“So what do I have to do?” He raised his hands and Joseph was glad to see he wasn’t shaking anymore. “Because, it’s not like I can go to church or anything.”
“You don’t need to, Maverick. There’s only one thing you need to do, and that’s turn to God. Repent. Ask Him to wash away your sins. Ask Him to save you. If you truly want to become His child, He will receive you.”
“His child?”
Joseph nodded and flipped a page to another passage. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
“But I thought that Jesus was God’s only son.”
“I think that’s why the Bible distinguishes Jesus by saying He’s ‘the only begotten Son of God’.”
“I see.”
“But your heart must be pure in seeking Him.”
“Pure?”
“You have to mean what you say. From the heart.”
“Okay. Do I need to pray or something? Can you help me?”
Joseph nodded. “Sure.” He bowed his head. “Dear Gott, I come to You right now on behalf of my friend, Maverick. Gott, I know that You love him and that You love me. Maverick says that he wants to be saved. He’s seen what hell is like and he doesn’t want to go there—”
“Sure don’t.” Maverick agreed.
“Maverick, just ask Gott to save you now.”
“Okay.” He bowed his head. “God, I know I’ve done a lot of bad things in my life, and I’m sorry for doin’ those things. But if what Jonah says is true and I can be saved, I ask that You will save me. I want to become Your child. Please wash my sins away. Please give me the everlasting life that Jonah just read about. I believe in Your Son, Jesus who died for me. Amen.”
Joseph nodded.
“Is that it?”
“That’s it, if you spoke those words from your heart.”
“I sure did.”
“Gut.” Joseph smiled.
“So, just like that. I’m going to Heaven?”
Joseph’s grin widened. “Just like that.”
Maverick jumped up with a smile that could blind a man. “Woo hoo! I’m going to Heaven!” He hollered. “I’m going to Heaven!”
Joseph smiled and nodded and tears sprung to his eyes. “Yes, you are. We are.”
“I am too.” A voice from one of the neighboring bunks said.
“Ricardo? Is that you?” Joseph asked.
“Yes. I pray for Jesus save me too,” Ricardo said in his broken English.
“Praise the Lord,” Joseph said.
“Yes, praise the Lord!” Maverick shouted. “I’m glad we’re in the same cell, because I’m going to give you a big bear hug right now.”
Joseph chuckled. Maverick’s excitement was contagious. “Okay.” He hugged his burly friend.
“Shut up! We’re trying to sleep here!” An angry voice came from one of the other cells.
Joseph put his finger to his lips. “We should probably try to get some sleep now.”
“You’re right,” Maverick whispered. “But I think I might just be too excited to sleep now.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Alex pinned a thoughtful look on Maverick as their buddy group sat at a table in the recreation area. “Hey man, why don’t you ask the Big Guy in the Sky to get you out of the death penalty? He’s still in the business of miracles, right Jonah?”
Joseph nodded. “Far as I know.”
Maverick shook his head. “No way, man. I’ve got a one-way ticket to Heaven. If I stay here any longer, I might mess it up.”
“You can’t mess it up,” Joseph insisted.
“I can’t?” Maverick’s mouth fell open.
“How would you mess it up?”
“By doing something dumb. What if I lose my temper and let out a string of curse words? Or what if someone makes me mad and I take him out?”
“That is the beauty of Gott’s saving grace, Maverick. It is God that saves you and it is God that keeps you saved. No man can pluck you from His hand. That means you. Once you are born again into God’s family, there is no way to be unborn.”
“So I can do anything and still be saved? That doesn’t sound right.”
“Maverick, did you grow up with your folks?”
“Yeah, but my dad died when I was twelve.” He frowned.
“When you did something that went against what he said, when you disobeyed him, what happened?”
“He pulled his leather belt out of his pants and whooped my backside. I hated that.” He rubbed his rump as though still feeling the sting of his father’s chastisement.
“You are God’s child now. If you’re doing something that you know is wrong, something that goes directly against His word, guess what?”
“He’s going to spank me?” He grinned mischievously.
Joseph nodded. “Like all good parents, He expects His children to behave. When they don’t, He doesn’t let them get away with it.”
“Oh. I don’t know if I want a whoopin’ from God.” He grimaced.
Alex slapped Maverick on the back, clearly amused by this conversation. If he had a bag of popcorn, he’d likely be delighted.
Joseph hoped Alex was getting more than just amusement from this conversation. “The good thing about being God’s child is that He is merciful. Unlike our earthly parents, He can see our heart and the motives behind what we do. And He’s not going to discipline you for something you didn’t do.”
“Well, that’s good to know.”
“Another thing. When God saved you, did He say you were receiving everlasting life or temporary life?”
“Everlasting life.”
“When does everlasting life end?”
“Uh, never?”
“That’s right. So if you could do something to lose it, that would mean that you’d have to become unborn, spiritually speaking. You’d have to be able to pluck yourself out of God’s hand. And you’d have to somehow make everlasting life temporary. On top of all that, you’d be calling God a liar.”
