| This morning some of the finest Oklahomans are assembling together in worship, encouragement, & exhortation. But still other broken, hurting, and shunned Oklahomans are saying good bye to the only friends they've had for several years. Prison Chapels are holding services and saying good bye to hundreds who won't be at next Sunday's service. They're embarking on a very scary journey back into Oklahoma society. But what kind of society will accept them? Governor Stitt is signing over 500 commutations and sending nonviolent offenders back into society. The offenses these folks have been punished for, are no longer felonies and had they committed those offenses today, they would not receive more than 12 months of incarceration at their local county lockup. Here's my challenge to all Oklahoma faith communities. "Ask your congregations to slip a note to the pastoral staff, informing the leadership that a loved one is getting out of prison." Then the pastoral staff can discretely meet with the family and hear their hearts, their worries, their new dreams. Find out if employment is going to be a new need. Perhaps simple living arrangements.. even if the need is only temporary. Maybe some home furnishings and wardrobe will be needed? Or a few calls to employers attending the church, to help give the man or woman an occupational opportunity that they can reasonably find success in. It doesn't matter what your creed is. This call goes out to all the historic faiths and even the atheists. Be part of the solution. Govt. can't do this. But the people of Oklahoma can. |  Elwood Blues knew he was 'On a mission from God'. But does the church also know this? This week we'll have 400 families in need. By year's end, it will be over 2000. |
|
|
|
RSS Feed
