In Chains for Christ

David's mailing address

2011-09-04T00:51:00.000-07:00

If you would like to write to David his current address is:

David Gray
V88191
CSP-Corcoran
3C02-216 L
P.O. Box 3471
Corcoran, California
93212-3471

Note: (7.1.10) This post has been backdated in order to keep it at the top for convenience. Scroll down to see any new posts from David. Thanks!

Journal: June 2, 2011

2011-06-21T12:29:00.003-07:00

June 2, 2011

Dear Friends,

I trust you had a blessed Memorial Day weekend. We were blessed with yard time, a nice Sunday worship service—afternoon and evening, great fellowship, and we even got to go to the yard on Memorial Day. I continue to preach each evening (that we have yard) through the book of Galatians. I am fortunate to have Pastor MacArthur’s commentary on Galatians to aid me.

One of the men in our group asked me for help concerning the personality of the Holy Spirit because he is being swayed by the heresy that the Spirit is just a force and not a person. So I have been preparing a detailed paper on this for him and anyone else here who might be interested. I am grateful for the textbooks (theologies, Greek text and lexicons, commentaries) I have for my use. Pray I would properly defend the Truth.

We continue to get printed sermons by John MacArthur and we are very grateful. Thanks to RB, I have his complete set of commentaries. For June, our fellowship is offering classes in 1 Timothy, Revelation, James, beginning and advanced Greek, with preaching on Matthew, Galatians, and various topical messages. Myself and several other men will be doing the teaching/preaching. Please pray we would be faithful in presenting the Word of God. WE also formed a Saturday afternoon prayer group/time where we pray for you, our families, our authorities, the lost, missions, VOM martyrs and families, looking forward in faith to God’s gracious and merciful answers. All of you who pray, write, bless us with books and packages and visits, are a great encouragement to us and you have a big part in the ministry here. May the Lord richly bless you.

Our fellowship here has tried to follow the practice of Acts 2:42: “They were continually devoting themselves to the Apostle’s teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” We are committed to the preaching of the Word, regular gathering for fellowship, communion once a month, and regular prayer in meetings, and using prayer lists to remind us of all the requests. There is a growing (but small) list of those who want to get baptized. When this list gets larger we will asks the administration to allow us to use the horse trough for baptisms.

Journal: May 25, 2011

2011-06-21T12:29:00.001-07:00

May 25, 2011

Dear Friends,

It has been a month since I last wrote but lots has happened. There was an escape from this prison which we learned from the TV news. I’m sure you heard about it too. They locked us down for about a day. Our group continues to meet and the Lord is blessing it. In addition to holding services several times a week, we are teaching classes in James, 1 Timothy, Greek, and I just started (May 9) preaching through the book of Galatians every evening that we are let out. I’m going verse-by-verse and the men seem to appreciate it. My goal is that they are fed and the Lord is glorified. We manage to hold communion once a month using crackers and Kool-Aid. There are several who want to get baptized so we will apply to get use of the horse trough for the baptisms.

I’m getting more students to tutor in GED. Many of them are Hispanic men who want to learn English. So, I’m learning some Spanish in the process. I’m still working on my book on suffering and God’s will in devotion form. Friends are translating it in Spanish and German. I do appreciate my Puritan books some of you have sent me. They are so rich and full of insight. The Lord is keeping me in excellent health—no aches or pains and all. I know the Lord has me in here to grow and to serve, so by His grace I shall do so. Two days ago I had a great visit from K and C. I was treated to some great food and fellowship. Thank you for the visit! Since I got some negative comment on one of my blogs, I am going to use initials to protect my friends. Today I was able to go to the prison store and busy some ice cream (Rocky Road), cold sodas, chips—you know, the basic food groups. :-) What I really miss is Chinese food. Haven’t had any for 6 years. Please keep praying for the ministry here. God bless.

