My husband, Leonard, and I, Cynthia Ventress, had the privilege of visiting the Clemens Unit in Brazoria, to share doughnuts, hot chocolate, coffee, and a message from the Bible. As the first group of men came in for their treats, a guard entered for headcount and informed them that if she counted them in the chapel, they would have to stay until the count was finished. Some had only come for the doughnuts but ended up staying for the church service. It’s interesting how things turn out sometimes. Leonard delivered a sermon from John Chapter 3 about the need to be Born Again, assuring the men that no matter their past actions, God’s forgiveness is available if they repent and have faith in Jesus. Many came forward for prayer as the service ended. Since we had extra doughnuts, I sent someone to invite those outside who hadn’t attended the service to come in for a treat, and they responded eagerly!

While this was happening, others were receiving prayers. One individual’s story was especially powerful. He initially came just for a doughnut and didn’t plan on attending the service, but due to the count, he stayed. During the sermon, he learned about how Moses was used by God despite his past, and heard the story of our dear friend John Earl, who experienced spiritual and real-world freedom after serving multiple life sentences in the same prison. This man was deeply moved, tearfully telling Leonard that he had never been in a church before and was incarcerated for manslaughter, not realizing forgiveness was possible. He decided to embrace faith in Jesus.

He came for a doughnut and left with the promise of eternal life with God. It’s remarkable how things work out. He was there for a doughnut, got held up by the count, and found faith in Jesus. As he put it, “I heard the message, and now I know there is HOPE for ME!”