Weaken not

It's not unusual for those of us working in this business of helping "the least of these" to find ourselves propping up a fellow worker during a moment of despair. In fact, I need it rather often.

But today, it was another co-worker, in another state, who was blasted by her friend Juanita for decrying the fact that hate-mongering is being demonstrated at some political rallies. And, in response to her appeal for support to save the life of death row inmate Troy Davis, a friend responded: It seems NOT okay to kill criminals, but it IS okay to kill innocent, unborn babies.

Here, in part, are the thoughts I shared with her.

We must not stoop to their level. Shake the dust off your shoes, and lets get on with what we believe Jesus wants us to do.

I've got a poor woman on line now whose husband is dying of throat cancer because prison doctors didn't do a biopsy in time. And since California is so strict on sex offenders (this one claims wrongful conviction) her 15 year old daughter will not be allowed to visit her father before he dies, and he will not be allowed to die outside of prison walls because he might molest someone. She's a woman of faith, yet I cannot come up with the right words to ease her pain.

Just a few minutes ago I got a request to help a prisoner whose doctor has consistently refused to help a guy with an ingrown toenail. Now it has become a major infection, every time he removes his shoe it is full of blood, there is a possibility the foot will have to be removed, and the heartless doctor still refuses to help, telling the prisoner to go to the top if he thinks he's got a complaint.

Yesterday I had lunch with a former prisoner because I treasure our moments together in the final chapter of his life. Doctors refused to treat him in time while he was in prison, now he's dying of cancer.

And I received a request this morning to send a devotions booklet to a teacher in jail, accused of trying to take a picture under the skirt of a student with a cell phone. The girl has since admitted there was nothing to the story, but this family of 4 is devasted...lost their home, lost their reputation.

The Juanitas of the world will have to go on living on another planet. We don't have time for that luxury.

We must roll up our sleeves!

I conclude with some words from English clergyman Charles Kingsley, in the 1800s: Do today's duty, fight to-day's temptation; and do not weaken...

Doug Tjapkes, President
HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS
20 W. Muskegon Avenue
Muskegon, MI 49440

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