“Wow, that’s pretty amazing.” Maverick smiled.
“It is, isn’t it? Being a child of God comes with some really great fringe benefits, wouldn’t you say?”
He nodded. “Yep. All this and Heaven too.”
Joseph chuckled. It seemed like it wouldn’t mean that much, being confined in a prison. But he had more joy now than he’d had in a long time and he was sure and certain it had to do with leading Maverick, and apparently Ricardo, to Christ. If he could do this for the rest of his life, he was sure this peace in his heart would never wane.
If only their friend Alex would see his need for Christ as well. He’d need to keep praying for him.
Looking at Maverick, there was no doubt that this man—destined for imminent death—had more joy than many that were walking around free on the outside. And that joy was something that no one could take away.
God certainly was good.
The moment he had some alone time, Joseph bowed his head and prayed. “Thank You, Gott. Thank You for putting me here in this place, at this time. You knew I needed to be here. You’ve seen this coming all along. I’m sorry for not trusting You, Lord. I’m sorry for thinking You’ve abandoned me.”
~
Tears shined in Maverick’s eyes as the correctional officers waited for him. His brawny arms wrapped Joseph in a fierce bear hug. “Jonah, thanks for everything, man.”
Joseph swallowed the emotion in his throat, knowing this was the last time he’d see his friend Maverick alive this side of eternity. “I’ll miss you.”
“Only for a short time.” His eyes shown with confidence. “I’ll see you on the other side, right?”
Joseph nodded. “Yes, you will.”
“Hey, I had another dream last night. Same as my first one. But instead of walking to my doom with fear, I had a smile on my face. Jonah, I’m going to Heaven!”
He easily caught his enthusiasm. “Yes, you are, my friend.”
>
Joseph watched as his friend was escorted out of their wing of the facility. Maverick’s broad grin and thumbs-up would be something he’d remember for the remainder of his life, he was certain.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
It had seemed that since Maverick’s departure two weeks ago and Alex’s release yesterday, Joseph felt an extra sense of loneliness. He still had four months to go for his early release and he prayed that nothing would happen to prevent it.
At least his friend Ricardo was still here, and was now his ‘celly’ as they called it. He and Ricardo had daily Bible studies, although his friend’s Bible was in Spanish since he understood it better. Their time in God’s Word was the highlight of their day and Joseph encouraged Ricardo to continue on once he was gone. There was nothing like God’s Word to bring comfort to a downtrodden soul.
Ricardo had informed him that he’d been writing back and forth to his family in Mexico. His parents had discouraged the studies, but one of his sisters had privately sent a letter to him telling about her conversion to Christianity. They had both rejoiced in her salvation. Joseph knew that was the boost Ricardo needed to keep on sharing his newfound faith in Christ. He’d need to remember to pray for his friend once he was released.
~
Chaplain Hal approached Joseph after the chapel service on Sunday afternoon. “Jonah, I know you are going through a difficult time. I can tell that being in here has taken a toll on you.”
“It wasn’t easy losing Maverick, although I know he’s in a much better place now.”
“That’s right. I feel for you. I really saw a change in Maverick in the short time he’d been saved. Don’t ever forget how God has used you in this place.”
“I won’t. I’m sure that’s why he placed me here. But I’m so ready to get out and move on with my life.”
“We must remember that God’s timing is perfect.”
Joseph tapped his fingers on his thigh. “I know. I keep reminding myself of that.”
“Jonah, have you considered asking God for a miracle? To move on your behalf?”
“Do you think God could get me out of here even sooner than I’d hoped?”
“Oh, Brother, He can do much more than that. He can do more than what we ask or think. Don’t be afraid to ask for the moon—He might just give it to you.”
“Well, better than the moon would be to see my father again. But I’m afraid he’s likely passed on by now.” The probable reality of that thought threatened to bring him even lower. But he did his best not to dwell on things he had no control over.
“Pour your heart out to God, Jonah. He is always listening.”
He thought of Azalea. Oh, how he’d love to see her again. “Do you think He’d give me a chance with a billionaire’s daughter?” He asked the question in jest, but the chaplain seemed to take it seriously.
“A billionaire’s daughter?” Hal’s brow shot up.
“Yes, sir.” He nodded. “Frankly, I couldn’t care less whether she has a million dollars or none at all. None of that has ever mattered to me. But I’ve fallen in love with her. I thought she was the one, but…” He shook his head. “I don’t blame her. Who would want to marry someone who’s been accused of rape? And from what I’ve heard, I’ll carry around the title of ‘sexual offender’ my entire life. I’ll most likely never have a chance at a relationship with anybody again.”
Something sparkled in the man’s eye, as though he harbored a delicious secret. “How big is your God, Jonah?”
He shrugged. “Pretty big, I reckon.”
“Well, let’s just put it this way. God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. His Word states that He delights in giving His children gifts. If He is your Father, that means you.
