To those who are in jail, in prison, or on death row,

we are not here to condemn you, but rather to offer you hope.

Hope that is found in Jesus Christ.

May our words be a source

of comfort and encouragement to you

through this difficult time.

A Letter from Death Row

O mama, you wouldn't believe how hard it's been living on death row.

It's darken cell of cold steel metal, it sickens me!

Alhough I  have myself to blame.

I never dreamed I could become such a monster!

That I was capable of  taking another's life.

One bad decision in a heated moment, caused such anguish.

And now I must pay with my life.

Now I wait like a spider hovering over a flame

for the messenger of death to tell me it's time.

My eyes are parched, searching endlessy for materials to plan my escape.

I've climbed these prision walls a thousand times in my mind!

I see myself growing colder every day, mama!

The barren trees outside my window seem to mimic me.

All I hear is the sound of  the ticking of the clock

bringing me closer to my time.

I'm constantly reminded of the evil I've done...

The freedom that I lost.

Night after night outside my window,

I hear the voice of the preacher

pleading with me to accept God's mercy.

He calls out relentlessly.

His convicting words laced with compassion...

  "No matter what you have done, Jesus loves you!

He wants to come into your life and give you a brand new start.

All who come, must come through the Blood of the cross.

There is no other way!

Come to Christ with nothing to offer.

Come tonight, just as you are."

One endless night flows into another,

covering my head with my pillow to drown out his words.

Maybe he's right mama, in a strange way we are all on death row.

Sinners condemned to die by a Holy and Just God.

The preacher says there's no locks, no bars in Heaven...

That the gates of the City are open day and night.

The evil ones will be cast into the Fire,

no one will  look longingly through the windows.

Oh mama, I miss your touch, I miss your smile!

I'm sorry for the anguish that I've caused.

I think the preacher is right mama,

I dismissed my appeals...

I see my sin, and am in agreement with God.

When the messenger of death tell me its time,

and I must walk its darken halls.

I won't be alone, mama, I'll be escorted by the angels.

Into the presence of God.

***

Dear soul,

It was not by chance that you are here tonight.

Our steps are ordered by the Lord.

No matter how far into the pit you have fallen,

His grace is greater still.

God has a purpose and a plan for your life.

Alhough you may have lost it all, you still have God!

"If I had the choice of living free on the outside without my Lord,

or living on death row with Him, I  would choose death row."

-Velma Barfield, (A former inmate who accepted Christ stated before her execution.

Even after her death, many have been inspired by her

and have given their lives to Christ.

Her desire to see the face of her Lord increased,

as the days drew closer to her execution taking away the sting of death.

Her testimony lives on in the lives where she lived...

You too, can have that peace.

Only when a person comes to realize the awfulness of their sin against God,

can they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and place their faith in Him.

Tonight, you can make a decision for Christ,

and begin a personal relationship with Him

by praying a prayer  such as the following:

"Oh God, I am a sinner.

I am sorry for my sins.

Please forgive me.

I want to turn from my sin.

I receive Jesus Christ as my Saviour;

I confess Him as my Lord.

From now on, I want to follow Him.

Thank you for saving my soul.

In Jesus' name, Amen."