the astounding prison diary
of david berkowitz
2006
VOLUME JANUARY 2006
Jazzman's Advice
NO MORE SATAN!
And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new
Revelation 21:5a
It’s now almost eight o’clock in the evening. Soon I plan to get in line for a shower and then return to my cell for the night.
A few hours ago, however, as I was walking in my pain (I have now begun to suffer from "Osteoarthritis"), the Holy Spirit seemed to quicken a word in my heart that one day I am going to be done with this decaying body; I will be done with the devil, too.
The fact is, my body is wearing down. Like an old car, one part at a time stops working properly. But very soon I will have a whole new body. It will not be subject to aches, pains, and sorrows. It will only know endless joy. Furthermore, there will be no more Satan!
One day, by the mercy of Jesus, I will be going into a realm where no disease and no demon will be able to touch me. I will be living with Jesus, forever.
Knowing all this keeps me going forward in faith and hope, never quitting.
(c)David Berkowitz January 18, 2006
Cranberry Juice
For the past several months I have been experiencing a degree of physical agony because of osteoarthritis. Walking has been difficult with sharp pains going up and down my right leg and originating from my lower back. Sitting has been just as difficult.
Interestingly, however, last week I had gotten into a discussion about my ailment with another prisoner. He had queried me as to why I was limping, and I then explained to him what I have been going through.
He in turn told me that he too had suffered from the same thing, and that his battle with arthritis and sciatica lasted for about a year. He also said that at times his condition was so bad that he needed to use a walker. I had a hard time picturing him like this since he is a muscular black man, built like a football player, and he’s only about forty years old.
Jazzman* said to me, "Dave, get yourself some cranberry juice." I laughed because it sounded silly that cranberry juice was supposed to do something for my crippling pain.
Only yesterday I had been in the doctor’s office, and he basically said there was nothing I could do for osteoarthritis other than taking pain medication. I don’t like taking pills, however, and I know the long term effects of continued use of pain-killers and anti-inflammatory drugs could be negative and do irreversible damage to my stomach, liver and kidneys. So I told the doctor, "No thanks!"
But then I remembered what Jazzman said about cranberry juice. So out of curiosity I ordered two ounce cans of juice, which is the only cranberry product my commissary offers. I figured that even if the juice did not work on my pain, I would still get some nutritional benefits. Each can claims on its label to have 100% of Vitamin C.
Then, yesterday evening, I drank my first can before I went to sleep. I didn’t expect anything to happen. But, amazingly, this morning when I opened my eyes and began to get off my bunk, there was almost no pain in my lower back or in my right leg.
Prior to this, for the past three plus months, whenever I awoke it felt as if a shark had sunk its teeth into my leg. I hobbled in pain with every step I took. And now I found myself standing on the concrete floor in the middle of my cell with nothing more than a slight residual tingle of pain that was manageable.
I even felt so good that at 10 o’clock this morning when the recreation yard opened I went outdoors to walk in the fresh air. I walked for approximately sixty of the ninety minutes I was allotted in the yard.
Then, later this afternoon, I went to the chapel for our Saturday worship service with the men who visit us from Times Square Church in New York City.
Tonight I plan to drink my second can. I’m not sure if it was the juice that made me better. I know, of course, that God can use ordinary things to do His work. But if it is the cranberry juice, then I am grateful to the Lord for creating cranberries!
I’ll see what happens as time goes on.
*Jazzman is his nickname
(c)David Berkowitz January 28, 2006
Prayers and Juice
In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me. Psalm 120:1
Sundays are always busy for me. This morning I was in the chapel for the main worship service of the week. The volunteer minister who came in to encourage us, "Brother Alan," is an ex-con. He did a handful of years in prison, but he’s been out for a long time.
Presently Alan works in the garment industry and he is active in his church. He’s also raising a teenage son. Brother Alan always inspires me because he’s a success story, and he has walked in my shoes. He understands the struggles prisoners have.
At my chaplain’s direction, and after another man finished making the weekly announcements to the congregation, I began the service by getting the men to worship and praise the Lord.
I was also able to share with the men about my situation concerning my lower back and right leg, and how I began drinking cranberry juice before bedtime. The guys had a laugh with this, yet the juice seems to be having an effect.
