It is amazing how 9/11 affected the world. It changed so many families from different countries when the terrorists attacked the United States and the World Trade Twin Towers in New York City. Everyone in the hotel restaurant this morning here in Estonia were watching CNN as it memorialized and recognized the tragic events of five years ago today.
Several who were on a bus tour said they would not fly anymore than they had to because it was not safe anymore. I thought about the 85,000 miles I had flown the last twelve months to take the gospel to the men in 13 different countries and I felt confident in the hands of the Lord. Amazing when you feel you are on a mission, how nothing else fazes you thats affecting others around you negatively. It gives me a deeper resolve to keep doing what we are doing to further the cause of Christ in men's lives around the world. My heart goes out to those affected by this tragedy. Tragedies are taking place every day and every second somewhere in the world. Malicious, vicious, cruel plotting to hurt someone, kill someone, destroy a relationship or take away a loved one.
It reminded me of the night I found my father murdered. Then John 10:10 came to me, "the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but I came that you would have life and have it more abundantly." I decided early this morning, that would be what I would minister to the men incarcerated in the Parnu Prison.
This is the picture of the door we entered into the prison, no cameras' were allowed inside. The sign on the door says, "Parnu Vangla(Prison)." There's still an eerie feeling when each set of iron prison doors shut behind you. You’re hoping you will get to go back out those prison doors. 
All who are incarcerated here are serving life sentences. Most are in for murder. It was a little more difficult to minister as we had two interpreters, one for Estonians and one for Russians. So I had to be patient and allow the Holy Spirit to maintain the heart and message He wanted to deliver.
First man I met named Albert said "I am in for life for killing two men in a bar fight, thank you for bringing a message on forgiveness." We prayed and thanked God for forgiving us and to give Albert the strength to ask for forgiveness as he would pen a letter to the families of his victims.
Next man (Egbert) said, "I want to kill a prison guard here for the way he treats us, I am here for life so why not? He said, you wanted to kill the man that had your father killed, you understand." I said Jesus understands better than me, He was beaten and flesh stripped from his bones, yet, said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." he was not only asking forgiveness for the Roman soldiers, the two thieves that hung on crosses beside him, but for all mankind, all wrongs, all sin, from the Garden of Eden until he returns. Never in one moment in the history of time was so much being forgiven. I don't believe that Jesus, during his crucifixion, had a desire or a thought of wanting to kill those who He was dying for. I don't understand how, but Jesus does, so I prayed with Egbert for the Holy Spirit, to take the anger, hate and revenge from his heart just like He took it out of my heart."
Even the Chaplain said, "God brought you here so I could hear this message, it was double good for me."
The men shook my hand, hugged me and thanked me as the guards took them back to their cells. Some wanted my address to write me, others wanted me to sign their bibles. It was humbling but I signed them as tears ran down my face, with this, " God Loves you, Romans 8:28, All things work for good to them who love God and are the called according to His purpose." God is not through with you."
By the way, the man in this picture is still free from three years ago of forgiving his father for molesting him and wanting to kill him.
I pray this word today will bring encouragement and hope for all those who read it and lost a loved one five years ago today or any other time in your life.
God is faithful; Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. People may disappoint you or hurt you but our God is the same, yesterday, today and forever!
That's His word for every nation and every people. If He did it for me, He will do it for you!
Keep praying, it's getting better!
Thanks for you love for truth!
Jack
what an awsome ministry. i am praying for you while you are gone. please keep blogging theese testamonies we need them, they lift our spirits. God has called you to such a great ministry. you are proff of that. keep pushing tward the goal.
Posted by: chris McCarthy | September 13, 2006 at 11:44 PM