What a day!

I wish you could have been there.

It was an unforgettable day! Visits with two ex-offenders, just released from prison.

The reason our friends should have been there with me is because so many people have had a part in this. The words of thanks that I received from Anthony “Bear” Johnson and Roger Church were not expressions directed specifically at me, or at Matt. This was a thank you to HFP, and especially to everyone who sees to it that HFP stays right out there on the front line.

Anthony was placed on a bus by MDOC guards this morning, en route to Maryland for a new life. He’s in his 60s now. He was 19 when he went to prison. I was at the East Lansing bus station this afternoon for a “Bear” hug!

From “Bear:”

When you’re in prison, it can feel like there’s no one there for you anymore. After 42 years, you don’t hear from many of your friends. HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS was there. They care!

My family could not attend my Public Hearing (the Parole Board session held to determine whether an inmate should be freed). I cannot explain my feelings when Matt showed up, and when I heard what he had to say! (He breaks down in tears.) 

The Parole Board approved his release.

Roger Church walked out of prison a couple weeks ago, after serving 11 years. I chatted with him in a Grand Rapids Veteran’s Facility later this afternoon.

Roger’s comments:

The MDOC refused to treat my rare kidney disease for 7 years. The pain was so intense I couldn’t get out of bed. I don’t know what HFP did, but a specialist got involved, and I received proper treatment and pain control.

As an American war veteran, I headed up a vet’s group that took care of the flags in our facility. They were in terrible shape. I contacted HFP, and through them a donor sent us new American and POW/MIA flags.

We wanted to do something to contribute to society, so as veterans we decided to crochet blankets for a homeless veterans’ facility. When HFP learned of our plight, they shipped hundreds of pounds of yarn. And we donated hundreds of blankets to the homeless!

I humbly accept these tributes, but they honestly belong to every person who supports HFP with a dollar and/or a prayer.

This is what we do, and this is why we do it.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

Comments

Diane R. said…
Thank you, Doug! You offer hope when no one else does.
February 28, 2018 at 10:48 AM
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