Set Free  Issue No.7       by Martin Tuson

What does it mean to be saved?
by M. Tuson S.F.P.M.

Many ask this question and do not understand the term "born again" or "saved". Yes, they may know the term "Christian" - sadly in today's society the term "Christian" is used by so many.

So many people would class themselves as Christians because they were baptised as infants, others because they are religious or good living people who faithfully attend their church each week, pay their collection and behave in a good and upright manner. I myself used to class myself as a Christian, going to heaven because of my religious upbringing.

Sadly today Satan has so many people blinded in this world especially through religion. If you were to take a survey in the street today you would find that most people would mention some of the things above regarding Christianity. Others would go as far as to say that they know and believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and that He died on the cross and rose again. They know it in their head, but sadly not in their heart. I am sure that at least ninety percent of people would say they believe in God in some sort of way, shape or form. So what does it mean to be saved? In the Chambers Dictionary it says "to rescue, bring out of danger, to keep or preserve (and lastly and most importantly) to rescue from evil or SIN."

Jesus Christ's birth, death and resurrection are not just some story written a long time ago. They are factual events that took place - even books written back then talk about His life, death and resurrection. We are all born into sin from the fall in the garden of Eden. Sin brings death. We know that our physical bodies will one day die, but this is another death. This death is a casting away into outer darkness, it is hell itself, total separation from God. That's what our Heavenly Father saves us from; that is why He sent His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, into this world to take our place, to pay the penalty of sin on the cross of Calvary, to shed His precious blood for us, so that we could have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we trust and accept Him in our hearts we are saved from this second death. "He will swallow up death forever. The sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25 v.8 NIV). There are many people who remember the very day they were born into the kingdom of God. I remember the very day I asked Christ into my heart (7th November 1982). My sins were forgiven by the blood of the Lamb.

Dear friends in prison this is real Christianity, not religion. Religion is man trying to get to God his way, not God's way. Jesus Christ is the only way to God the Father. He is the way, the truth and the life. Without Christ in our hearts and lives, we are lost. We were all created with that empty void within - a void that can only be filled by Christ, not by sex, drugs, drink or money, even religion. So many inmates have experienced real peace and love in their lives and are gloriously saved. Forgiven from their past. Our Lord gives us His grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. Grace is something we do not deserve, mercy is saving us from what we deserve, love - because He loved us so much, He sent His Son to die for us. Forgiveness - through the shedding of His precious blood we are forgiven. Without Christ we are lost. With Him we have eternal life.


Testimony - Mary Furgeson,
Mercy Ministries, Indiana U.S.

I started Mercy Ministries over four years ago when my son Jason went to prison. He is still there but is serving God. He asked me when he first went to prison if I would write to some of the men and encourage them in the Lord. I did, and it has grown so much. I receive many letters and I write to many.

I write to men and women in jails and prisons all over the United States and other countries. I love what I do for the Lord. I remember a time seventeen years ago when I did not have Jesus in my life. After three attempted suicides and trying drugs, I realised there was nothing the world could give me to fill that void in my life. So I cried out to Jesus in my darkest hour and He rescued me. I gave Him my whole heart and promised I would always serve Him. He has forgiven me of all my sins and has set me free. I did not have peace in my life - everything the world had to offer was just a temporary fix, but then Jesus gave me peace that passed all understanding - peace everlasting. Do not let the devil lie to you. Choose to serve the Lord and He will set you free, and please feel free to write to me if you want. I will close asking God to bless you one and all, and fill your hearts with His joy. I will be praying for you all.

Mary Furgeson, Mercy Ministries, P.O. Box 332, Niniveh, Indiana, USA.

Living He Loved us
Written by Ronald M Parker, H.M.P Weyland

Living He loved us, dying He saved us,
that's how the chorus goes
His love for us is boundless,
as everyone should know.
They nailed Him on a cross so high
for everyone to see,
but never once came from His lips
the cry "oh, pity me".
They took Him down and laid Him
so gently in the tomb,
this Son of God called Jesus,
who came from Mary's womb.
For those that do not know Him,
or do not even care,
think of Him who saved us,
and the sins He had to bear.
So if you want to love Him,
say these words sincere:
"Come into my heart Lord Jesus"
that's all He wants to hear.

A Thought

By William Reeves, H.M.P. Wandsworth

At some time during our lives we have asked God for something, Christians or not. When we do not receive what we want, there are times when we do act like spoilt children who cannot get their own way - God is not listening to our prayer requests, God does not love me, God does not care, and many times think all this God talk is rubbish! Many times we read articles or listen to sermons telling us that God will do whatever we ask in His name, so that the Son may bring glory to the father (John 14V.12), so what is wrong?

Our relationship with God is a two-way relationship, just like any situation in the flesh. It needs to be understood that God does not like being taken for granted - as no-one does. So many do not read further down the scripture but only pick out the pieces that suit the situation.

Let us look back at John 14 v.12 - this I believe is true, but read on to John 14 v.15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command." In other words, we need to live as He lived and obey His commandments. Should we do so, or at least try, then like good children, we are praised and receive "the sweets". Question, "Why should God provide or answer our requests if we do not need Him"?