Last night I drank my second and final can. This morning, thankfully, for the second day in a row my pain has been minimal. I have been able to walk easily, and I was on my feet all morning without any problems.
I believe the Lord has heard and responded to my cries of distress. I also have the feeling these guys are going to be buying a lot of cranberry juice from the prison’s commissary.
(c)David Berkowitz January 29, 2006
DISTRESS
It is written, for Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Romans 8:36
I continue to live in a season of testings where my simple faith in the Lord Jesus is being tried by fiery trials. Yet somehow the Spirit of my God is giving me the grace and divine strength to hold on.
I am learning, too, what it means to be "killed" all the day long, to be required to die to my flesh and my own desires. I am realizing that nothing in the world is my own. I have nothing but Jesus, and when it is time for me to leave this world, I will be taking nothing with me but Jesus.
For instance, one particular "fiery trial" I am going through at present concerns some litigation that is before the New York Supreme Court. I haven’t spoken about this very much in my journal, as it is a very complex matter and much to burdensome to explain.
But for the past year or thereabouts I have been seeking to do what is right, just and fair. And I am observing, too, that even though I am a child of God and belong to Jesus, I can still experience loss. Being a Christian is no assurance that the judicial system will go in my favor or that anyone would even care about my pain.
All said, I only have the Lord Jesus to turn to. I can pour out my heart to Him and athe Messiah of Israel will listen. He will wipe the tears from my eyes and soothe my hurt with His love.
I have a Comforter the world knows nothing about.
(c)David Berkowitz January 31, 2006
A DARK NIGHT
For Thy mercy is great above the heavens: and Thy truth reacheth unto the clouds
Psalms 108:4
Last night I tossed and turned and I writhed in pain. I hardly slept. This morning, too, the pain was so intense that I had to stay back from church.
I almost never miss a Sunday service. But today I had to send word with a Christian who lives in my cell block to tell the chaplain that I wouldn’t be there. I know there are well qualified elders in my congregation who could easily fill in for me. I also sent instructions for the congregation to pray for a certain person and some urgent situations.
Yet even though I stayed behind because I can hardly walk, I had an awesome time of worship, prayer, and Scripture reading in my cell.
While my lower back feels like fire and a sharp, stabbing pain is repeatedly striking the area around my right hip, I am instead choosing to focus on the mercy and glory of God.
Today it feels as if the Lord of the universe has been my constant companion, and of course He always is. But He has made His presence known in a personal way. His grace is enough to get me through unrelenting and excruciating pain. And tomorrow He will do the same.
(c)David Berkowitz January 15, 2006
VOLUME AUGUST 2006
BLESSED FELLOWSHIP OF THE FORGIVEN
MEN AT WORK
Today I worked for most of the morning as well as for much of the afternoon in the prison's main recreation yard in order to help set everything up for tomorrow's Christian familiy day event. About fifteen men including myself had volunteered to put up the large canvas tents that are needed to shelter everyone from the sun. We all took our turns holding up different sections of each tent while several other men used their sledgehammers to bang the steel suppport spikes into the ground. Then we had to gather approximately two hundred metal folding chairs plus dozens of portable dining tables from a storage area where they were then transported by wagons to the yard.
All totaled it took more than six hours to do this. It reminded me of working on a construction site, too. And even though I was exhausted afterwards, it felt good and invigorating to have labored in the fresh air.
At three o'clock, however, when it was time to return to my living area for the day, I was given permission by the correction officer on duty to take a hot shower. It was just what I needed. Nevertheless, I'll be back in the recreation yard early tomorrow morning as we get ready for our family members and friends to come. Upwards of 200 people are expected. It's going to be a long day!
(c) David Berkowitz August 4, 2006
DESPERATE TIMES
Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3
I believe we would be fooling ourselves if we thought these are joyful and prosperous times that we're living in. Rather these are desperate times when many people are suffering in a myriad of ways. And for Chrstians, if we remain honest, we could attest that our faith seems to be getting tested to the maximum.
Speaking for myself, I seem to go from one problem to another. Then, when one problem gets resolved, a different one crops up in its place.
And with this in mind, during today's chapel service, before the minister came to the pulpit to give his sermon, I felt led to speak to the flock for a handful of minutes in order to give both them and my self an exhortation about being ''good soldiers" for Jesus Christ.
