January 5, 2007

From Solitary Confinement ...

We receive a number of letters here at Banner of Truth from people who have been impacted by some Banner book. Here is one that came in right around Christmas from a prison "somewhere" in New York.
"To whom it may be concerned:
In the month of October, I wrote a brief letter to the Banner of Truth Trust inquiring in particular about the price(s) of 'The Christian in Complete Armour' along with other publications. Then, after not receiving a reply for quite some time, I had simply come to the conclusion (albeit erroneously) that, perhaps the company was shut down long ago since in all actuality, the books I was inquiring about were 'outdated' (although reprinted).
Then to my utter surprise, while housed in solitary confinement, the entire volumes of 'The Christian in Complete Armour' (Vols. 1, 2, & 3) were delivered to my solitary confinement cell door! I was truly astonished, astounded, and ecstatic because never, ever does an inmate receive books (or any other outside material) delivered directly to their cell door while in solitary confinement. It just never happens. And in my way of thinking, I'm opined to believe the LORD sent these lovely, glorious books, via you, directly to my cell door. And within one (1) day of returning to society! (I am to be released tomorrow).
However, your charitable deed is not to go unnoticed, nor be in vain. For you already know you are truly a worthy vessel of the LORD delivering much-needed (godly) information to those in dire need of it, and who choose to obeise. Truth be known, other than the Bible, never before have I (partially) read a book so informative and expressive that can save a man's soul, and which expounds in detail 'the mindset' of the Lord and what He attempts to convey to us. And what's expected of us. Season's Greetings to you and yours, and to all personnel at The Banner of Truth Trust!
With my deepest heartfelt appreciation and utmost gratitude.
[Name withheld - a former prisoner in New York]
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God is at work, my friends. God is at work! Each year, Banner sends so many books to prisoners, soldiers, etc. thanks to many of you who donate money to the Banner of Truth Book Fund. And letters like this boost all of us here to continue packing, and shipping and praying for every book that leaves this warehouse!
Grace & peace be yours this day.
Steve

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise God, Steve! What an encouragement that God's truth in book form can pass through the cell bars that person could pass! And what a great reminder that I too am a sinfully sick spiritual criminal worthy of much worse than solitary confinement. What a precious Cross we have and a gracious God we serve!

-Tony
The Shepherd's Scrapbook

Anonymous said...

(corrections)

Praise God, Steve! What an encouragement that God's truth in book form can pass through the cell bars that a person could not pass! And what a great reminder that I too am a sinfully sick spiritual criminal worthy of much worse than solitary confinement. What a precious Cross we have and a gracious God we serve!

-Tony
The Shepherd's Scrapbook

Anonymous said...

What a great testimony to God's providence, Steve. Thanks for sharing.

Josh

Anonymous said...

Steve,

This is very encouraging story indeed. I was actually wondering about these books today and was planning to write you an email to inquire about them. I have heard much about them through various sources and am interested in trying editions to purchase. I was wondering whether these are abridged or unabridged and if so, are there any significant changes from the original.

Thanks again. I appreciate the recommendations and encouraging stories you share here.

Thanks,
Praz

Steve Burlew said...

Yes, guys, I agree. I'll share some other letters as we receive them. I meant to post an image of the handmade (with crayon) Christmas card we received from a prisoner in California, but didn't get to it. I at least wrote him back, thanking him, and received a response expressing his great surprise that I would personally write to him.

Steve Burlew said...

Praz -
The three volume set IS an abridgement made easier to read than the original. However, we also have the original in one volume, if you'd prefer that.