by Vicki White, Orlando (originally in English)

Since the spring of 2003, Florida initiates have been in contact with Chaplain Alex Taylor, Chaplaincy and Volunteer Services Administrator for the Florida Department of Corrections Volunteer Services Program, in an effort to donate English and Spanish copies of Master’s sample booklet to the state’s prisons. As a result, packages of booklets have been sent to 161 correctional institutions throughout Florida, including 54 long-term facilities. A letter included in each package informs prison chaplains that upon request more sample booklets, other books and audio and videotapes will be provided to them free of charge. The booklets are being placed in the facilities’ libraries and free literature areas. Corrections officials estimate that over 77,000 inmates reside in the State of Florida’s prison system, and hopefully many will take the opportunity to read Master’s materials.

In a letter of thanks, the Reverend Mr. Alex Lam, Chaplain Supervisor for the Everglades Correctional Institution, said the following: “I would like to thank you for the booklets that you have faithfully donated to our chapel at the Everglades Correctional Institution. The booklets were well received, and our inmates express their special gratitude for your thoughtfulness. Please keep us in mind for future donations, and if available we also need books.” In response to this request, the initiates sent Mr. Lam copies of Master’s books God’s Direct Contact — The Way to Reach Peace and I Have Come to Take You Home. And a second thank-you letter was also received.

In another note of thanks, Ron Tamburri, Correctional Chaplaincy Services Specialist for the Gainesville Correctional Institution wrote, “We received the religious materials you so graciously donated to our facility. On behalf of the inmates here at the Gainesville Correctional Institution, I want to thank you for your generous donation. The men are always blessed by the materials you send. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. May God continue to bless your ministry.” Then he added a quote from the Bible: “And let us not grow weary while doing good; for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Gal. 6:9)

We also received letters of thanks from Chaplain Lanigan of the Desoto Correctional Institution and Reverend Steve Gadaire, Chaplain for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Jails. Reverend Gadaire felt that Master’s teachings will be of help to both the prison and its prisoners. In addition, he expressed interest in any other information we might have to offer. In response, the initiates sent him several copies of Master’s publications.

It is the Florida initiates’ sincere prayer that Master’s sample booklets will provide comfort and hope to all our brothers and sisters living in correctional institutions throughout the state. Thank You, Master, for helping us bring Your Truth and Love to many suffering souls, who otherwise may never have had the chance to know You in this lifetime.

 

Letters of Appreciation from Florida’s Correctional Institutions.