So I first read a small portion from the Apostle Paul's second letter to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy, who was a young pastor in the making. I then read a brief message which I wrote this morning shortly before sunrise. For as I was sitting on my bunk the Holy Spirit stirred me to get a pen and a piece of paper and write the following:
"We're living in very desperate and perilous times. And I believe that the Lord Jesus is calling each of us into a deeper and stronger relationship with Him.
This is not the time, my brothers, for the typical, mediocre, 'business as usual' approach to Christianity. For we are living in a critical period of the church's history, and at a time when many have grown spiritually cold. They're also indifferent to Christ's mandate to preach the gospel to every person.
In the United States of America, at least, many of us are content to stay cloistered within the walls of cozy church buildings rather than doing the work of soul winners, and going out along the highways and hedges in order to find the lost and compel them to come to Christ for salvation. We've been omitting the Lord's 'Great Commission', and we're instead settling for our self-made religious safety zones. And this should not be.
My brethren, as the world drifts towards increased wars, acts of terroroism and disease, and as false prophets and teachers flourish, we need to be more gounded in our faith, and in the knowlege of the Word of God than ever before."
(c)David Berkowitz August 6, 2004
ONE SOUL
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 15:7
This morning we had another God-directed worship service in the chapel. The best part of the approximately 90 minute event, however, was when we had our altar call. As the preacher gave the invitation one individual came forward to confess that as of this moment, he was placing his faith in Jesus Christ. Up until now he had been a devout Muslim who had been following the teachings of Islam.
To protect his identity I will not reveal his name, nor will I gave any details about him. Nevertheless, he has been a popular and well respected member of the prison's Muslim community.
Furthermore, I learned afterwards that it was one of the members of my congregation who had been sharing his faith with him. And today, for the first time, this man came to the chapel. And while the minister was giving the message, this man made the decison in his heart that he was going to place his faith in Christ, which he did. Then, when the altar call was made, he came forward and announced it to the church. As a result, the more than fifty men in attendance broke into spontaneous applause. We gave God thanks, and when the service was finished, we took turns embracing him.
I have no doubt that there was joy in heaven today. There was much joy in our little church, too.
(c)David Berkowitz August 13, 2004
JOY DAY
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24
After a prolonged heat wave with very high humidity, almost overnight, it seems, the weather has become nearly perfect with evenings that are cool enough for me to need a light sweatshirt. And it won't be much longer before my favorite season is here. When autumn arrives the leaves will of course begin to change their colors. While at nights the faint smell of woodsmoke will waft into the air as folks from nearby towns start up their woodstoves and fireplaces on chlly evenings.
But aside from this, today my heart was filled with an all-encompassing joy. God answered a prayer of mine, and on this special and wonderful day I was treated to a priceless gift from Him.
Now, however, shortly before bedtime, my heart is very happy and my souls is at rest. I only wish there would be more days like this one, and I am believing by faith that there wil be.
(c)David Berkowitz August 14, 2004
BLESSED FELLOWSHIP OF THE FORGIVEN
At three o'clock in the afternoon, when my work assignment was done, I was permitted to to outdoors for about an hour. It felt good to walk in the fresh air on such a stunning and gorgeous day.
And while I was in the recreation yard I happened to run into several men from my congregation. We than began to walk together. But as we were doing so I became aware of the deep brotherly love I feel toward these guys. For here were individuals, like myself, who committed crimes and did bad things. Yet at some point during our lives God was able to penetratre our hard hearts so that we would each hear the gospel, and believe it.
Moreover, as I listened to these prisoners talk about their hopes, dreams and day-to-day struggles, something continued to stir deep within me. It was a good feeling, however. It was also a recognition that even in this place of darkness and evil---a maximum security prison---God has somehow brought us together, a group of men from diverse backgrounds, so that He might teach us how to learn to love, live, work and grow together as a holy family . The Lord Jesus, I believe wants us to excel in every area of our lives.
Thus I consider myself privileged to be around such men. I am blessed to have them as friends, too, because they love Jesus, and so do I.
(c)David Berkowitz August 16, 2004
A PRODUCTIVE DAY
It's been a very productive and spiritually enriching day. My morning work assignment as a mobility guide for a sight-impaired prisoner was uneventful. But this afternoon, however, when I went to the Intermediate Care cell block to assist the men who are mentally challenged, I found a handful of guys who needed a friend to talk to. A couple of the men asked me to pray for them, too.
