I Didn't Want to See You Again!

It’s always fun when you meet up with somebody that you haven’t seen in a while. It could be a former classmate, co-worker, girl friend or just a former buddy – it’s great to be able to reminisce about past times and experiences. Last night however I met up with somebody and I wish I hadn’t.

Last night Michelle, Bob and I went to CFCF for one of our Wednesday night services. After we greeted the brothers as they entered the room, Bob opened the night with a prayer and then we went into some praise worship. It was then that I noticed Joe coming towards the seats at the front right of the room, near the keyboards. I first met Joe a year or two ago. Joe is a big guy and had always shown a desire to be at the church services. He plays a good keyboard and often filled in when Michael wasn’t there. At some point we had heard the good news that he had been released. Unfortunately some six months later or so, he was in the facility again. He was there for another month or so, and was then released again.

One of the rules we have is that we don’t pry into why the men are incarcerated. Since we are there to help them meet, or reconnect with, Jesus and enter into a relationship with God, it’s really not important what their charges are. What’s important to us is finding a way to keep them from coming back, through faith. Last night though, Bob asked if any of the guys wanted to give testimony, and Joe volunteered.

It seems that Joe’s problem has been a drug addiction, and all that goes along with that. According to him he has been able to stay away from drugs unless he begins drinking. After getting out the second time, that I know about, he was able to stay strong and away from bars. Then one night his new boss was taking some of his workers out for a couple of drinks after work. Joe declined a couple of drink offers before finally breaking down. To make a long story shorter (too late to be short), one drink led to a couple more and that eventually led him to buying some drugs, getting caught and being sent back to CFCF.

While I like what little I’ve come to know of Joe, all things being equal I would have rather not have seen him again. Oh if I had the chance to see him at a church service, or recovery program or something like that, I’d want to see him. But not back inside.

Last night did however teach me one very important lesson: If I’m ever out with some people and somebody I’m with turns down the offer of a cocktail – I’m not going to ask again. That second offer may just be the one that breaks a recovering addict’s willpower, and leads them on the wrong path.

Say a prayer for somebody today.

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For those that are not familiar with the Christian Life Prison and Recovery Ministry, among other activities, we go into Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF) every Tuesday night and the first, third and fifth Wednesday of each month and lead a church service. You are welcome to look up our website at www.clprm.org.