Those were the last three words I can recall from my days on the ball field.
My name is Randy. I’m 22 years old. I’m in prison. What more can I say? I asked CON-TRACTS not to use my real name or where I’m from. I don’t want to disgrace my family more than I have already.
I was in college. Business ran in my family for the last 150 years. I wanted to follow that family tradition. I also love to play baseball. I was good at any position except catcher or pitcher. My batting average was every bit as good as most major league players. Several major league scouts approached me in the summer of 2013. My chance of getting into the majors was excellent, for sure!
Then, I got involved in something. I got involved in shoplifting for excitement, with three guys I knew. I had money. I could have purchased anything I really wanted. But these guys invited me to go on a spree with them. We stole over $3,000 worth of goods in one night, from five stores. We were drinking beer and laughing and partying at our victories over security guards and security systems! Then, every weekend for about eight months we’d go out on this stealing spree, just for fun.
I was at the ball field. I was actually having a bad day batting that Wednesday! Strike one! Strike two! Strike three! ‘Out! Yer out!’, the umpire shouted. As I walked off the field two police officers handcuffed me and hauled me off to jail. A security camera had caught me stealing in a store. There was a search warrant, and they found well over $20,000 of stolen appliances in my apartment.
I could’ve been one of the best batmen in major league baseball, but I struck out! A man in prison talked to me about sin and the Savior! I got saved by Jesus Christ in prison. With Jesus, I’ll never be ‘Out’. I’ll always be saved.
My family started talking to me again. My little sister made Jesus her Savior too! I’ll be in prison for a while yet, but I’m using this time to learn not only business, but also God’s business! I learned my lesson! Please turn to God before it’s too late.
God’s game-plan for you begins with a new relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ. You can begin that relationship today….
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 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 Savior and Lord.
I claim this free gift of eternal life, and thank You for saving me now, that I may never be ‘out’ of your presence.
In Your Name I pray, Amen.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:14
Now, go and share the Good News that by following God’s game-plan for our lives, through Jesus Christ, we will never be ‘out’ of His eternal presence!
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Proverbs 11:30
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