Journal: April 24, 2011

2011-06-21T12:28:00.001-07:00

April 24, 2011

Today is Resurrection Sunday. We were blessed to get outside because we were locked up on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. It was a good day of fellowship. I was able to teach Greek at 9am and 1 Timothy at 10:30am. Then at 1pm the Lord allowed me to preach at our outdoor Easter service. My sermon was on the appearance of Christ after He rose from the dead, and their application to us. WE had chicken for dinner and I got a shower after 3 ½ days! That evening we met for prayer and we all prayed for our families. I really miss my kids.

Journal: December 25, 2010

2011-01-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

December 25, 2010

Dear Friends,

As I write this journal entry on Christmas morning, I reflect on thd Scripture “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken way; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). As a prisoner for Christ, I see that it is God’s hand that gave me my family, children, and all that I had in freedom, but it is also His hand that has taken away these things in His wisdom and for His purposes. Though I sit in a cell, separated from family and friends and facing a day without any access to the phone, a shower, the yard where I could fellowship with brothers in Christ, I still am praising the Lord for His great salvation He has given me in His Son and all of the blessings He has poured out on me both in the past and in the present. I thank Him for the Bible education He gave me through Dallas Theological Seminary, allowing me to serve Him here in prison more effectively. I thank Him for the wonderful memories of the years I had with my wife and children, though His hand took them away. I thank Him for my brother Don and all my faithful friend at Grace Church including my Pastor, John MacArthur. All these He has not taken away. There are loving brothers and sisters in Christ in other states and countries whom He has given to me as special gifts, and I am thankful. I am grateful for the joy He puts in my heart despite severe trials, and this joy He doesn’t take away.

We must remember, dear friends, that whenever the Lord takes away, He will also give. Job received wisdom, insight, refining, comfort, a deeper understanding of God, and twice what he had including children. In my case, I humbly offer the following:

He took my freedom, but gave me a ministry to inmates whom I could otherwise never reach.

He took a life of busy activities, but gave me more time with Him, to dig into the riches of His Word and to gaze upon His beauty.

He took my children, but not my memories of them nor my prayers for them.

He took my comforts, to give me a refiner’s hot fire.

He took my wife, but gave me a broken heart so I could be more sensitive to the tragedies of others.

He took my reputation, to let me share in Christ’s sufferings and with all believers in history who have been falsely accused.

He took my happiness based on circumstances, to teach me contentment and to find my joy in Christ alone.

Finally, He will someday take me from this earthly home, but will give me a Heavenly home with no more tears, trials, losses or sorrows. Therefore, blessed be the name of the Lord!

Merry Christmas,
David

Letter: December 2010

2011-01-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

December 2010

Dear Friends,

It has been some time since my last communication. There have been many trials in my life here in prison which is the Lord’s divine providence to conform me to the image of His dear Son, and for this I am thankful. I have heard from many faithful saints and received some wonderful visits. Thank you!

I have tried to carry on the work of the ministry here despite the continuing loss of opportunity due to prison cutbacks. Four out of five of our chaplains have quit and there is no chapel ministry at all. Our ministry relies on meeting on our prison yard for services and Bible classes. So please pray that our yard will remain open.

The men will testify that they are growing in the Lord, as they work hard at their studies (I give them homework in their Bible classes and Greek classes). Some are faithful to our Quarterly Bible Study goals which include Scripture reading and memory, reading and listening to sermons, reading a Christian biography, regular prayer time, to name a few. I praise God for these men and their growth.

I am grateful for recent visits by Deanna, Charlene and Randy, Mike O’Neill and Carlos Whitfield, and Harout; my brother, Don, Jeff Barnett all the way from Idaho, Nick from Idaho too, Helen Hofawger and her husband Jim from West Virginia. I am very grateful to the Stepanians for their gift which made these weeks a blessing. I am grateful to all of you for taking my phone calls, sending packages and stamps. You are a wonderful blessing. I am grateful for the kind counsel of Mr. Elwood Hale as well.

I am greatly sorrowed by the fact that I cannot celebrate my daughter’s birthday with her this month. Since I am not allowed to contact her I can’t even send a card. My prayers are with her though.

