Teresa C., from Indiana (submitted July, 2003)

Name: Teresa C.
Home state or country: Indiana

Hi.

I am 42 years old and the mother of three and am to be married on July 21, 2003.  My youngest son 8, adores my fiance and already calls him dad, however my daughter 14 and oldest boy 18 are reluctant (as before he and I were saved we were together and then seperated for nearly a year). I accepted Christ last June and he did not until last November.  We didn't get back together until after he accepted Christ, for we both knew it wouldn't work until then. The only thing is it took his getting incarcerated before he accpeted Christ and now we pray everyday for his soon release. He has been incarcerated since October 2002.  He is eligible for parole in April 2004 although he recieved 16 years, two on the charge (non-violent) and 14 on a parole violation (from getting in trouble in the early 80's).

One thing we have both learned since getting saved is that we have to always put God first before anyone.  Since he got saved he has been teaching God's love and word to fellow inmates and we have family prayer time each night at the same time so that we can pray as a family even though we are over two hundred miles apart.  We don't get to visit very often due to finaces and distance.

So this stepfamily has many obstacles to get over, but with God as our leader we can make it.  We pray everyday for God's leading and Earl's release.  I hope you will pray for us.

Yours In Christ, Teresa

Teresa, it looks as if you have some challenges ahead.  We'll pray for discernment and wisdom as face transitions in the future.  RLD (July 8, 2003)