One particular inmate, who once told me that he is "HIV positive", said he's been feeling sick and has a bad case of diarrea. I did notice that he's lost weight. So he was glad when I put my right hand on his forehead and said a prayer for him. Many of these men simply need someone to show them compassion and concern. And this is my ministry; it is a joy to do it.
In addition, I was also able to spend time with my friend "Larry". I wrote about him in my journal entry dated June, 20, 2006.
This afternoon I found Larry walking around the housing unit on this warm summer's day still wearing his tattered army coat. He was moving back and forth during our one hour crecration period, which today happened to be held indoors, talking to himself while bundled in winder gear.
Poor Larry! He's a beautiful person who's now lost in a world of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, I could spend an entire day with Larry and enjoy his company, even though, sadly, most of his words are insane jibberish. Larry's a precious soul whom Jesus loves.
(c)David Berkowitz August 18, 2004
MY CHAPLAIN RETURNS
I cannot even begin to describe the many ways the Lord has been touching lives in this place. It says in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah the prophet, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything to hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)
The answer to this question, of course, is that nothing is to hard for the Creator. He has power and authourity over all things.
And with this in mind, I am full of joy right now because, as of today, my chaplain has returned to his post as pastor of the congregation after having taken a leave of absence for a few weeks in order to attend to his wife who, after a routine medical examination, was diagnosed with cancer. (see my Journal for July 23, 2006).
Fortunately, "Pastor Carl," as we affectionately like to call him, appeared to be well rested. He also preached with exceptional fervency as he attested to the goodness of God, and how his wife, after enduring a surgery to remove a tumor that was determined to cancerous, came out of her ordeal with an excellent prognosis. The doctors,. the chaplain said, believe thay got all the cancer cells. My pastor was so jubilant about this that on several occasions during his combination sermon and testimonial he broke into tears.
In addition, there were times during his message when the congregation was so moved that we erupted in spontaneous applause to give glory to Jesus Christ. I am very happy, therefore, for my pastor and his wife. His message from Psalm 40:1-5 was, I believe, sent to me from heaven, too.
David Berkowitz August 20, 2004
August 13, 2006
August 18, 2006
This afternoon I found Larry walking around the housing unit on this warm summer's day still wearing his tattered army coat. He was moving back and forth during our one hour crecration period, which today happened to be held indoors, talking to himself while bundled in winder gear.
Poor Larry! He's a beautiful person who's now lost in a world of schjizophrenia. Nevertheless, I could spend an entire day with Larry and enjoy his company, even though, sadly, most of his words are insane jibberish. Larry's a precious soul whom Jesus loves.
()c)David Berkowitz August 20, 2006
God Comforts
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
Oftentimes I have taken great comfort in this little known verse of Scripture. For it seems as if I live in a continuous swirl of storms and struggles, and trials and tribulations.
Jesus told his followers that we would face such things. Life will have its difficult moment when our faith will be tested to its limits.
I know that no one is exempt from disappointment, pain, or death. But the good news is that God has promised to always be with me. I shall never find myself alone or forsaken. Thus my confidence and hope has been placed on His every promise.
In addition, I know I will be on this earth for only a limited amount of time. My future is in heaven. And even my present period of incarceration will one day become only a fading memory.
So I can say “Amen” to what God is doing in my life. He is the God of all comfort. The Lord is my strong hold, and He knows me.
(c)David Berkowitz January 6, 2006
HERE COMES THE SON
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings…
Malachi 4:2a
I am stepping into a new year full of anticipation and hope at what God is going to do. I live in victory. For the Bible says that I am “more than a conqueror” through Christ who loves me. (Romans 8:37).
My peace and hope, therefore, is already settled. Now it is a matter of waiting upon the Lord to do something new and fresh with my life.
I know, too, that these are the days when evil appears to be increasing. The world is in turmoil. Yet I also know that where sin and wickedness exist, God’s mercy and grace are able to abound all the more. For the light shines the brightest when it is surrounded by deep darkness.
After all, God is still at work touching hearts and bringing strength to His children on His wings of healing.
God still loves the world. (John 3:16), and He remains unwilling that anyone should perish, but instead come to repentance.
