Even though I know the story, it's still strange to read it and hear it in your words. But I love you, and I miss you. I can't wait to see you at Christmas.--Amanda Jo
I remember sitting with you in visitation and hearing you tell this. Amazing how so many things can fall in place to bring such a tragic end. I hate I missed a visit last time, but maybe soon I will be back to see you. I read your first post and the mention of diving. I have told so many people that I always wanted to go into space, but diving was as close as I could get to that. It is like exploring an alien world. I know you do also, but I wish things were different and we could go Scuba diving together and share magic tricks like we use to. Try to keep your head up man! Tim
hey joe never heard the real story, never thought u would ever do anything like this. sometimes we get messed up with the wrong people, and dont realize it until it is 2 late. but god will always be with us and help us as long as we believe in him.joe the truth will come out ,one day and god only knows that. so we will keep praying on hope that this will come to a end soon, until then i love u and praying that god will help put a end 2 all of this. love u joe, wayne
Hi Joe, My name is Catherine, and I am a friend of your sister, Mary. We used to go to church together, when she lived in Charlotte. As I read your story, I could not help but think of the story of Joseph from Genesis 39:19 - Genesis 50. Joseph was forced into many bad situations, ending up in prison, however later we see God's plan unvieled and see that God used every one of those bad situations to lead up to the saving of many lives. One of my favorite verses is Genesis 50:20. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." I hope you will be encouraged to know that you, (beings God's man, in the place of incarceration) can be used for great things, for God's glory, and by sharing your faith, may result in the saving of many lives. I was blessed by your story, thank you for sharing it. Be blessed today, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
Hey Joe,I also am a friend of Mike and Mary's from Charlotte we also use to go to church together.I read your blog and can understand how we can be convinced of things when we are broken and searching.We are in a spiritual warfare every day.God allows us to go through things to bring us to Him and allows others to know He is real.I think your blog will help others and always remember God will make a way.Keep our faith and continue to know that God is in control.Be blessed. Becky Barton
Hello Joe, I am Chuck Hall. Mike and Mary are good friends of mine. Mike and I are best friends from back when we worked at AT&T. I have heard your story from them and have prayed for you and Mary's family in the past and will continue to do so. God is good so keep the faith.
Joe, I know it is so hard for you to look back on the past, so don't. Look for what God has for you in the future and pray you have learned from your past. I am praying for you and I love you very much. Aunt Jenny
Dear Brother. I pray for you everyday,my prayer is that God keeps you safe and gives you peace. I am proud of you, I want you to know that lessons have been learned. Joe I don't think I would be in the Prison Fellowship Ministry if it were not for what I have learned from you being in prison.I have learned to give my burdens to Jesus and not pick them back up.I have learned to praise Him through it all. I hope you know that you are loved and missed everyday. If you need anything call me. I Love You Bro Your Middle Sis. Mary
Hey Joe! My name is Talaya. I know Mary probably has mentioned me. (she better had!) I thank you for sharing. It means a lot to me. Around the same time this happened to you, my brother Terry was shot and killed. Talking with Mary about this really helped me forgive whoever it was that killed my brother. Both of us going thru something very tragic in our lives helped us grow together closer to the Lord and closer to eachother. I am glad that you have admitted what you have done and also that you are asking for forgiveness. It wasn't easy to forgive, but I know that is what God wants. I also just pray for he or she that killed my brother that they may give their life to the Lord and know that they may be forgiven. I do pray for you and I pray that God will continue to use you. You have an awesome mom and sister! I know they both love you very much. Joe keep pressing on! Rejoice always! Talaya
Your story reminded me of another one that I thought might be uplifting to share.
This is an extra-biblical story about the Apostle John, as told by Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 to 215 A.D.) in his article "Who is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?."
This is the last section of the piece, and I find it so powerful that I'm moved to tears almost every time I read it. I hope you are encouraged by it.
