By Larry West

Many good things are happening with the work at Folsom State Prison. I will mention a few of them in this report.

As I answered the phone, the officer on the other end said, "chaplain West, I have a Bible question for you." After responding that I would be very pleased to try to answer it for him, he asked if it would be okay for him to put me on the speaker phone and stated that there was another officer present who also wanted to hear the answer. As I began answering the question, I was interrupted by yet another officer who was on another phone line who had a question.

On another occasion, as I was walking up the road to exit the facility, two officers who were walking began to discuss the Bible with me. We continued this discussion until our paths parted.

An officer in one of the towers called my office asking religious questions. Often as I walk through the buildings, not only do inmates stop me to ask questions but officers as well.

An inmate called me on one of the in-prison phones. He was asking a question about a passage from the book of Revelation. He said that there were 4 inmates gathered and studying the Bible wanting my help in understanding the passage.

I am glad that more and more are finding that I enjoy answering Bible questions and especially for those who are sincere in wanting to know what the Bible says.

Thus far this year, 55 inmates have been baptized. We do what we can to try to insure their understanding of baptism, salvation and commitment. We give each man, who asks about baptism, an information packet which contains at least 127 scriptures dealing with salvation. Generally this is given so that they can spend about two or three weeks studying prior to being baptized.

I also make myself available to answer any questions they may have after studying this material.

The staff psychologists and psychiatrists are extremely busy, and my counseling workload has also increased since the events of September 11. Many people; staff, officers and inmates, are suffering stress over the terrorist attacks. I hope that I can use even this tragedy to help people learn to lean on the Lord and walk with Him.

We continue to have overflow attendance at our worship services on Sunday mornings. In fact, we have had to establish a waiting list for inmates wanting to attend! The same is true of my Thursday night Bible study. So many of the men have told me how much they enjoy and appreciate a verse by verse study of God's word. My Sunday afternoon class not only takes the verse by verse approach but I also take the time to answer any Bible questions.

I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunities afforded to try to help others understand the word and will of God. If we can enable people to change their thinking it will bring about a change in their actions ( Proverbs 23:7; Matthew 15:17-20). This is the very basis of becoming citizens of God's Kingdom and at the same time becoming better citizens in the world!

(Larry is one of the elders at the Vacaville church of Christ and he is an indispensable contributor to the Fruit Of The Spirit. We love and appreciate Larry at Vacaville and thank the Lord for his continued influence and service among us.)