Now, as a new year begins, I hope to continue to touch one life at a time. I am thankful, too, for the continuous encouragement I derive from the Scriptures and from the Holy Spirit, as well as from my fellow Christians who have blessed my life with their prayers. I must press on!
(c)David Berkowitz January 1, 2006
OUTREACH
As of December 26, 1995, I returned to work at the prison’s E-North cell block. This is where the Intermediate Care Program is located and houses the men who have special needs, to include a variety of issues each may be dealing with that calls for extra attention from the facility’s Mental Health staff, and from me in my assigned role as an “Inmate Program Aide.”
I am thankful to be back working in E-North. These men are very special, and, as I have written many times in my journal, I sense a special calling to be among these guys as a helper, and friend, and as someone who will listen when they speak.
In this environment where cold-heartedness and aloofness is commonplace, having someone who genuinely cares is rare. So I bow my heart in gratitude that I have found enough favor with the facility’s staff to be allowed to work where I do. They have instilled a great deal of trust in me, and I pray I will never disappoint them.
Meanwhile, after two weeks being in the ICP Unit in the afternoons, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to pray with some of the inmates. I have been able to read the Bible to them as well as give assistance where needed.
(c)David Berkowitz January 9, 2006
(c) All the writings on this page are Authored by David Berkowitz and are the
sole property of David Berkowitz
BLESSED FELLOWSHIP OF THE FORGIVEN
MEN AT WORK
Today I worked for most of the morning as well as for much of the afternoon in the prison's main recreation yard in order to help set everything up for tomorrow's Christian familiy day event. About fifteen men including myself had volunteered to put up the large canvas tents that are needed to shelter everyone from the sun. We all took our turns holding up different sections of each tent while several other men used their sledgehammers to bang the steel suppport spikes into the ground. Then we had to gather approximately two hundred metal folding chairs plus dozens of portable dining tables from a storage area where they were then transported by wagons to the yard.
All totaled it took more than six hours to do this. It reminded me of working on a construction site, too. And even though I was exhausted afterwards, it felt good and invigorating to have labored in the fresh air.
At three o'clock, however, when it was time to return to my living area for the day, I was given permission by the correction officer on duty to take a hot shower. It was just what I needed. Nevertheless, I'll be back in the recreation yard early tomorrow morning as we get ready for our family members and friends to come. Upwards of 200 people are expected. It's going to be a long day!
(c) David Berkowitz August 4, 2006
DESPERATE TIMES
Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3
I believe we would be fooling ourselves if we thought these are joyful and prosperous times that we're living in. Rather these are desperate times when many people are suffering in a myriad of ways. And for Chrstians, if we remain honest, we could attest that our faith seems to be getting tested to the maximum.
Speaking for myself, I seem to go from one problem to another. Then, when one problem gets resolved, a different one crops up in its place.
And with this in mind, during today's chapel service, before the minister came to the pulpit to give his sermon, I felt led to speak to the flock for a handful of minutes in order to give both them and my self an exhortation about being ''good soldiers" for Jesus Christ.
So I first read a small portion from the Apostle Paul's second letter to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy, who was a young pastor in the making. I then read a brief message which I wrote this morning shortly before sunrise. For as I was sitting on my bunk the Holy Spirit stirred me to get a pen and a piece of paper and write the following:
"We're living in very desperate and perilous times. And I believe that the Lord Jesus is calling each of us into a deeper and stronger relationship with Him.
This is not the time, my brothers, for the typical, mediocre, 'business as usual' approach to Christianity. For we are living in a critical period of the church's history, and at a time when many have grown spiritually cold. They're also indifferent to Christ's mandate to preach the gospel to every person.
In the United States of America, at least, many of us are content to stay cloistered within the walls of cozy church buildings rather than doing the work of soul winners, and going out along the highways and hedges in order to find the lost and compel them to come to Christ for salvation. We've been omitting the Lord's 'Great Commission', and we're instead settling for our self-made religious safety zones. And this should not be.
My brethren, as the world drifts towards increased wars, acts of terroroism and disease, and as false prophets and teachers flourish, we need to be more gounded in our faith, and in the knowlege of the Word of God than ever before."
