Acts 28:30-31 (ESV)
30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and
welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching
about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Myrtie Howell was a devoted Christian woman who lived a
hard life. Her family was very poor. When she was 10, she quit school and went
to work in a steel mill for 10 cents a day. She married at age 17. But in early
1940, her husband was killed in an accident. And when that happened, she lost
her home. And she had to go back to work to support herself and her three kids.
Years later, her declining health forced her to move into an old, high rise
nursing home. A few weeks later, her youngest son died. Then she fell into a
depression.
She said, "Lord, what more can I do for you? I've
lost everything that ever meant something to me. And now I'm stuck in this
dark, dreary room. I have nothing left to live for! I want to die! I've had
enough of this prison. Take me home." But then God spoke to her as clear
as possible. He said, "I'm not through with you yet, Myrtie. Write to
prisoners."
So she wrote a letter and sent it to the Atlanta
Penitentiary. And this is what the letter said: "Dear inmate. I am a
grandmother who loves and cares for you. I am willing to be a friend. If you'd
like to hear from me, write me. I will answer every letter you write. A
Christian friend, Grandmother Howell."
The letter was given to the prison chaplain. And he gave
her the names of eight prisoners she could write to. Prison Fellowship gave her
some more names. Soon, she was corresponding with up to 40 inmates a day. She
became a one woman ministry reaching into prisons all over America.
She said, "I thought my life was over. But these
past few years have been the most fulfilling years of my life! I thank Prison
Fellowship! And most of all, I thank Jesus!" Myrtie Howell became a great
missionary for God. Out of a one room apartment.
No matter what circumstances you find yourself, the Lord
can use you for His glory.
Dear Lord, thank the You that as long as we are on this
earth, You can use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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