I received some very sad news today. A friend passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. It’s interesting that I call this person “friend” because I had only been in his presence a few times and I only know his first name, Derek. But for the very limited time I spent with Derek, he made a profound effect on my life. I first met Derek about 6 years ago when Beloved went to sing at the Baldwin State Prison, which is an all male prison, in Milledgeville GA. We loved it so much that we have returned at least once a year since then to sing and worship at the prison. Derek was young, in his mid to upper 20s. He was in charge of running the sound equipment. The first time I met Derek it was so hard to comprehend he had done anything that would have resulted in him being incarcerated. He had the most kind and gentle spirit. He performed his duties of sound engineer with the utmost level of excellence that you would have thought we were singing at Carnegie Hall. I respected that level of integrity in him. Most of all, Derek loved Jesus more than anything and you could see it all over him. He once told me how he read his Bible 2 hours and 40 minutes a day. He said he didn’t have any money but he could tithe his time because that was all he had. Somewhere along the way in conversation, Derek shared what brought him to the prison. He had made some stupid mistakes when he was 18 and had been paying for them for almost 10 years. Recently Derek had been transferred to another prison to begin the process of being released. He caught a bad virus and two days before his release he died. I must confess this is one of those times where I really don’t understand God’s plan. I know Derek is in heaven and would not come back if he could but what a mystery. It seems to me that Derek would have been such a powerful witness once he was on the outside, but instead God chose to take him home. Knowing Derek brought a face and a name to God’s grace. I will never forget him and look forward to the day when I will see him again and rejoice that we are both free indeed.
amy, your sharing his storing has touched me deeply. maybe that’s part of His plan, for you to be, perhaps, a little bit of Derek’s voice. Derek gets to be in Heaven and you get to tell some of his story, because even just this little portion you’ve scooped out and of which you’ve given me a taste makes me want to know more about him, what paths he walked here on earth, and more about his love for Jesus. he reminds me of someone i know and loved, and who i lost just last year, and miss terribly.
By: marcia howell on February 11, 2009
at 8:36 pm
I read this story & cried myself. It hits home due to the fact that I have a brother that is in Baldwin State Prison. His name is Keith Price & I am sure that he enjoys hearing & seeing the love & word that you all emit. In the past 2 years he has came closer to Gods word & I am thankful for that. Bless you all for what you do. I am a single mother & will be attending the single mother’s banquet at First Baptist Woodstock on June 5. I can’t wait to see you all.
By: Amanda Price on March 20, 2009
at 9:38 am
I don’t know what God’s plan for Derek was, but it could have been to use him to reveal Jesus to the other inmates in that facility. If so and Derek fulfilled God’s plan, how content and satisfied he must be now in the presence of our Lord. God allowed your paths to cross for a reason and He will use that experience to fulfill His purpose in your life. In His love!
By: Lisa Chesser on April 28, 2009
at 8:03 pm