MISSING ALAN

A few weeks ago my best friend Alan was summoned to court. He's doing time for a conviction under the harsh Rockefeller Drug Law. But while incarcerated he repented of his sins, and he's been faithfully serving the Lord.

And like many others who've been sentenced under this particular law, Alan has been challenging his conviction.

Recently, however he received some good news. So in a moment's notice he was ordered to pack his belongings and go to Riker's Island, whch is part of the New York City jail system.

Even though Alan is an inmate under the care and custody of the New York State Departmemt of Corrections, having been sentenced to a term in the State system, it is to New York City that he must return so that he's near the court where his trial was held, and where his appeal is now being reviewed.

I'm extremely glad for Alan. Nevertheless, his

incarceration has not been without great suffering. He lost both his father and brother to untimely deaths. And if he is released from prison, he will have to begin his life all over again.

I cannot count the hours he and I spent together walking the recreation yard, talking about God, our families, and our lives.

Alan and I prayed together on many occasions, and we encouraged each other when we encountered our individual hardships.

And there were many times when we rejoiced in our spiritual victories and for the visible answers to our prayers.

Therefore, with Alan having gone back to court, my loss is tremendous.

Yet I hope to receive word shortly that he has been freed and given "time served."

But perhaps the best part for Alan is that, Lord willing, he is soon to be married to a strikingly beautiful woman, Joann,* his girlfriend of many years who has stood with him while he was behind bars.

So at least this is one prison story that has a happy ending.

David Berkowitz

April 29, 2005

*Joann is not her real name