“A billionaire and a wife may seem beyond your reach, but when you view things from God’s perspective, a billion dollars is as a few grains of sand on a hundred beaches. He owns it all. And the Bible says that the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. If he can turn a king’s heart, he can certainly turn a woman’s.”
“Wow, I guess I’d never thought of it that way.”
“Besides, do you think it’s fair to prejudge someone just because they have money in the bank? A billionaire is a human being too.”
“You’re right.” Joseph noted the inmates filing out and he snatched his Bible from the chair he’d sat in during the service.
“I’m not saying that it’s God’s will for you to marry a billionaire’s daughter. I don’t know what God’s will is for your future. But I do know that you may ask Him. The worst He can say is no, right? And if He does say no, you can trust that is His will and that He has something else planned for you. Likely something better than you have planned for yourself.”
“Wow, okay. Yeah, you’re right. Thank you, Chaplain. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that today.”
The chaplain smiled and pointed to the ceiling. “God knew.”
~
“Time is up.” A correctional officer approached his cell.
Joseph sat up. “What? What do you mean?”
“Congratulations, Jonah. You’ve been released early on good behavior.”
His mouth dropped open and he shot a look at Ricardo. “You’re serious? Because if you’re joking, that’s not even funny.”
“I’m totally serious. We just need to go up to the administration office and sign some papers, get you your release clothes and personal belongings if you have any. Then you’re free to go.” The correctional officer eyed him. “You’ve been praying or something?”
“I sure have.” Joseph could hardly believe the man’s words. Thank you, God!
“There’s someone who’d like to meet with you.”
He frowned. “Who?”
“Governor Hanson.”
He’d heard the name on the news before.
“Me? Why?” What on earth would the governor want to meet with him for? It didn’t make sense.
“I’m sure he’ll let you know.”
Joseph wracked his brain. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out why the governor would want to meet with him. He wasn’t in more trouble, was he? If that were the case, why was he being set free? Guide me, Lord. I don’t know what’s going on but I know You do.
“Will you give me a minute? I’d like to speak with Ricardo.”
“Sure. But don’t take too long.”
Joseph nodded. He walked to Ricardo after the officer stepped out of the room, and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You keep studying your Bible, okay? I’ll be praying for you and I’ll write you too.”
“Gracias, Jonah.” Ricardo embraced him.
“God will be with you. Never hesitate to call on Him.”
Ricardo nodded. “I will pray for you too.”
“I appreciate that, friend. Look me up when you get out.”
“I will.” He grinned.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Joseph tapped his fingers on his jeans and held his breath as the fancy car he rode in pulled up to an expansive mansion. He didn’t wait for the driver to open his door, but stepped out on his own. He held a small bag of belongings, along with his Bible, in one hand.
“Wow.” He stared up at the grandiose estate. What do you have planned for me now, God?
“Go on up to the door and speak through the intercom.”
“Okay.” He hadn’t learned what an intercom was until he went to prison. Once again, he silently thanked God to be out of that place.
He walked to the entrance of the mansion and pushed a button on the intercom. “I’m Jonah Millerton. I was told the governor wanted to see me.”
“One moment please,” a male voice sounded through the speaker.
He stepped back and waited just for a moment before the door opened to him.
“Right this way, please.” A man in a suit gestured him inside. Joseph followed him as he led the way to a beautiful room off the side of the foyer. “Have a seat. Governor Hanson will be with you shortly
.”
Not even a moment later, he was joined by a man who was dressed more casually, yet still distinguished, than the one who’d escorted him into the room.
“I’m Andrew Hanson.” He extended his hand.
Joseph shook the governor’s hand. “Jonah Millerton.”
The man gestured toward a chair. “Have a seat, won’t you?”
Joseph nodded and quietly did as instructed, although his nerves were on a Ferris wheel.
“Thank you for coming, Jonah. I bet you’re wondering why you’re here.”
“Yes, sir.”
“One of my aides, Mr. Valdez, recommended you.”
“Me? For what? I’m sorry, I don’t follow.” Joseph wracked his brain. Who was Mr. Valdez anyway?
“He said you can understand dreams.”
Joseph shrugged. “Sometimes. But it’s only because God shows me what they mean.”
“Would you be willing to hear me out? I’ve been having this same dream over and over again. It’s the strangest thing. I can’t shake it no matter what I do.”
“I can listen but no guarantees. If God chooses to reveal the meaning to me, that’s up to Him.”
“I understand. All I ask is that you listen.”
“Sure.”
“Thank you.” He sighed.
“Wait. You said Valdez? What’s his first name?”
“Uh…Alex?”
Now Alex, he knew. If he was the same one. Dreams. Yeah, that had to be him. He’d known all about Maverick’s fateful dream. “Wow. Small world.”
“Sure is. Now, about my dream…”
“I’m all ears.” Lord, please give me understanding like you have in the past.
~
Joseph frowned at the governor. “I’m afraid I don’t have good news for you.”
An Amish Honor Page 12