Part 1 of 3: --------------
And that you may be still more confident, that repenting thus truly there remains for you a sure hope of salvation, listen to a tale, which is not a tale but a narrative, handed down and committed to the custody of memory, about the Apostle John. For when, on the tyrant's death, he returned to Ephesus from the isle of Patmos, he went away, being invited, to the contiguous territories of the nations, here to appoint bishops, there to set in order whole Churches, there to ordain such as were marked out by the Spirit.
Having come to one of the cities not far off (the name of which some give ), and having put the brethren to rest in other matters, at last, looking to the bishop appointed, and seeing a youth, powerful in body, comely in appearance, and ardent, said, "This (youth) I commit to you in all earnestness, in the presence of the Church, and with Christ as witness." And on his accepting and promising all, he gave the same injunction and testimony. And he set out for Ephesus. And the presbyter taking home the youth committed to him, reared, kept, cherished, and finally baptized him. After this he relaxed his stricter care and guardianship, under the idea that the seal of the Lord he had set on him was a complete protection to him. But on his obtaining premature freedom, some youths of his age, idle, dissolute, and adepts in evil courses, corrupt him. First they entice him by many costly entertainments; then afterwards by night issuing forth for highway robbery, they take him along with them. Then they dared to execute together something greater. And he by degrees got accustomed; and from greatness of nature, when he had gone aside from the right path, and like a hard-mouthed and powerful horse, had taken the bit between his teeth, rushed with all the more force down into the depths. And having entirely despaired of salvation in God, he no longer meditated what was insignificant, but having perpetrated some great exploit, now that he was once lost, he made up his mind to a like fate with the rest. Taking them and forming a band of robbers, he was the prompt captain of the bandits, the fiercest, the bloodiest, the cruelest.
Time passed, and some necessity having emerged, they send again for John. He, when he had settled the other matters on account of which he came, said, "Come now, O bishop, restore to us the deposit which I and the Saviour committed to you in the face of the Church over which you preside, as witness." The other was at first confounded, thinking that it was a false charge about money which he did not get; and he could neither believe the allegation regarding what he had not, nor disbelieve John. But when he said "I demand the young man, and the soul of the brother," the old man, groaning deeply, and bursting into tears, said, "He is dead."
"How and what kind of death?"
"He is dead," he said, "to God. For he turned wicked and abandoned, and at last a robber; and now he has taken possession of the mountain in front of the church, along with a band like him."
Rending, therefore, his clothes, and striking his head with great lamentation, the apostle said, "It was a fine guard of a brother's soul I left! But let a horse be brought me, and let some one be my guide on the way." He rode away, just as he was, straight from the church.
On coming to the place, he is arrested by the robbers' outpost; neither fleeing nor entreating, but crying, "It was for this I came. Lead me to your captain;" who meanwhile was waiting, all armed as he was. But when he recognized John as he advanced, he turned, ashamed, to flight. The other followed with all his might, forgetting his age, crying, "Why, my son, do you flee from me, your father, unarmed, old? Son, pity me. Fear not; you have still hope of life. I will give account to Christ for you. If need be, I will willingly endure your death, as the Lord did death for us. For you I will surrender my life. Stand, believe; Christ has sent me."
And he, when he heard, first stood, looking down; then threw down his arms, then trembled and wept bitterly. And on the old man approaching, he embraced him, speaking for himself with lamentations as he could, and baptized a second time with tears, concealing only his right hand. The other pledging, and assuring him on oath that he would find forgiveness for himself from the Saviour, beseeching and falling on his knees, and kissing his right hand itself, as now purified by repentance, led him back to the church.
Then by supplicating with copious prayers, and striving along with him in continual fastings, and subduing his mind by various utterances of words, did not depart, as they say, till he restored him to the Church, presenting in him a great example of true repentance and a great token of regeneration, a trophy of the resurrection for which we hope; when at the end of the world, the angels, radiant with joy, hymning and opening the heavens, shall receive into the celestial abodes those who truly repent; and before all, the Saviour Himself goes to meet them, welcoming them; holding forth the shadowless, ceaseless light; conducting them, to the Father's bosom, to eternal life, to the kingdom of heaven.