(c)David Berkowitz August 6, 2004
ONE SOUL
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 15:7
This morning we had another God-directed worship service in the chapel. The best part of the approximately 90 minute event, however, was when we had our altar call. As the preacher gave the invitation one individual came forward to confess that as of this moment, he was placing his faith in Jesus Christ. Up until now he had been a devout Muslim who had been following the teachings of Islam.
To protect his identity I will not reveal his name, nor will I gave any details about him. Nevertheless, he has been a popular and well respected member of the prison's Muslim community.
Furthermore, I learned afterwards that it was one of the members of my congregation who had been sharing his faith with him. And today, for the first time, this man came to the chapel. And while the minister was giving the message, this man made the decison in his heart that he was going to place his faith in Christ, which he did. Then, when the altar call was made, he came forward and announced it to the church. As a result, the more than fifty men in attendance broke into spontaneous applause. We gave God thanks, and when the service was finished, we took turns embracing him.
I have no doubt that there was joy in heaven today. There was much joy in our little church, too.
(c)David Berkowitz August 13, 2004
JOY DAY
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:24
After a prolonged heat wave with very high humidity, almost overnight, it seems, the weather has become nearly perfect with evenings that are cool enough for me to need a light sweatshirt. And it won't be much longer before my favorite season is here. When autumn arrives the leaves will of course begin to change their colors. While at nights the faint smell of woodsmoke will waft into the air as folks from nearby towns start up their woodstoves and fireplaces on chlly evenings.
But aside from this, today my heart was filled with an all-encompassing joy. God answered a prayer of mine, and on this special and wonderful day I was treated to a priceless gift from Him.
Now, however, shortly before bedtime, my heart is very happy and my souls is at rest. I only wish there would be more days like this one, and I am believing by faith that there wil be.
(c)David Berkowitz August 14, 2004
BLESSED FELLOWSHIP OF THE FORGIVEN
At three o'clock in the afternoon, when my work assignment was done, I was permitted to to outdoors for about an hour. It felt good to walk in the fresh air on such a stunning and gorgeous day.
And while I was in the recreation yard I happened to run into several men from my congregation. We than began to walk together. But as we were doing so I became aware of the deep brotherly love I feel toward these guys. For here were individuals, like myself, who committed crimes and did bad things. Yet at some point during our lives God was able to penetratre our hard hearts so that we would each hear the gospel, and believe it.
Moreover, as I listened to these prisoners talk about their hopes, dreams and day-to-day struggles, something continued to stir deep within me. It was a good feeling, however. It was also a recognition that even in this place of darkness and evil---a maximum security prison---God has somehow brought us together, a group of men from diverse backgrounds, so that He might teach us how to learn to love, live, work and grow together as a holy family . The Lord Jesus, I believe wants us to excel in every area of our lives.
Thus I consider myself privileged to be around such men. I am blessed to have them as friends, too, because they love Jesus, and so do I.
(c)David Berkowitz August 16, 2004
A PRODUCTIVE DAY
It's been a very productive and spiritually enriching day. My morning work assignment as a mobility guide for a sight-impaired prisoner was uneventful. But this afternoon, however, when I went to the Intermediate Care cell block to assist the men who are mentally challenged, I found a handful of guys who needed a friend to talk to. A couple of the men asked me to pray for them, too.
One particular inmate, who once told me that he is "HIV positive", said he's been feeling sick and has a bad case of diarrea. I did notice that he's lost weight. So he was glad when I put my right hand on his forehead and said a prayer for him. Many of these men simply need someone to show them compassion and concern. And this is my ministry; it is a joy to do it.
In addition, I was also able to spend time with my friend "Larry". I wrote about him in my journal entry dated June, 20, 2006.
This afternoon I found Larry walking around the housing unit on this warm summer's day still wearing his tattered army coat. He was moving back and forth during our one hour crecration period, which today happened to be held indoors, talking to himself while bundled in winder gear.
Poor Larry! He's a beautiful person who's now lost in a world of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, I could spend an entire day with Larry and enjoy his company, even though, sadly, most of his words are insane jibberish. Larry's a precious soul whom Jesus loves.
(c)David Berkowitz August 18, 2004
MY CHAPLAIN RETURNS
I cannot even begin to describe the many ways the Lord has been touching lives in this place. It says in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah the prophet, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything to hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)
The answer to this question, of course, is that nothing is to hard for the Creator. He has power and authourity over all things.
