RESTORATION

This is our son who died in the county jail 11 years ago. He accepted Christ as a teen, but hung out with the wrong guys and got involved in drugs. Drugs became his escape. To some his story might seem heartbreaking but it is really a story of redemption. For fifteen months, my wife and I prayed that God would restore and heal our son. He did, but just not the way we had envisioned. Our son spent eight days in jail. God worked in his heart and, on the Sunday two days before he died, he rededicated his life to the Lord. Our pastor visited him on Monday and he shared this awesome decision. The next morning, he suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away. He’s now with the Lord, his salvation complete. His story underscores that we don’t know what the future holds. The Bible says we are not promised tomorrow. God numbers our days for His purpose. God has given my wife and me His story to tell about our son. Sharing this story has drawn many to Christ. I am a civilian working for the police, and God has allowed me to become the chaplain for our jail. Our jail ministry provides worship services where a number of us are able to bring hope to inmates. Our son’s death also opened the door for my involvement in a prison ministry, trying to make a difference in the lives of men who are incarcerated, sharing the message of eternal hope. It is such a blessing to have that hope. Our son can’t be here to tell his story, so I’ve committed part of my life to telling the story in his place. His story is living evidence that God can heal and restore all of us, no matter our sin.