In prison, I needed someone to tell me that God was real. Robert didn’t just say it, he showed me. – Harry McDonald
Robert Green: A couple of years ago, I scored very low on caring for the poor and less fortunate on my Spiritual Growth Assessment. In the past, I worked with a homeless ministry; but, once we had kids I became too busy. By the summer of 2008, my youngest son had graduated, and I asked the Lord what He wanted me to do with my extra time. I talked about it with my community of friends and was directed to Richard Smith, who helps run a transitional house for released prisoners at Cornerstone Baptist Church in South Dallas. He informed me of the great need for outreach and mentoring to prisoners and ex-offenders in our community. Later, I completed some training and was on my way to volunteering with the prison ministry.
Harry McDonald: Although I spent a lot of time ‘out in left field,’ rejecting God and doing what I wanted to do, I didn’t think I would end up in prison. I have never been a thief. I served six years in the US Army. I owned my own business. I was a married man with a family. However, after several incidents of driving while intoxicated and being found guilty of assault with bodily injury, I was incarcerated.
When I got to prison, I went to every kind of worship service I could find, met with the chapel clerk and survived okay. But, when I was transferred to Dawson State Jail in Dallas, I was in limbo. I didn’t know where I would go next; how long I would be there; or, what I would do when I got out of prison. I wondered where God was, and my struggling faith in God wavered.
Robert: I was a little nervous walking into the Dawson unit for the first time. I thought Harry and I might not have anything in common. But, he’s only five years younger than I am; we’re both from Texas; and, we have many similar life experiences. We had a connection the first time we hung out, and our love for Christ was the common factor.
Harry: It was amazing that I was ‘in the pen’ trying to get out, and guys like Robert were trying to get in and witness to convicts. He spent his valuable time helping me, and we built an instant friendship. Truthfully, I had been a stubborn red head all my life and never had a mentor or someone to hold me accountable. It also surprised me to learn that a guy like Robert had accountability in his life too, and that seemed like a whole different kind of lifestyle to me.
Robert: I learned very quickly how well many men in prison knew Scripture. Many men spend time reading God’s Word while they’re incarcerated; it is definitely Romans 8:28 in action. Harry and I talked about God’s promises, and I sent him Scripture in the letters I wrote him. I saw how something as small as a note of encouragement could be used to change someone’s life.
Harry: You wouldn’t believe what a letter means to a guy in prison. Many men don’t get letters, and some have never heard that they matter to God or anyone else. When I received one particular letter from Robert, I was on the brink of falling apart. I was looking forward to getting out when suddenly, I was faced with a restraining order by my ex-wife and more time without my kids. Robert’s note reminded me that a trial could either destroy me or make me stronger, and the only way I could be stronger was with Christ.
Robert: When I decided to start serving in prison outreach, I had no idea what God had in store. In fact, one of the first things Harry asked when we met was, “What’s in this for you?” I told him I wanted nothing, but that the love of Christ compelled me to be there. Going forward, we had many great conversations, and over time, our relationship moved from mentor to friend. Harry is a believer whose faith is growing, and he’s someone I want to hang out with. Our friendship reinforces my belief that you often get much more out of anything God calls you into. God’s shovel is always bigger than mine.
Harry: There are many people in the system who are looking for hope. Getting out seems like a fearful thing because ties have been broken and there’s nowhere to go. That’s where I was. In prison, I needed someone to tell me that God was real. Robert didn’t just say it, he showed me. The day I was released from prison, I wondered if anyone would be there. Robert was there, and it was like God saying, “I have not forgotten you.” After that, other Christians stepped in and offered transitional housing and mentoring – even a computer where I and many others could work on resumes and search for jobs. God gave me a group of folks who love me and wish the best for my future. This has given me a strong desire to give in service to the Lord and let all of this be to His glory!
