Christ Changed Dan's Life - by Pastor Art

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a Prison 
Congregations in America conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  
The conference was wonderful but what was outstanding was to hear 
the story of a prisoner named Dan while worshipping in prison.  Dan 
had grown up in a Wiccan home and by an early age was in trouble 
with the law and subsequently made his way into prison.  While in 
prison Dan tried to escape and the reward for his escape attempt 
was to be put in the "hole," solitary confinement, for many years.  
While in solitary confinement a man by the name of Harlan would 
often come by Dan's cell to see if he wanted to talk.  Dan would 
cuss out Harlan and tell him where to go and how to get there. 
Harlan however kept going back to talk to Dan to be an 
encouragement to him and to try talking about Jesus Christ.  One 
day Dan decided to get Harlan off his back so he began to engage 
Harlan in conversation hoping to get rid of him.  Dan objected to 
Harlan's teachings about Jesus but Harlan, in love, would answer 
the objections and continue to love and treat Dan with respect.  
Soon Harlan had Dan's respect and the conversations about Christ 
continued.  Eventually Dan gave his life to Jesus Christ and today 
is a leader in the prison congregation.  What I saw before me was a 
man transformed by the grace of God - a living miracle! I thank God 
for prison congregations that reach out to help the despised of 
society.  I thank God for men like Harlan who have the patience of 
Job and deep love for Jesus Christ.  It is because of men like 
Harlan and prison congregations that Dan and many others now know 
Jesus Christ's love and grace.  All I could say as I left prison 
that night was, "To God be the glory!"

by Pastor Art Van Wolde of Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa