One of our brothers, who developed a severe speech impediment after a violent attack, wrote a powerful letter that we read aloud in our group. Despite his struggle with speaking, he has been a faithful attendee at our meetings and theological classes. His self-consciousness about his speech has often kept him silent in group settings.
His letter profoundly illustrates the importance of seeing everyone as someone we can help by sharing the Love of Christ. It’s a heartfelt reminder of how our actions and support can make a significant impact on each other’s lives.
Here is his moving letter…
I want to start by saying thanks to all who are here and the reason I wrote this is because it would be faster to tell you all how I feel. I want to confess that when I come to prayer circle I feel at peace and happiness. I may not say much but I do listen. To me seeing people gather in Christ’s name and praising Him brings joy to me, it makes me cry but not because I am sad but because to me it is a beautiful thing. But I listen to all of you and I can empathize with all of you. I do pray for all of you especially when you humble yourself and become vulnerable and tell your problems. I come back to my cell and pray for all of you. But know that I hear you, and more importantly, God hears you.
But I wanted to tell you guys what happened yesterday. I went to see my therapist, and in all honesty, I was going through some things in my head and I was contemplating suicide. I was planning it but I saw Brother Ryan and his presence reminded me about prayer circle and I went and I heard all of you telling your problems and feeling the peace mixed with that reminded me of what God has done for me. So in a way prayer circle might have saved my life. But thank you all for coming and I encourage you to keep coming. May God bless you all and thanks for hearing me out. Always remember you are not the only one going through these things, Read 1st Peter 5:9 and remember God is with us!
Quick update: The brother who wrote this letter has since been released and is doing great. He holds down a job and is working to move back to his home state. He no longer has the speech impediment and is a bright spot in many of our lives.
