Last week we received an envelope from Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown, Maryland. Part of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, it is one of the state correctional facilities where convicted criminals are incarcerated.
We often get mail from there, from guys interested in our program here. But this one was different – it had a check!
Along with the check was a letter from a number of the inmates at RCI. They wrote of their appreciation of Helping Up Mission and our commitment to improve our community and help guys. They didn’t ask us for anything, but offered a blessing on us for 2014 and a check for $316.59!
Accompanying the note were the names of some 50 guys (part of the Roxbury Bible Fellowship Church) who collected and gave this money in December. Our HUM staff did not know a single name on the list. But of course, most of the guys in my class knew the facility, with many even having “visited” there for a period of time, themselves.
The HUM guys were really humbled and honored by this sacrifice and gift from their RCI brothers. While we have way more than they do, they chose to share out of their “commissary” money with us.
Our guys have created a large “thank you” card which we will all sign and mail back to them. The Bible says we should, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison…” (Heb 13:3). Join us as we continue to remember in prayer the guys and gals at RCI.
One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director