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

we are not here to condemn you, or to judge where you have been,

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

Oh mama, you wouldn't believe how hard it's been

living on death row.

Its dark cell of cold steel metal, it sickens me.

Yet, I only have myself to blame.

I never dreamed that I could become such a monster,

that I was capable of  taking another person's life.

One bad decision in a heated moment caused such anguish.

Now I must pay with my life.

I await like a spider hovering over a flame

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

My eyes are parched, mama,

searching endlessly for materials to plan my escape.

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

Night after night outside my window,

I hear the voice of the preacher

pleading with me to accept God's mercy.

He calls out to us relentlessly.

His convicting words laced with compassion.

"No matter how far into the pit you have fallen,

God's grace is greater still.

Come to Christ with nothing to offer.

Come to Him just as you are."

One endless night flows into another.

I cover my head with my pillow to drown out his words.

I think the preacher is 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.

The gates of the City are open day and night.

The evil ones shall be cast into the fire.

No one shall 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 see my sin, I've dismissed my appeals.

Now, I'm in agreement with God.

When the messenger of death tells me its time

and I shall walk its darkened hall,

I won't be alone mama.

I will be escorted by the angels

into the presence of God!

***

Dear soul,

It's not by chance that you are here,

for your steps are ordered by the Lord.

No matter how far into the pit you have fallen,

God's grace is greater still.

The Scripture says,

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

              ~ Romans 3:23

Soul, that includes you and I.

Only when we see the awfulness of our sin against God

and feel its deep sorrow in our hearts,

can we turn from the sin we once loved

and accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior.

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus

and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,

thou shalt be saved."

            ~ Romans 10:9

Tonight, if you would like to receive the gift of eternal life

first you must believe in the Lord.

You have to ask for your sins to be forgiven

and put your trust in the Lord.

There's only one way to heaven and that's through the Lord Jesus.

That's God's wonderful plan of salvation.

You can 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 sin.

I want to turn from my sin.

I receive Jesus Christ as my Savior;

I confess Him as my Lord.

From now on I want to follow Him.

In Jesus' name, Amen."

                          ~ Ephesians 1:4

If you have received the Lord Jesus as your Savior,

after reading this invitation, please let us know.

We would love to hear from you. Your first name is sufficient.

We'll leave the light on for you...