[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Dear Faithful Supporters of PiFO,
In prison there are very dark places where evil is the ruler of the days, weeks and years. We, on the outside, don’t have a clue as to what really goes on in those dark places. Even good-intentioned people who come and visit and run programs from the outside, don’t know. They will never see the dark places. But our students do. They see, hear and feel the powerful presence of evil every day.
How do they deal with the dark places? What can they do about the dark places? How can they bring light into the dark places? There is an answer.
Each applicant for the Corban extension in the Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) must provide a written answer to this question; “Give your reasons for applying to the Corban/PiFO program.”
Here is a portion of David’s answer to this question. He says “when I am released from prison in 2039 (this is not a typo!), I want to work where I can give back to the community. I want to help people before they reach the breaking point where I did. I have a testimony and a calling, but to accomplish this I need a solid foundation in biblical training. Corban will give this to me.”
Not only will David acquire the skills to “give back” when he is released in 2039, but he will also be able to use these skills as a graduate of Corban in the prison system. He will be sent out to other prisons in the Oregon system to mentor and counsel other adults in custody. David will become an ambassador of Jesus to the dark places in prison.
In the subject line above, I write “do not be overcome by evil.” These are not my words, but rather they are the words of the Apostle Paul found at Romans 12:21. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Our students will overcome evil with good. They will bring light into the dark places.
As we approach the celebration of the birth of our Savior, I have a request for each of you. PiFO has 49 students in the Corban extension at OSCI. Can you give each one a gift this year? And please understand that I am not asking for money for our program with this message. I am asking for something else. It won’t cost you a dime, but it will cost some bended knee time.
Your prayers will help our students bring light into the dark places in a powerful way. Thank you!
Ever grateful,
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]