SNOWFLAKES

My job as a porter officially ends at 2:45 every

afternoon. This, therefore, affords me the opportunity to go to the prison's "West Recreation Yard" from three to four o'clock, if I want to.

During the colder weather most of the inmates who are eligible to go outdoors for the standard hour of recreation, opt not to go. But I enjoy the fresh air, and I need the exercise.

So yesterday I went for my sixty minutes of freedom. But shortly after I entered the yard, however, it began to snow. A fair amout of flakes were falling, although it wasn't cold enough for the snow to accumulate on the ground.

A blustering wind was blowing the snow in my face, too. Yet in the yard I met up with a Jamaican man who's a member of my congregation.

More than a year ago he told me that his wife had been diagnosed with HIV. At the time he first learned the news he was concerned, troubled,and desperate for prayer. Now, thankfully, his wife has been seeking a deeper walk with Jesus Christ.

As we were walking, though, I turned to him and said, "Brother, let's pray for your wife right now." We did. We spent a handful of minutes asking the Lord to help, heal and bless her.

Bundled against the cold winds and snow flakes that wet our faces, we continued to walk together until the hour was up. We then parted company and returned to our respective cell blocks.

I also went outdoors today. It was somewhat cold, but there was no snow.

David Berkowitz

November 9, 2004