My friends in Germany continue to be a wonderful encouragement through their prayers and letters and example of faithfulness in ministry in the face of discouraging circumstances. Pastor Goetzen is to be commended for his diligence and persistence as he tries to spread the seed of the Gospel among a spiritually dark Germany.

This Christmas in prison there are no decorations, no trees or presents, no parties, nothing except the perfect opportunity to focus purely on Jesus Christ, His birth and His salvation He brings to all who trust in Him. I also reflected back to the Grace Church concerts I had been a part of for so many years. These were good memories. I was able to play three “concerts” here, one for the Lifers group, and two for the Protestant chapel inmates, for which I am grateful.

I promise to be more faithful and regular in my journal updates. The Lord be with you.

In Christ,
David

Journal: October 9-11, 2010

2010-12-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

10.9.10
This was a very stressful day. Everything seemed to be going fine with the morning yard until about 10:20am when the tower yelled, “get down!” We immediately fell to the dirt on our stomachs wondering the reason. IN the distance we could see a number of inmates still standing. This later turned out to be a large fight which didn’t get to its fullness. Later, we learned there was a disagreement over the football game. So they locked the whole yard down and began sending many in the fight group to the hole. I shall try to redeem the time with study, prayer and letter-writing.

10.10.10
Still locked down all day. No showers or phone calls. They are allowing visits. I wrote letters, studied, prayed, practiced some violin and watched the 49ers lose.

10.11.10
Still locked down. Did get a shower—thank you, Lord. Began quiet time at 5:30am.

Journal: October 8, 2010

2010-12-31T16:15:00.000-08:00

10.8.10
This morning on the year (9:00-11:30), we had our small group study in I Timothy. It was a rich study and the men read their word studies they did for homework. Friday evening I substituted for the brother who was supposed to preach, and I preached on Col 1:10-14. I am always grateful for the opportunities the Lord gives me.

Journal: October 7, 2010

2010-12-30T16:14:00.000-08:00

10.7.10
This morning I arose at 5:20am to spend time with the Lord in His Word and prayer. Our breakfast was disposable but I had coffee. Today, Lord willing, I shall get much done in reading (Bible, Mueller, Culver, MacArthur), letter writing, prayer (always for my dear children), and perhaps get to go outside in the afternoon because the weather is so nice—cool and cloudy.

Journal: October 6, 2010

2010-12-29T16:12:00.000-08:00

10.6.10

I enjoyed a wonderful morning walk outside while working on my memory verses. This quarter I am working on 12 verses with the topic of suffering. In the afternoon I was able to write four letters and begin preparing for my I Timothy class I shall teach Friday morning. Joseph preached in the evening on spiritual fruit vs. a barren fig tree. It was a powerful message and very convicting. I spent the evening hours (8-11) finishing my expositional work on I Timothy. Before going to sleep, I read out of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Letter: October 5, 2010

2010-12-28T16:09:00.000-08:00

October 5, 2010

Dear Friends,

Forgive me for not writing for awhile. I have been so busy I have had barely time to write this journal and to write the many letters which I need to. Also I must share with you some very sad news. A godly man from Grace Church, Jerry Dandurand, went to be with the Lord. He was a friend of mine and the father of my faithful secretary, Jenny. Please pray for the Dandurand family.
There is a verse in Ephesians (3:20) that says “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within me.” This is what God is now doing here at Corcoran prison. Since we started meeting on the yard in the evenings each night of the week, and preaching sound doctrine, not trying to put on a “show” but offering solid spiritual food to those who are hungry for God’s Word, He has blessed this ministry greatly. The men who come are hungry for the Word. We sing a little but most of the time is preaching. We have a consistent 23 men who attend, most saved and wanting to grow. Tonight we had 35 and the other night we had the Lord’s’ Table, there were about 30. It is God working in their hearts because all we have to offer is the Word. During the week in the day and on the weekends, we have small group Bible studies on the yard where the men study a book of the Bible in-depth. I am teaching I Timothy, while another is teaching James and another Acts. The men are digging deep into the Word, doing word studies, papers on theology and making observations on each chapter. I can tell they are excited about the treasures they themselves are finding their studies. They are also growing in their spiritual life.

