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Sickness in a family member is often a catalyst to seeking extra prayer. Such was the case in the summer of 2001 when a member of my family began to experience severe depression. I called Deacon Al O'Brien, director of the prison ministry for the Beaumont Diocese in Texas, and asked if he knew of a prisoner who could pray for Michael. Since I became director of the Partners in Evangelism prison ministry in 1998, I have found Deacon Al's experience and wisdom invaluable. I call him my "mentor."
“I know just the man,” Deacon Al responded. “He’s on death row.” So began my pen-pal relationship with Rocky.
Over the next years, I noticed that Rocky always ended his letters with, “See you when I see you.” I wasn’t sure we would ever meet. Then I discovered I had 32,000 frequent flyer air miles! How should I use them? “Go visit Rocky,” I heard the Holy Spirit whisper.
A Brother in the Lord. It took some time to have my name added to Rocky’s visitor list—additions are permitted only every six months—but our meeting was finally arranged for Tuesday, May 10. Because I was traveling from more than three hundred miles away, I received the warden’s permission for a four-hour visit.
At 9:50 on the morning of my visit, Deacon Al prayed with me in the prison parking lot.…
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