Let one believe these things, and the disciples of God, and God, who is surety, the Prophecies, the Gospels, the Apostolic words; living in accordance with them, and lending his ears, and practising the deeds, he shall at his decease see the end and demonstration of the truths taught. For he who in this world welcomes the angel of penitence will not repent at the time that he leaves the body, nor be ashamed when he sees the Saviour approaching in His glory and with His army. He fears not the fire.
But if one chooses to continue and to sin perpetually in pleasures, and values indulgence here above eternal life, and turns away from the Saviour, who gives forgiveness; let him no more blame either God, or riches, or his having fallen, but his own soul, which voluntarily perishes. But to him who directs his eye to salvation and desires it, and asks with boldness and vehemence for its bestowal, the good Father who is in heaven will give the true purification and the changeless life. To whom, by His Son Jesus Christ, the Lord of the living and dead, and by the Holy Spirit, be glory, honour, power, eternal majesty, both now and ever, from generation to generation, and from eternity to eternity. Amen.
Hi Joe, I'm a friend of your Mom's from church. She's a wonderful strong woman and has had a great impact on me. I just want to encourge you and remind you that we can do great things no matter where we are. You are in our prayers. Bonnie
I just wanted to comment here that I have really enjoyed coming to see you when I can, and seeing you on Thanksgiving was a real blessing for both Mary and I. We have learned more about God and His will for our lives since you have been there than we might otherwise ever have. Strange, isn't it?
Mary now councils/teaches a Bible study every Monday night at the county jail for women, and I have come to understand that holidays are about our family, no matter where we are. I have more fun coming to see you and talking about God and Prophecy than I do going just about anywhere else. When we are with you, Joe, we always talk about Heaven and what it will be like. No matter where else we go on a holiday, we rarely discuss those things.
This world is not our home, and therefore I think talking about our real and future home for eternity is why it is so exciting. Knowing you will be there with us in Heaven is both reassuring and exciting as well. I have gotten to know you as a brother more in the last five years, than I ever did during the fifteen years that I knew you before then, and for that, I am thankful. Mary and I will never live very far from you Joe, and we will always support you anyway we can.
You made a mistake. Personally, I have done enough wrong to be there with you, only I never got caught. In God's eyes, we all have fallen short and deserve spiritual death. Praise be to Jesus Christ for paying our sin debt in full, Amen! So by repenting and receiving His wonderful gift of salvation we get to go home to Paradise, just like the thief on the cross, once our time here is done. Keep telling others about the glorious news of the Gospel of Christ and we will come down to see you again very soon! Love you Bro!
HEY JOEY GOD BLESS YOU!! THIS IS DEBBIE AGAIN..YOU SAID YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHO I WAS.. YOU REMEMBER HERB MARTIN? WELL THATS MY DAD!! NOW I BET YOU REMEMBER..LOVE READING YOUR POST PLEASE KEEP THEM COMING! I PRAY FOR YOU ALL THE TIME ..LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU DEBBIE
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Replies (16)
I read your first post and the mention of diving. I have told so many people that I always wanted to go into space, but diving was as close as I could get to that. It is like exploring an alien world. I know you do also, but I wish things were different and we could go Scuba diving together and share magic tricks like we use to.
Try to keep your head up man!
Tim
My name is Catherine, and I am a friend of your sister, Mary. We used to go to church together, when she lived in Charlotte.
As I read your story, I could not help but think of the story of Joseph from Genesis 39:19 - Genesis 50. Joseph was forced into many bad situations, ending up in prison, however later we see God's plan unvieled and see that God used every one of those bad situations to lead up to the saving of many lives. One of my favorite verses is Genesis 50:20. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
I hope you will be encouraged to know that you, (beings God's man, in the place of incarceration) can be used for great things, for God's glory, and by sharing your faith, may result in the saving of many lives.
I was blessed by your story, thank you for sharing it.
Be blessed today, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
I pray for you everyday,my prayer is that God keeps you safe and gives you peace.