The group of speakers (nine of us) meet once a week for training. Brother Joseph and I are helping these men prepare their sermons and go over different aspects of leadership. We are using John MacArthur’s book The Book on Leadership. Many of these men will go to other prisons and have ministries there. So Corcoran is sort of a training center. Brother Joseph’s Spanish flock is growing too. They hear two sermons every day and they are hungry for them. Many of these Spanish brothers will someday be released back to their home countries and towns and will take the Gospel to perhaps a town where there has not been a Gospel witness. They are in training, too.

In other news, our Christian softball team lost most of our games but we had fun and maintained a good testimony. I had a nice visit with the Altmans and Jones’ who were very gracious to spend their day with me, Seth, and Tom. Our prison fellowship continues to pray for Pastor Goetzen’s ministry and family in Germany. They had a great summer of ministry and we praise the Lord with them. We have also been praying for sister Simone’s exams. Please pray for the health needs of Deanna, Myriam, and Cheryl. I continue to teach the Word, Greek, Hebrew, and leadership, along with preaching and discipling. I’m trying to find time to work on my book on suffering, and write a ton of letters to folks who write. Keeping busy helps me not to dwell on my trials and sorrows—missing my family, kids, and friends. I am amazed at all God is doing here for His glory. I hope this updates you; I will try to be more diligent in writing. May the Lord bless you.

Letter: August 21, 2010

2010-09-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I trust the Lord is giving you a blessed summer and causing everything in your life to work together for good. Recently the Lord has been doing wonderful work here in our prison and we marvel as we watch Him work. He is blessing our evening yard instead of being locked up; second, He is bringing more and more inmates to hear the Word; and third, He is bringing more commitment and spiritual growth in the men’s lives (we observe). There are some of the speakers whom I have invited to participate in a leadership class using John MacArthurs’s book on leadership. I was also able to teach three night in a row on “radical discipleship” exhorting the men to better use their prison time to seek and serve the Lord.

I pointed out to them that if they were to watch 39 hours of TV a week (that’s turning it on at 6PM and off at 11PM with a few additional hours on the weekend), and spent just two hours a day on the yard in sports and tow hours walking and talking, they would spend a total of 34,840 hours over ten years involve din these things. I said, “Do you want to walk out of the gate after ten years having watched 21,000 hours of TV or having spent that time in the Word of God?” So I laid out a plan for them for one, three, five, and ten years in prison. I shall give you an example:

In one year in prison, you could:
a. have a daily, personal one-on-one time with the Lord.
b. Read completely through the Bible once.
c. Memorize 50 verses (one per week)
d. Study 4 books of the Bible (one per quarter) in depth
e. Complete several Bible study pamphlets or booklets
f. Read 2 books on the spiritual life and one missionary biography.
g. Start a prayer list and pray regularly (daily)
h. Regularly listen to expository sermons on Christina radio or tapes.

In TEN years in prison, you could:
a. have personal time with the Lord daily
b. Read through the Bible 6 times
c. Study 40 books or the Bible in depth (one per quarter)
d. Memorize 500 verses
e. Have regular prayer
f. Read 15 books on spiritual life, 6 missionary biographies, and 3 different systematic theologies
g. Complete 3 years of Greek plus translate the new Testament (reading Greek to English). (I have several Greek students who have been studying for two years and will be read to translate the New Testament in about two more years.)
h. Complete 1 years of Hebrew
i. Complete a B.A. in Biblical studies
j. Listen to hundreds of good sermons

So as I told them, how do you want to walk out of prison? It’s up to you. They could still watch some TV, do some sports, etc. Many or most of the guys received this well and are starting to list out which books they are going to read and which verse they will memorize. Many need materials and books but don’t have them. Please pray. All of this is to God’s glory. Praying I will be a faithful servant. God bless you.

