Inmates appreciate Herald
Our ministry receives the Religious Herald you send, and we greatly appreciated the kindness you have shown us through your giving.
As you are aware, our ministry here is not supported by the state but relies on the generous contributions and gifts received through the Christian communities. The Heralds you bless us with have an overwhelming impact on my inmate population of over 3,500 men. Many rely on them, and find them to be a great source of inspiration and encouragement.
I again would like to express my heartfelt gratitude, and may God continue to bless you for the work you do each day in his name.
Marjorie H. Holm, Chaplain
Greensville Correctional Center
Too much stuff
The Apostle Paul spent approximately three years in Ephesus. Ephesus was a sophisticated city with a public library, theater and other imposing buildings. He had much success there in making converts, until people stopped buying shrines of Diana from the silversmiths. Thousands of these shrines were sold to pilgrims during the festival of the goddess. A silversmith named Demetrius organized a rebellion (riot) against Paul and he was driven from the city. The cry was, “Great is Diane of the Ephesians.”
Jesus had the same problem when he drove the moneychangers (bankers) from the temple. This eliminated their jobs. It was probably the one act which got him nailed to the cross.
Most of us today have too much stuff. We are like the rich young ruler, who came to Jesus and was told to get rid of his stuff. This is easier said than done. Maybe we need to ask God help us get rid of our own stuff and follow him.
Jack Welch's new bestselling book, Winning, may be good business common sense but may not get us into heaven. As for me I'm counting on amazing grace!
S. S. Richardson
Richmond