The 10 Talent Man

Richard has been with us for the past 8 months and has finally been sentenced to 9 years in prison for burglary and kidnapping. We have laughed with him and cried for him. When straight and sober, we catch a glimpse of all that God created him to be -- this crystal blue-eyed, handsome young man with engaging dimples that enhance his cheekbones -- a singer and songwriter, a poet, an artist, a dancer, a stand-up comic, movie producer for our jail, a writer, an intelligent thinker with preaching skills that would do any preacher proud. 

What do we do with this man?  Do we call it a tragedy that he's heading off to prison again or do we commission him as a minister of the Gospel in a place of desolation and despair?  Larry and Susan choose to do the latter!  Won't you join with us in praying that Richard would follow that narrow path to enter in through that small gate to follow our Master and Lord -- Jesus Christ?  We send him off equipped to do every good work for his fellow man and our earnest, on-our-knees prayer is that he would bring great glory and honor to our Lord.  The poem and picture are a sample of Richard's works while in our jail...may you be as blessed by them as we were!

Some of Rich's Poetry:

A Thief on a Cross

"Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners of suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High."   Psalm 107:10-11

"We're all born sinners,  some more than others,

But a crook's not born crooked, my sisters and brothers,

for the image of God is still reflected off man,

it's not a mistake, it's part of the plan.

Some men will master while others will serve,

But all men will reap what their conduct deserves.

It's not always fair if we're left to explain,

Why was he handed pleasure, why was I handed pain?

What paths have we chosen or care to discuss,

And what do we do when a path chooses us?

Example:  What have you done with the time you've been given?

Have you made a better place for those next to be living?

And what have I done with this image I AM?

Have I misused and abused it....or been a perfect man?

But then who can be perfect, whose flame never dies?

What candle doesn't flicker when a wind passes by?

If you find a man like that, then put his name to a praise,

and follow that man to the end of your days!

Hoping not for tomorrow, but not counting it a loss,

for Paradise has room for a thief on a cross."

                                     -Richard Swiger      10-2002

A sample of Rich's artwork.