Meeting the Prince of Peace
By Ian Caughey
A poem based on a true story of two former paramilitaries, one loyalist, one republican, who, on a visit to my school's Scripture Union in 1987, shared the wonderful story of how they became friends after coming to faith in Christ in the prison cell (Ephesians 2 v.13-16)

They had been avid sworn enemies from opposing factions,
Whose ideologies fuelled violent actions:
For the cause of Irish unity one was prepared to die;
"For God and Ulster" was the other's clarion cry;
And, gripped by the conviction their cause was just and right,
To the other community both viciously took the fight.

But justice had overtaken them, and, jailed for their heinous crimes,
In prison cells they languished, despairing at times,
Recognising, all too late, the folly that placed them there,
Feeling lonely and abandoned, with, it seemed, none to care,
And certain their pain and hopelessness could only increase,
Until the blessed day of their meeting with the Prince of Peace.

They heard the Lord Jesus Christ for their sins had bled,
Before, as Saviour and Deliverer, He arose from the dead;
And, asking into their hearts the One who did not condemn,
His blood bought full forgiveness for e'en offenders such as them.
And though behind prison bars both then were set free.
Though still incarcerated, they found truest liberty.

Long has this country yearned for a genuine peace,
From its age-old hostilities to know true release.
Yet seemingly so few have come to understand,
In seeking reconciliation with our fellow man;
That the key secret in making a divided people one
Is their first finding peace with God, through Jesus Christ His Son.

Yes, Christ is our peace, who can fashion one from two.
For, with Protestant and Catholic, as with Gentile and Jew,
The middle wall He breaks down, which long did separate,
Abolishing in His flesh the discord, strife and hate,
Reconciling both unto God through His death on the tree,
And making peace 'twixt the two, slaying the old enmity.

And, members now of one family, the sons and daughters of God,
They met, became acquainted, and in no way felt odd,
For, bonded through faith in Christ, they now viewed each other
As no longer an enemy, but as a friend and brother,
Both shining forth as bright trophies to God's transforming grace,
Who their bitterness and hatred with His love could replace.

The causes of Ulster's conflict are so deep-seated and profound,
As to each seeming solution in due time to confound.
Yet, in seeking for the answer, might we yet turn the tide,
If many, many more people from right across the divide
The Prince of Peace were to meet, like these two men above,
And bound them together by the cords of Calvary love.

They once were wedded to the use of the bomb and the gun,
Now instead they're part of Christ's bride, who has their pardon won.
With His renewing power such on each heart, life and mind,
The warfare they wage now is of the spiritual kind,
Faithfully praying and labouring for the Kingdom's sure increase,
That others too may share the joy of knowing the Prince of Peace.

Testimony - Maurice Smith,
Inmate in Middledrift R.S.A.

My name is Maurice smith, and I am 31 years old, at present serving a 30 year sentence for murder. After you've read this, some of you may wonder why I've used my real name and not another. Considering my direct assault on the evil works of Satan, the reason for this is simple and is revealed in Psalm 91 (and this also goes out to the deceiver of this world Satan): I do not fear you, I am aware of you, but not afraid. I am covered in the blood of my Saviour Jesus Christ. You may try to tempt me and cause me to stumble but my eyes are firmly upon Jesus and you cannot harm me. I am now the Lord's, for I was bought for a price.

I was convicted in January 1998 before the Supreme Court in east London for the murder of a homeless person. This murder was occult related. At the time I was involved in forming a satanic coven of which I was to be high priest. The murder and gruesome circumstances surrounding it, were part of a sacrifice and worship service to the father of darkness. Let me add here that I by no means wish to give any of the focus to satan, so I will not reveal all the details of my involvement in the occult and satanism. Suffice to say that I had been dabbling with Ouija boards, tarot cards and astrology from the age of 15 or 16, but only got seriously involved in satanism a few years later. Anyway, after my sentencing the Lord began speaking to me and after a year and some months, I finally surrendered my life along with all its dirty laundry to the Lord Jesus Christ. I was set free from the bonds which my previous life had on me, and have grown to love the Lord more and more each day. I thank Him for His grace and forgiveness and want you to hear these words of how great our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is. Praise be His wonderful name.


Stay on Track - by Lyla Walker, Donaghadee.

Last chance train sitting on the track
Remember if you get on board you won't be coming back.
1st Stop Smile Ville
But that won't be for long.
As you move down the track your soul will have lost its song.
2nd Stop Misery
Health goes down the drain.
This is why the Lord is saying "Don't get on this train."
3rd Stop Devastation
Your whole life will come crumbling down.
There's only heartbreak and sorrow if you get off at this town.
4th Stop Death
That's the end of the road
But still your Father's crying out "Here's my hand take hold"
"I'll take you off this - you will see your life unfold
Into one of happiness, with blessing yet untold.
I love you child with all my heart.
I want what's best for you,
So take my hand and follow me
Your faith will see you through".