In Christ,
David

Journal: August 17, 2010

2010-09-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

I prepared all morning to preach in the afternoon Chapel. However it was not opened because the Muslim chaplain who usually opens it for the Protestants did not come. So I was able to preach on the yard to both the Spanish brothers and the English brothers. My theme was “Radical Discipleship.” My goal is to encourage us all to greater commitment to Christ. The heat was very hot (103 F) and in the direct sun it was almost 115 F. But the Lord brought a nice breeze and sustained us all. Then brother Frank preached for about an hour on the security of our salvation. We were very enriched with the Word.

In the last day, I have been planning to offer and teach a class on leadership to some of the men I think have potential. We would use John MacArthur’s book, The Book on Leadership. I would also require the men to read a volume on Christian theology because nay leader must understand theology and be able to defend the truth. I will hold a teacher’s meeting soon and tell them about the class. I know the Lord would greatly use this book in these men’s lives. Some will parole and some will transfer to other prisons and be used b the Lord there.

We distributed prayer cards to pray for sister Simone’s exams in Germany which will last about an entire month. There are ten of us praying of her. Also we have been praying for the Goetzen’s summer ministries and have been getting back information that the Lord has been blessing it. It is exciting when God answers prayer.

Journal: August 15-16, 2010

2010-09-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

August 15, 2010

Our Christian softball team (Team Redeemed) won its first game today. I played first base and did very little to contribute to the win. I made some outs but hit into a double play. We won 5 to 4. Our biggest victory was having a godly attitude through the game. Still no one came to visit. Perhaps next week. I was greatly blessed to receive a quarterly package today from the brothers and sisters at Grace Church. Thank you, Mike! You are very kind. The Lord bless you!

August 16, 2010

This being Monday, I was able to practice the violin! Our days are hot but not as they could be. This evening we had the yard service and brother Seth brought the message from Romans 12:9-21. This afternoon we had a food sale delivery of chicken hot wings. This was a great blessing. These sales happen only a few times a year and offer different kinds of food. I waited four years to taste KFC again! I’ve had pizza only twice in five years. But it is such a blessing when it comes.

Journal: August 14, 2010

2010-09-06T22:29:00.001-07:00

Today is Saturday and it is the day our dear Russian brothers from Sacramento come to minister in Chapel. They are very kind (they gave me big Russian bear hugs, saying, “How are you, Daveed?” We are always blessed to hear them.

No one came to visit me. Perhaps tomorrow.

Journal: August 13, 2010

2010-09-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

I was able to get a lot of Greek done. Practiced violin for an upcoming recital. The Lord answered my prayer in allowing me time in the chapel to practice. I hope someone comes to visit me tomorrow, being Saturday.

Journal: August 12, 2010

2010-09-05T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is Thursday and the Lord has given a truly blessed day to me. After morning devotions and hearing Pastor MacArthur on the radio preaching about heaven, the Lord let us outside to the yard where many of the Spanish brothers were gathered. This is the group of men who are being discipled by brother Joseph Torres, an inmate who was a pastor in the L.A. area. I was allowed to preach to them so I taught on the doctrine of reconciliation for about an hour. Brother Torres translated. Then brother Damian taught on true Christianity as opposed to easy believeism. Thus, the whole mourning was saturated with the Word of God, and this is a gift form God because ewe might not have been able to come outside today at all. This evening at our evening yard devotional, brother Mario brought a strong message on the need to study to show oneself approved. There were about 18 men in attendance. Afterward, in the building, we had a prayer session during which we prayed for our wives (and former wives). Brother David S.’s wife is still with him, but brother Joseph’s and mine are not.

Journal: August 11, 2010

2010-09-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

This was a very blessed day I did Greek with brother Seth in the morning, after my personal devotions. In the afternoon, I was able to disciple brother Samuel, then preach to the Spanish brothers who are being discipled by brother Torres. I taught on Acts 10:34-48. Tomorrow I will again have the privilege of addressing them with the Word. My sermon will be on the doctrine of reconciliation.