I am proud of you, I want you to know that lessons have been learned. Joe I don't think I would be in the Prison Fellowship Ministry if it
were not for what I have learned from you being in prison.I have learned to give my burdens to Jesus and not pick them back up.I have learned to praise Him through it all.
I hope you know that you are loved and missed everyday. If you need anything call me.
I Love You Bro Your Middle Sis.
Mary
My name is Talaya. I know Mary probably has mentioned me. (she better had!) I thank you for sharing. It means a lot to me. Around the same time this happened to you, my brother Terry was shot and killed. Talking with Mary about this really helped me forgive whoever it was that killed my brother. Both of us going thru something very tragic in our lives helped us grow together closer to the Lord and closer to eachother. I am glad that you have admitted what you have done and also that you are asking for forgiveness. It wasn't easy to forgive, but I know that is what God wants. I also just pray for he or she that killed my brother that they may give their life to the Lord and know that they may be forgiven. I do pray for you and I pray that God will continue to use you. You have an awesome mom and sister! I know they both love you very much. Joe keep pressing on!
Rejoice always!
Talaya
Your story reminded me of another one that I thought might be uplifting to share.
This is an extra-biblical story about the Apostle John, as told by Clement of Alexandria (c. 150 to 215 A.D.) in his article "Who is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?."
This is the last section of the piece, and I find it so powerful that I'm moved to tears almost every time I read it. I hope you are encouraged by it.
Part 1 of 3:
--------------
And that you may be still more confident, that repenting thus truly there remains for you a sure hope of salvation, listen to a tale, which is not a tale but a narrative, handed down and committed to the custody of memory, about the Apostle John. For when, on the tyrant's death, he returned to Ephesus from the isle of Patmos, he went away, being invited, to the contiguous territories of the nations, here to appoint bishops, there to set in order whole Churches, there to ordain such as were marked out by the Spirit.
Having come to one of the cities not far off (the name of which some give ), and having put the brethren to rest in other matters, at last, looking to the bishop appointed, and seeing a youth, powerful in body, comely in appearance, and ardent, said, "This (youth) I commit to you in all earnestness, in the presence of the Church, and with Christ as witness." And on his accepting and promising all, he gave the same injunction and testimony. And he set out for Ephesus. And the presbyter taking home the youth committed to him, reared, kept, cherished, and finally baptized him. After this he relaxed his stricter care and guardianship, under the idea that the seal of the Lord he had set on him was a complete protection to him. But on his obtaining premature freedom, some youths of his age, idle, dissolute, and adepts in evil courses, corrupt him. First they entice him by many costly entertainments; then afterwards by night issuing forth for highway robbery, they take him along with them. Then they dared to execute together something greater. And he by degrees got accustomed; and from greatness of nature, when he had gone aside from the right path, and like a hard-mouthed and powerful horse, had taken the bit between his teeth, rushed with all the more force down into the depths. And having entirely despaired of salvation in God, he no longer meditated what was insignificant, but having perpetrated some great exploit, now that he was once lost, he made up his mind to a like fate with the rest. Taking them and forming a band of robbers, he was the prompt captain of the bandits, the fiercest, the bloodiest, the cruelest.
Time passed, and some necessity having emerged, they send again for John. He, when he had settled the other matters on account of which he came, said, "Come now, O bishop, restore to us the deposit which I and the Saviour committed to you in the face of the Church over which you preside, as witness." The other was at first confounded, thinking that it was a false charge about money which he did not get; and he could neither believe the allegation regarding what he had not, nor disbelieve John. But when he said "I demand the young man, and the soul of the brother," the old man, groaning deeply, and bursting into tears, said, "He is dead."
"How and what kind of death?"
"He is dead," he said, "to God. For he turned wicked and abandoned, and at last a robber; and now he has taken possession of the mountain in front of the church, along with a band like him."
Rending, therefore, his clothes, and striking his head with great lamentation, the apostle said, "It was a fine guard of a brother's soul I left! But let a horse be brought me, and let some one be my guide on the way." He rode away, just as he was, straight from the church.