Find the answers

1. How many books are there in the Bible?
2. What is the last book of the Old Testament?
3. Who is the good shepherd? (Read John Ch.10)
4. Who was placed in prison? (Read Mark Ch.6)
5. Who did Paul say he was a prisoner to? (Read Ephesians Ch.3)
6. Who has entered into the world? (Read 2nd John)
7. Who is not to be deceived? (Read Galatians Ch.6)
8. Whose daughter did Jesus heal? (Read Luke Ch.8)

The Call - Dale Sloss, inmate in Texas

May God in Heaven bless you as you work for Him each day,
and may He lead His little ones who long have lost their way.
To you whose heart He's broken so that you can feel their pain,
and through your love can lead them to the lamb for sinner's slain.
For you know just how it feels, Dear one, to wander lost in sin,
to lose all hope and come to think that "God is not my friend."
But in your deepest, darkest night, a light sent from above
shined within your heart the gift of God's eternal love.
And so within the prison walls, wherever you may be,
may God grant you the gift of life to set the captives free,
To heal the sick, to raise the dead, to comfort all who mourn,
to mend the brokenhearted ones whose lives are surely torn.
For you He's sent to do the work that others cannot do,
to be somewhere, a place prepared, just alone for you.
So may you be found faithful to this calling sent from God,
knowing that He's there with you as in this way you trod.
And on the day of judgement as you stand before your King,
may joy alone be in your heart as He begins to bring
The message that we long to hear, "Well done my faithful one.
Enter in. The joy prepared, has only just begun."


Testimony - Robert Smith
California State Prison, Sacramento

About my testimony - I had a calling from our Lord back in the year of 1971. I have had many callings in my life. One in particular will stay with me for the rest of my life. I can share with you one unforgettable moment. I was in the army for 38 months from 1969 to November 1971 and I was in Vietnam when this miracle happened.

I was on a nine day ammunition drop-off mission when my platoon and I were ambushed up in Cambodia between Laos and the demilitarization zone (called the DMZ). I was on a nine day stressful mishap, with incident after incident. We were not to engage the enemy but the mishap was unavoidable. We all were very weary and tired and hungry. We just wanted to get back to our headquarters.

There were twenty eight of us and six of us got hit by missile fragments. To cut a long story short, I was the only one that survived the missile attack - the six of us were left for dead. I was about two minutes from death. My platoon leader thought we were all dead, and he left us there. I was told that we were left there because our platoon leader was in shock from a head wound injury and could not think clearly. I was next in command of our platoon.

When I went down, there was no one else to give the orders. We were there on the ground for about two hours, then after the platoon reached our headquarters the reconnaissance platoon located us. Our meds started to check and examine the other men for signs of life. When he came to check on me, he was very surprised to see that I had some vital signs and that I was still alive, Praise God. They immediately started a blood transfusion on me, which was about three and a half pints. Then the Vietcong started to attack the reconnaissance platoon, but the medic was able to get enough blood in me during the attack. I was called the MIRACLE MAN by the med team which carried out the transfusion on me and everybody started to call me that name. I was one of the many miracles that survived. I was then shipped out on a C-130 cargo plane back to the States. Hawaii was the next stop for me. I was there for two and a half months before I was shipped back to the states. This was a time when our Lord was calling for me to reach out for His mercy but I did not take this as a calling. As I look back, I thank our Lord for His blessing that I was able to see another glorious day in His salvation that was truly a calling back in Vietnam.

Our Lord is good and He has a plan for us all and I know there is a reason why I am here, and I now know it is to do and never stop doing His will.

Ball Game

Bob was caught up in the spirit where he and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs.

They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate - his name was LOVE. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because love never fails.

The next batter up was named GODLY WISDOM. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass, because Godly Wisdom does not swing at Satan's pitches. Ball one, three more pitches and Godly wisdom walked, because Godly Wisdom never swings at Satan's throws. The bases were loaded. The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate was GRACE. Bob said, "He sure does not look like much!"

Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fires his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen.

But Satan was not worried; his centre fielder, the 'prince of the air' let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went through his glove, hit him on the head, and sent him crashing to the ground. Then it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord's team won!

The Lord asked Bob if he knew why Love and Godly Wisdom could get on the base but couldn't win the game. Bob answered that he didn't know why. The lord explained: "If Love and Wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it yourself, but only Grace can get you home. My Grace is the only thing Satan cannot stop." Amen
 

Note from the editor:
Dear Friends, John Ch.6 v.37-40 says this: "Whoever comes to me I will never drive them away. For I have come down from Heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me, that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life and I will raise him up in the last day."

What a wonderful promise from Jesus Christ to each and every one of us. If you want to know this eternal life and look to the Son, then this prayer will help you:

"Dear Lord Jesus, I come before you now and I ask you Lord to come into my heart and life from this day forth. Forgive me for the sins I have committed. I believe that you died and shed your precious blood for me on Calvary. Lord fill me with your Holy Spirit, and thank you for taking my place on Calvary. Amen."

If you have any questions or prayer requests then please contact us.

God Bless, 
M. Tuson, S.F.P.M.

14-Jan-08