On death row in Texas

I relived a horror story in Texas yesterday.

I was with Hank Skinner yesterday morning during his final hours at the infamous Polunsky Unit (Death Row) in Livingston, Texas. I pressed my hand against the window that separated us (no contact visits allowed, even at the time of death!), and I prayed over a squawky telephone as he placed his hand on the other side of the window.

I visited him in the Death House, a prison unit in Huntsville, Texas, where the condemned man may meet briefly with his spiritual advisor. We talked Studebakers and drag racing, and we laughed. I read Psalm 23, and we prayed. We prayed for a favorable decision from the Supreme Court.

Actually, I was in my comfortable office in Grand Haven, Michigan. But yesterday's story brought back all of the painful memories of a similar experience in Texas exactly three years ago. I was with my friend Charles Anthony Nealy, who very likely was wrongly convicted, and who would have been 43 years of age in just a few more days. He had asked me to be his spiritual advisor at the time of his execution. It was an experience I shall never forget. It was an experience I never want to repeat.

Anthony didn't receive his court decision.

Among his final words, as he lie strapped to a gurney, arms outstretched much like those of Jesus on the cross, tubes feeding into his veins: Thank you for coming all the way from Michigan, Doug. Say "hello" to Marcia. I love you.

30 minutes later a steam whistle on the prison roof shrieked. The community received word that another life had been taken in the name of justice. Anthony's lifeless body was taken to a nearby funeral home.

Marcia and I returned to Michigan.

Pray for Hank Skinner.

And if you chose to follow the words of Jesus, pray for the State of Texas: ...bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Doug Tjapkes, President
HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS
P.O. Box 687
Grand Haven, MI 49417

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