On coming to the place, he is arrested by the robbers' outpost; neither fleeing nor entreating, but crying, "It was for this I came. Lead me to your captain;" who meanwhile was waiting, all armed as he was. But when he recognized John as he advanced, he turned, ashamed, to flight. The other followed with all his might, forgetting his age, crying, "Why, my son, do you flee from me, your father, unarmed, old? Son, pity me. Fear not; you have still hope of life. I will give account to Christ for you. If need be, I will willingly endure your death, as the Lord did death for us. For you I will surrender my life. Stand, believe; Christ has sent me."
And he, when he heard, first stood, looking down; then threw down his arms, then trembled and wept bitterly. And on the old man approaching, he embraced him, speaking for himself with lamentations as he could, and baptized a second time with tears, concealing only his right hand. The other pledging, and assuring him on oath that he would find forgiveness for himself from the Saviour, beseeching and falling on his knees, and kissing his right hand itself, as now purified by repentance, led him back to the church.
Then by supplicating with copious prayers, and striving along with him in continual fastings, and subduing his mind by various utterances of words, did not depart, as they say, till he restored him to the Church, presenting in him a great example of true repentance and a great token of regeneration, a trophy of the resurrection for which we hope; when at the end of the world, the angels, radiant with joy, hymning and opening the heavens, shall receive into the celestial abodes those who truly repent; and before all, the Saviour Himself goes to meet them, welcoming them; holding forth the shadowless, ceaseless light; conducting them, to the Father's bosom, to eternal life, to the kingdom of heaven.
Let one believe these things, and the disciples of God, and God, who is surety, the Prophecies, the Gospels, the Apostolic words; living in accordance with them, and lending his ears, and practising the deeds, he shall at his decease see the end and demonstration of the truths taught. For he who in this world welcomes the angel of penitence will not repent at the time that he leaves the body, nor be ashamed when he sees the Saviour approaching in His glory and with His army. He fears not the fire.
But if one chooses to continue and to sin perpetually in pleasures, and values indulgence here above eternal life, and turns away from the Saviour, who gives forgiveness; let him no more blame either God, or riches, or his having fallen, but his own soul, which voluntarily perishes. But to him who directs his eye to salvation and desires it, and asks with boldness and vehemence for its bestowal, the good Father who is in heaven will give the true purification and the changeless life. To whom, by His Son Jesus Christ, the Lord of the living and dead, and by the Holy Spirit, be glory, honour, power, eternal majesty, both now and ever, from generation to generation, and from eternity to eternity. Amen.
I'm a friend of your Mom's from church. She's a wonderful strong woman and has had a great impact on me. I just want to encourge you and remind you that we can do great things no matter where we are. You are in our prayers.
Bonnie
I just wanted to comment here that I have really enjoyed coming to see you when I can, and seeing you on Thanksgiving was a real blessing for both Mary and I. We have learned more about God and His will for our lives since you have been there than we might otherwise ever have. Strange, isn't it?
Mary now councils/teaches a Bible study every Monday night at the county jail for women, and I have come to understand that holidays are about our family, no matter where we are. I have more fun coming to see you and talking about God and Prophecy than I do going just about anywhere else. When we are with you, Joe, we always talk about Heaven and what it will be like. No matter where else we go on a holiday, we rarely discuss those things.
This world is not our home, and therefore I think talking about our real and future home for eternity is why it is so exciting. Knowing you will be there with us in Heaven is both reassuring and exciting as well. I have gotten to know you as a brother more in the last five years, than I ever did during the fifteen years that I knew you before then, and for that, I am thankful. Mary and I will never live very far from you Joe, and we will always support you anyway we can.
You made a mistake. Personally, I have done enough wrong to be there with you, only I never got caught. In God's eyes, we all have fallen short and deserve spiritual death. Praise be to Jesus Christ for paying our sin debt in full, Amen! So by repenting and receiving His wonderful gift of salvation we get to go home to Paradise, just like the thief on the cross, once our time here is done. Keep telling others about the glorious news of the Gospel of Christ and we will come down to see you again very soon! Love you Bro!
DEBBIE