Tonight we had nearly 20 men at our yard service. Brother Joseph taught on being in the (spiritual) battle. We battle constantly the flesh, the world and the devil, he taught. Please pray for the lost here as there are many who need Christ.

Journal; August 10, 2010

2010-09-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of rejoicing because we were persecuted for righteousness’ sake. I am not able to give the details. I stayed in the Psalms for several days for encouragement. I also receive a letter from Pastor Tolopilo of Grace Church kindly offering to help our Spanish brothers with books. We are very grateful. I also received two books of stamps from brother Ed for which I am very grateful. The Lord knows and meets all our needs.

Journal: August 7, 2010

2010-09-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

This morning, I was able to counsel a brother in the Word. He is very zealous for the Lord and is growing in Christ. He writes ladies who are in a Tijuana jail and shared Christ and the Gospel with them. There are a few who are saved and he writes words of encouragement. Their jail time is far worse than hours. They only get a few hours of yard once a week, and have many other hardships. I think it is a wonderful thing that God has led this man, who is serving 40 years to life, to write other sin jail and encourage them. Only the grace of God could bring this about in a life.

This afternoon about seven of the brothers met for prayer lifting up our families, the Lost, our friends outside, and praising and thanking God for all His blessings He has showered upon us. We remembered the Goetzens in Germany and their faithful ministry.

For an unknown reason, we were locked up early, not allowed to go out in the evening. Tomorrow we may be locked down all day. I shall seek the Lord in prayer and His Word and write some much needed letters. The Lord be with you.

Journal: August 6, 2010

2010-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Lord answered my prayer for stamps. Sister Charlene sent me 38 stamps. I had not asked her but the Lord.

I was able to teach a brother more concerning eschatology, at his request. We are making headway and he will be strong in this area of theology. I also was able to counsel/disciple brother Samuel from Guatemala, in the Word. He admits being a mocker of Christ, living in sin, before coming to prison where he surrendered his life to Jesus.

The Lord heard my prayer and allowed us to go to the prison store for food. We may go once a month.

I was expecting not to be allowed to go to the guitar class where I practice the violin. But the Lord the Lord had mercy and my door opened with the officer barking “go to guitar class.” I did not have to compete for a practice room either.

Journal: August 5, 2010

2010-08-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

We held a yard service this evening headed by brothers Danny and Terry. It was a wonderful time of praise. At least forty attended. Many are lost but in some sense seeking the Lord, though the Scripture says there are none who seek God (Romans 3). Perhaps God is drawing them. The prison has canceled all evening chapel services and Bible classes so we must meet outside. We prayed for our families and trust God will provide for them, protect them and comfort them.

Journal: August 4, 2010

2010-08-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Brother Seth brought a fine message on the necessity of teaching sound doctrine by which we were all edified. There is much poor doctrine preached here by untaught and unstable people who twist the Scriptures (II Peter 3:16).

Journal: August 3, 2010

2010-08-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

After spending a rich time with the Lord this morning, I felt led to write another devotional base don Hebrews 12:3, “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” After several hours of work, it was completed. The next day I was able to show it to two brothers, one especially undergoing intense persecution by so-called “brothers” in the faith, and he was greatly encouraged in spirit.

Journal: July 28-August 2

2010-08-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

Friends,

The days mentioned above have been quiet spiritually since our activities (Bible studies, chapel, and yard devotions) have been curtailed due to shortage of staff. This stops the feeding of the Flock to some extent. It would be sad if this continues, not to mention restrictiveness and discomfort of being locked down so much. Please pray the prison system and state is relieved of its budget problems.

I received a refreshing letter from sister Simone in Germany, reporting on how the Lord is working there. Despite persecution by the Catholic Church, Pastor Goetzen’s church received 30 sign-ups for their summer children’s camp. This is the largest number for them and all because the Lord used the newspaper and persecution to bring this true church to people’s notice. Pray many would come to Christ through this ministry.

