We weren't looking for another ministry, since we were already heavily involved in church and Christian school activities. But God had some people to whom we were to exhibit his love and care, and those people were in prison.

When I received notice of jury duty, I looked forward to it with anticipation, expecting that this first-hand knowl­edge would aid me in teaching my U.S. Government class more knowledge­ably. When it became evident that I would sit on a murder case, the re­sponsibility weighed heavily upon me, especially since the death penalty was still in effect at that time.

The defendant was Manuel Cortez, and he was found guilty on both counts of murder. During the course of the trial, I had been impressed with his de­meanor, and I'd heard claims that he had come to know Christ. At the com­pletion of the trial I expressed in a letter that my hope was that his conversion was genuine, and that he was, in fact, trusting in Jesus as his substitute. A few days later, a long letter arrived filled with confirmations of a clear and deep faith in God. The following is an ex­cerpt from that letter: "Reality is that, humanly speaking, I have no hope … but I place my only hope and my undy­ing faith in God's Word, which never fails."

Phone calls and visits have ensued which have cemented our relationship as fellow believers. Perhaps it is hard for some to accept such a relationship with a convicted murderer, as murder is often considered the most heinous sin. Prison officials and inmates in the Oregon State Penitentiary certainly have found it difficult to believe that a man convicted of murder has a relationship with one of the jurors who found him guilty.

There are many prisoners yet in need of Christian counsel and friend­ship. Rather than superficial dealings with many prisoners, a firm commit­ment to a few individuals and their families is most effective. The rewards are many and treasured. In order to convey this to you, I've included the following portions of letters from two other prisoners with whom we have worked:

I've been studying and brushing up on my math and am really excited about getting out and back into school. I'm very serious about becoming some­body; and making a clean start is just what I need. And I feel every day I'm getting stronger in the Lord. Without the Lord I feel this whole thing would have defeated me. And I thank you very much for caring about me and having faith in me. Between you and my family, I have felt much needed support; and in here, knowing people care is half the battle.

I can't say enough how much I ap­preciate both your love and your friendship! One of my more treasured moments out there (in the visiting room) today was when you mentioned how I am fortunate in 'having people who believe in me.' That one remark really plunged deep in my heart ... knowing that people really do believe in me, despite knowing all they do of my past, just inspires me to strive at becoming a far better person — and at becoming the man our Father wants me to be. I believe this to be perhaps the very greatest love-gift that you could ever give me ... and I am over­whelmingly grateful for this.