And with this in mind, I am full of joy right now because, as of today, my chaplain has returned to his post as pastor of the congregation after having taken a leave of absence for a few weeks in order to attend to his wife who, after a routine medical examination, was diagnosed with cancer. (see my Journal for July 23, 2006).
Fortunately, "Pastor Carl," as we affectionately like to call him, appeared to be well rested. He also preached with exceptional fervency as he attested to the goodness of God, and how his wife, after enduring a surgery to remove a tumor that was determined to cancerous, came out of her ordeal with an excellent prognosis. The doctors,. the chaplain said, believe thay got all the cancer cells. My pastor was so jubilant about this that on several occasions during his combination sermon and testimonial he broke into tears.
In addition, there were times during his message when the congregation was so moved that we erupted in spontaneous applause to give glory to Jesus Christ. I am very happy, therefore, for my pastor and his wife. His message from Psalm 40:1-5 was, I believe, sent to me from heaven, too.
David Berkowitz August 20, 2004
August 13, 2006
August 18, 2006
This afternoon I found Larry walking around the housing unit on this warm summer's day still wearing his tattered army coat. He was moving back and forth during our one hour crecration period, which today happened to be held indoors, talking to himself while bundled in winder gear.
Poor Larry! He's a beautiful person who's now lost in a world of schjizophrenia. Nevertheless, I could spend an entire day with Larry and enjoy his company, even though, sadly, most of his words are insane jibberish. Larry's a precious soul whom Jesus loves.
()c)David Berkowitz August 20, 2006
God Comforts
The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
Oftentimes I have taken great comfort in this little known verse of Scripture. For it seems as if I live in a continuous swirl of storms and struggles, and trials and tribulations.
Jesus told his followers that we would face such things. Life will have its difficult moment when our faith will be tested to its limits.
I know that no one is exempt from disappointment, pain, or death. But the good news is that God has promised to always be with me. I shall never find myself alone or forsaken. Thus my confidence and hope has been placed on His every promise.
In addition, I know I will be on this earth for only a limited amount of time. My future is in heaven. And even my present period of incarceration will one day become only a fading memory.
So I can say “Amen” to what God is doing in my life. He is the God of all comfort. The Lord is my strong hold, and He knows me.
(c)David Berkowitz January 6, 2006
HERE COMES THE SON
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings…
Malachi 4:2a
I am stepping into a new year full of anticipation and hope at what God is going to do. I live in victory. For the Bible says that I am “more than a conqueror” through Christ who loves me. (Romans 8:37).
My peace and hope, therefore, is already settled. Now it is a matter of waiting upon the Lord to do something new and fresh with my life.
I know, too, that these are the days when evil appears to be increasing. The world is in turmoil. Yet I also know that where sin and wickedness exist, God’s mercy and grace are able to abound all the more. For the light shines the brightest when it is surrounded by deep darkness.
After all, God is still at work touching hearts and bringing strength to His children on His wings of healing.
God still loves the world. (John 3:16), and He remains unwilling that anyone should perish, but instead come to repentance.
Now, as a new year begins, I hope to continue to touch one life at a time. I am thankful, too, for the continuous encouragement I derive from the Scriptures and from the Holy Spirit, as well as from my fellow Christians who have blessed my life with their prayers. I must press on!
(c)David Berkowitz January 1, 2006
OUTREACH
As of December 26, 1995, I returned to work at the prison’s E-North cell block. This is where the Intermediate Care Program is located and houses the men who have special needs, to include a variety of issues each may be dealing with that calls for extra attention from the facility’s Mental Health staff, and from me in my assigned role as an “Inmate Program Aide.”
I am thankful to be back working in E-North. These men are very special, and, as I have written many times in my journal, I sense a special calling to be among these guys as a helper, and friend, and as someone who will listen when they speak.
In this environment where cold-heartedness and aloofness is commonplace, having someone who genuinely cares is rare. So I bow my heart in gratitude that I have found enough favor with the facility’s staff to be allowed to work where I do. They have instilled a great deal of trust in me, and I pray I will never disappoint them.
Meanwhile, after two weeks being in the ICP Unit in the afternoons, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to pray with some of the inmates. I have been able to read the Bible to them as well as give assistance where needed.
(c)David Berkowitz January 9, 2006
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