 4, 2002
A GOOD REPORT
God has been good to me, and He's been faithful! For in the midst of anguish
and persecution He gives me light, and the "good reports" do come in.
Today I received a letter from a youth minister from a town in Indiana.
Part of his letter said:
"Brother David...I have shared your message with about 35 kids in our youth
group at church. One young man came up to me after it was over and said he could relate to some of the same things that was
shared in the video (THE CHOICE IS YOURS), and and how it had frightened him and he got out of what he was involved in....
"It has gotten a lot of attention at our church and I was asked to show
it to the adults at a Wednesday night Bible study.
"I will be going to different churches in the area to show your video and
I have ran many copies of your testimony to hand out. Thanks again.
David T."
I just finished a short thank you letter to this minister. I told him that
it is the deepest desire of my heart to show others that there is hope, salvation and forgiveness for all who come to Christ.
Also that teenagers may be encouraged to make better choices and thus save themselves (hopefully) from so much grief, pain
and regret when they make bad choices.
David Berkowitz
