The Least Come First

Well, it's time to take to doing what this blog was named for and documenting it.

Interesting newspaper articles these past weeks: Finding Freedom in Prison and Serial Killer is Video Guest at Suffolk Prayer Event.
The first was a eulogy for Chuck Colson by his mentee, Michael Gerson.
"In him, I found my greatest example of the transforming power of grace."
"... Many wondered at Chuck's sudden conversion to Christianity. He seemed to wonder at it himself. He spent each day that followed, for nearly 40 years, dazzled by his own implausible redemption. It is the reason he never hedged or hesitated in describing his relationship with Jesus Christ. Chuck was possessed, not by some cause, but by someone." (emphasis mine)
"...If everyone matters and counts, then criminals do as well. Chuck led a movement of volunteers attempting to love some of their least lovable neighbors. This inversion of social priorities--putting the last first--is the best evidence of a faith that is more than crutch, opiate or self-help program. It is the hallmark of authentic religion -- and it is the vast humane contribution of Chuck Colson." (emphasis mine)Op-Ed page 11, The Virginian-Pilot, April 25, 2012.
Chuck Colson spoke at one of the NILD Conference Banquets a few years ago. It was my opportunity to see the man who had lovingly brought Prison Fellowship into being and the Angel Tree Program which was a part of our world in ministry at First Baptist Tarrytown. In ministering to the needs of families who had loved ones in prison a new world was opened for us to see -- some of our neighbors had great burdens that they carried without any support.
The other article that caught my attention was a person from my past, the Son of Sam, David Berkowitz. I remember being in NY in the summers during the 70's when these killings and trial were taking place. It was the first serial killer (other than Charles Manson) trial that made national headlines. The fear before he was captured was palpable in NY -- an unknown devil loose in our midst. David Berkowitz came to know Jesus Christ as his Savior as a prisoner after 10 years in jail. David Berkowitz has changed his identity from "Son of Sam" to "Son of Hope." Could this be a link to Chuck Colson as well? Only the Lord knows. In The Virginian-Pilot article by Linda McNatt and Jeff Sheler (page 1 May, 4, 2012), it says,
     "In 1987, he became a born-again Christian after an invitation from another prisoner and now devotes his time to a prison ministry. He has in recent years refused to attend his parole hearings, saying he believes he needs to spend the rest of his life in prison."
                 "I came to prison with no hope, no direction, no reason to live," 
                 ..."After 10 years in prison, I met Christ, confessed to God. I asked him to please forgive me."
                 ..."You're one prayer away from God doing something miraculous in your life," Berkowitz said.
                 "God bless each and every one of you."
Lord, may I be known by others as a daughter of God who was in an intimate relationship with Christ and that was a hallmark of my life.
Connections -- there are so many in life and yet do we notice them? Is there a connection between Chuck Colson/Prison Fellow and David Berkowitz/Son of Hope? What do you think?