Passions

With many in the world forsaking any belief in religion or deity. Easter is another season that brings back into focus the life of Jesus Christ. While Christmas is something that brings joy to the world, Easter is where the real power comes in. I am thankful for the hope I get from the belief that Jesus Christ over came sin and death so that we can live in peace forever. I know many Christians have different beliefs about the atonement and resurrection. I however, am fond of my belief of these events, which brings me hope for the future and hope for eternity.

In Church today we had a speaker that spoke about “Train wrecks, lost Sheep and the atonement.” I think his name was Steve Harris; I know his first name was Steve for sure. Anyway he volunteered for three years at the Salt Lake County Correctional facility. He said the time there changed his life. He said he truly felt the saviors love for these men and women that had made poor choices in their lives. He explained, in the maximum security section of the facility the prisoners were not behind bars, but behind a plexi-glass sort of plastic. On Sundays, they would move from cell to cell asking in the prisoners wanted “Church?.” He mentioned, some would wave him on, but many would ask for a message. Steve told that he became well acquainted with some of the men. One of the stories he shared with us was about a week in his life that had been exceedingly difficult. His family was going through some extraordinarily difficult economic times. That particular week he has run out of hope and was feeling despair. Steve had been praying for peace and hope to come back into his life. As he approached his assignment at the county facility, he still did not feel peace. Towards the end of his rounds through Maximum security he came to the cell of two men, Moses and Americ. He explained that Moses had a smile that could brighten the darkest room, and a voice that was melodic. He indicated he could listen to him all day. On this particular day, he felt like a southern baptist preacher and said “You need to come to the altar of God.” Moses and Meric answered with a hearty “Amen brother Steve.” After he had delivered his message, he asked if he could leave them with prayer. Moses replied, “Can I pray for you brother Steve?” Steve said, he almost broke down. In his heart, he said, “I need a you to pray for me.” He answered audibly, “Yes.” Moses began the prayer. “Father God” and then began a beautiful prayer that covered things that were truly personal to him, things that he has only conveyed to his wife and parents. He felt the despair being lifted as Moses prayed, and that despair being replaced by peace and hope. He felt it ironic that he had to go to prison to have a prisoner answer his prayer. After the prayer ended. Moses said, “That was a gift from God.” Steve knew that to be true. This and many other experiences at the prison testified to him that the savior loves everyone and wants everyone to return to him.

He then continued his talk with a discussion about train wrecks, he explained how looking up train wrecks on the internet revealed pictures of mangled metal and twisted tracks. He said he liked to use the term train wreck, he said he often described peoples lives as train wrecks. He also talked about people he saw making poor choices and would explain their situation as a train wreck waiting to happen. He then related the scripture from Isaiah 53:6 “All of us like sheep have gone astray,” Steve then explained we are all train wrecks or train wrecks waiting to happen. And there is no way back except through the atonement of Jesus Christ. He continued, our savior wants us to come back. He is looking for us, when he finds us, he will gladly pick us up, and rejoicing, carry us back to the fold. What a glorious thought! Our savior wants us to repent and find our way back to him