Ministry on 4 wheels is no hallucination
By J. James Estrada (12/28/05)
The man asked his wife, "Are you hallucinating?" The man is incarcerated in the federal prison in Safford, Arizona. The wife had told him that there was a couple in the Valley who gave her a ride to visit him, an almost 300-mile round trip, for free.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.' "
Bill and Tina Martin drive an Isuzu Trooper. The back seat holds three people. On the trip to Safford, they share snacks and stories with their passengers. A mom and her kids are particularly grateful on this Sunday morning. They don't own a car. They have no friends who can help them. They have no money beyond what sustains them and that just barely.
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."
In their home state of Oklahoma, the Martins learned the blessing of unexpected provision. They came to see the face of God in strangers. When trouble came into their lives, they found strength in the goodness of others who were there to lend a helping hand. Unconditional love is hard to come by but easy to recognize when it does. It will change your life.
"I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
The Martins have started a ministry to the families of those behind bars. It's a simple ministry. Give them a ride to visit their loved one. Sure, prisons are full of people who deserve to be there. Sometimes, they don't deserve to be there. In either case, there is always a mom, a wife, a son, a daughter who ache in their heart for the family member who is paying a debt to society.
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?' "
FreshStart Fellowship is the name of this ministry. The chaplain at the Safford Federal Correctional Institution agreed to display FreshStart fliers in the prison common areas. Eventually, the federal prison in Tucson will also be contacted. The Martins were overwhelmed with requests for rides. If they had the means, they would give a ride to dozens of family members at a time. As it is, the Trooper makes its way every Sunday morning with three blissful souls inside.
"When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?"
For four hours, the Martins sit in Safford while the families are reunited. But they are living their dream. On the drive here they fulfill the mandate of bringing the Good News to everyone. When they stop to stretch in Globe on the way home, they usually get a smile from their emotionally excited and exhausted guests. Have you ever seen the smile on the face of a young girl who lives to see her father?
"When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?"
The Martins and FreshStart are asking for donations to buy a bus, for they see the day when they will be able to transport 50 family members at a time. They've identified a used bus they can buy for $6,000. If you can help, the Web site is www.freshstartfellowship.com.
As we close out one year and enter the next, I know there is someone among the readership who wishes to start 2006 by going beyond a $10 or $20 or even $50 donation. Every one of these is welcome, as the Martins cover all the costs of these trips (gas and food).
However, I know there is someone who can actually donate a bus. Don't hesitate. This work is not a "hallucination," it's a vision from heaven. Be part of the dream, won't you?
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "
Copyright 2005 J. James Estrada
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