Testimony of: Carlinda M., New York Prisoner
Hey you all! My name is Carlinda. I’m a 46-year-old American of African heritage. I’ve been in prison for six years now for doing ‘great bodily harm, less than murder.’
My daddy taught me how to play poker, how to cheat at poker, and how to win at poker, and he taught me well! I’ve been dealing and playing poker since I was nine years old, so I know what I’m doing! My daddy taught me how to take care of myself too.
It was a Friday night, and I had a good game going in my apartment; five younger brothers, a white guy about 40 years old, and myself. There was a lot of money on the table, a whole lot of money! I should have let it go, but I decided to draw one. I thought it would help me. I messed up. Now all I can do is try to bluff everyone. And, I did. I bluffed. The man who could have won, threw in his hand. I won the pot! One of the younger guys drew a gun, said I was cheating. He did not know I had a knife taped under the table. I sliced his leg up real bad. His gun went off, two city cops were right outside and ran up. I was arrested and given eight years for the assault and weapon.
I started to go to Protestant-Baptist church services at the prison. My granny used to take me when I was six years old. I began to sing in the choir too. My singing, if you pardon the expression, ‘drew a full house’.
Yes, I laid down the cards, I picked up the Bible. On that day I really won! Thank you Jesus, for saving a wretch like me! Hallelujah!
HOW TO WIN IN THIS LIFE… and FOR ETERNITY !
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
“For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17)
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”(2 Corinthians 5:21)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”(1 John 1:9)
“… The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”(Mark 1:15)And what is the Gospel…the Good News we are to believe?…
“Jesus saith… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”(John 14:6)
“Jesus said… I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”(John 11:25-26)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”(2 Corinthians 5:17)
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”(John 3:36)
Lord Jesus, I confess that I have sinned against God and am a sinner. Right now, I repent and turn from my sins. I believe that You died for my sins, were buried, and rose again the third day from death, that I may have eternal life through you. I open my heart and life to You now, and receive You as my personal Savior and Lord. I claim this free gift of eternal life, and thank You for saving me now and giving me a new life in You.
In Your Name I pray, Amen.
(c) 2015 CON-TRACTS
Editor: Paul Bero, Michigan Prisoner# 192686
Artist: Juley Williams, former Georgia Prisoner
This tract may be reproduced in its entirety, for free distribution.