In the ministry we often meet others who come to us and share a testimony about someone we have come in contact with. Here is a letter that we would like to share with you. Jeannia is someone who had a lot of community support. That makes a big difference in the lives of men and women during and after incarceration.
I feel like I have to share this with any and everyone who loves the Lord and that go out of their way to help others in need.
I had the honor of meeting Ithiel and Irish Jones a couple of weeks ago in the restaurant I manage. I felt I already knew them because of an employee of ours. Jeannia had worked for us earlier in her life and came back with us a couple of years ago. She got into some trouble and ended up in jail then on to prison for several months. While she was at the Pickens County jail, she met the Joneses when they came to minister to the cellmates.
Jeannia as well as others there were in jail for something that occurred 4 years prior. She had straightened her life out. She was straight and working steadily with us at the barbecue restaurant. It was so hard on her being in jail when she had done so good for so long. She felt like her life was worth more and that she herself was more worthy than before when she found herself in jail. I know all this because I kept in close contact with Jeannia during this difficult time. I went to see her and kept my phone where she could call me anytime. I tried to make myself available to her when she needed me.
One day Jeannia told me about going to a service there in jail that was lead by the Joneses. I could tell a difference in Jeannia after their visits. She looked forward to them ministering and their help. She always told me when their next visit would be. They left spiritual materials with them and Jeannia always enjoyed reading them. She herself told me how it helped her to hear the scriptures realizing that God was always there for her and would never leave her. I feel she gained strength and hope through the visits that the Joneses made there to the jail. I saw her go from a fearful, weak person to a stronger, hopeful and determined person. I have to say, "Thank God" for people like the Joneses that dedicate their time and love for the Lord to help others that might otherwise never know the Lord or have self-esteem.
I feel their work is so important and so vital in helping turn around the lives of people in jail. Mistakes happen and punishment follows, I know. I also know we all need someone to support us and help lead us during our low points of life. I encourage anyone that can to support and help the Joneses with their efforts. Carolyn Grogan
P.S. I have to add that Jeannia is working full time with us -- 4 days a week -- long hours and is doing great. She lives with her parents, who are Christian people and she is straight. I am so proud of her -- I love her and support her -- we all do here. I feel that the Joneses and their help has made this all easier for Jeannia. Our future always looks brighter with the Lord in our lives.
Thanks
Ms. Grogan
The restaurant owner held Jeannia's job for her while she was incarcerated, they visited her in jail and prison. They put money on the books for her, but most of all they were there for her. Can you imagine what would happen if we had more individuals who would get involved in the life of inmates and follow them through the system? The rehabilitation of inmates that we speak of could be a reality.
We appreciate everything that you have done during the year to make it possible for us to carry the Gospel to inmates, ex-offenders and their families. Thank you.
In His Service,
Ithiel and Irish Jones
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