In my March 6th journal entry I wrote about Nostrand Barton* and his transfer to a medium security prison.  For Mr. Barton this was a good thing, as I am sure that such a move to a lower security classification will afford him more freedom of movement and a few more privileges.

 

     In my entry for March 9th, however, I wrote about Danny* and his transfer to Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a prison that's known for its drugs, gangs and violence.  Yet even in such a place there are many inmates who manage to

accomplish good things.  They attend classes, learn a trade, or go to the chapel services.  It may be a bad place, but it's not the end of the line.

 

     For Danny, I believe, his transfer was a chastisement from the Lord.

 

     While he was here at Sullivan Correctional Facility, Danny made a lot of trouble for the brothers in our church.  He never listened to the elders.  He would often unsettle the rest of the congregation by spreading bad rumors and by

creating an atmosphere of discord.

 

     When he was suddenly transferred most of us breathed a sigh of relief.  His departure was like the passing of a violent hurricane.

 

     Nevertheless, I am continuing to pray for this young man.  I know that God has not rejected Danny.

 

     Sadly, though earlier today I heard through the prison's grapevine that shortly after he arrived at Sing Sing, Danny did encounter some problems.  Person al letters and some of his property was stolen.

 

     For Danny, his transfer and the difficulties he's recently encountered are a wake up call from the Lord.

 

     Jesus Chist loves him, however.  And as a result of this the rest of us have learned a powerful lesson, too.  We are not to live in rebellion to God's word, and we're never to live as Danny did while he was here.

 

David Berkowitz

 April 8, 2004

 

*Nostrand and Danny are not thier real names

 

(c)2004 David Berkowitz