Yesterday (Sunday) we were locked down all day and evening. I was able to spend about five hours in the Word preparing a one-page devotion on an aspect of suffering which I shall include in my book. It was on the trial of abandonment and being forsaken. The text was from Psalm 31:11 and I included 13 more Scripture references. It takes a lot of labor to prepare one devotional. First the Lord seems to bring the text to mind as I read. Then, I pray asking Him for insight on its meaning and how to bring out its message. I try to empathize with one who might be going through this type of trial (which is not too difficult since having lost my family, freedom, job, possessions and more). Then I include comfort, Bible illustrations, and encouragement. Hopefully all this will comfort a downtrodden saint and help them place their thoughts and perspective on the Lord and off their circumstances.

Today we were allowed outside and I was able to practice the violin for several hours. The Lord continues to work with me in many areas and I am grateful. By areas I mean: patience and contentment in whatever He allows to happen that day; thankfulness, even for the small trials of disappointment and discouragement; and in being satisfied in Him alone, His presence and fellowship, and not in accomplishing tasks and being busy throughout the day. As the Psalmist said, “And besides You, I desire nothing on earth” (Ps 73:25).

Lord willing, I will be able to preach in three chapels this month. There are several unbelievers the Lord has brought to my acquaintance and I want to share the Gospel with them. Please pray for Hong and his friend, George, and several others.

The Lord has been faithful in every way in my prison trial. Though there have been many hardships, He has always provided and protected. His grace has always been sufficient. He has always been near, real, comforting, patient and most kind. May He be praised!

May the Lord richly bless you, dear friends.

Journal: July 27, 2010

2010-08-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today we are allowed outside and I am so grateful the Lord heard my prayers. I even received a shower. Spent much time on Greek this evening. Every day demands my total dependence on the Lord. I have no control and must rest in His providential plans. These are difficult lessons to learn, but are required if I want to learn contentment. It would be torture to be discontent in prison. It helps to know many are praying for me. May God bless you all.

Journal: July 26, 2010

2010-08-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

We are also locked down all day. I became very discouraged for I had hoped to get out for some walking and fresh air and succeed in going to the store. My prayers reflected this discouragement but about 1PM, I was informed I would be let out for the store only. I quickly confessed my poor attitude. The Lord was gracious to me today. I received two letters from dear saints with 60 stamps enclosed! I had needed stamps and the Lord provided beforehand without me asking these folks.

Journal: July 25, 2010

2010-08-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

We are locked down all day. I spent the day with the Lord, in the Word, and prayer. I am greatly inspirited by George Muller’s autobiography.

Journal: July 23, 2010

2010-08-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

Because of the shortage of staff (of officers), they are limiting our activity outside our cells. We experience long days of lock-down which eliminates our chapel services, yard Bible studies, exercise, violin practice, everything. Please pray the state adopts a budget and we return to normal. It is very difficult for me to be locked up all day/night.

Journal: July 22, 2010

2010-08-08T21:56:00.000-07:00

After standing for hours in the hot sun, I was not able to go to the prison store due to too many of us in line. We are allowed to fill out a sheet and submit it once a month to buy some food items. It is like only being able to go to Food4Less once a month but having to stay outside while someone fills your order. I am very grateful whenever I do get in.

Journal: July 21, 2010

2010-08-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Our yard devotional service in the evening is growing. The goal is to “feed the sheep” in an atmosphere of love and fellowship. The men are attending and I believe they are being fed. There is usually from 15 to 20, and most are truly born-again. I selected 10 different men to rotate as speakers. This is giving them opportunity to speak before others. My only desire is that they bring “solid food.” Seth and Tom are among them. They themselves are growing in their own faith as they rise to the task. The Lord is blessing us in so many ways.

Journal: July 20, 2010

2010-08-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

We are locked down today so I constructed a new daily schedule so I will use my time better. Pray I stick to the schedule because I know God will be more pleased with it.

I was able to see the eye doctor and my eyes are fine, for which I am thankful to the Lord.

Journal: July 19, 2010

2010-08-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

Friends, the Lord blessed me with two days of violin practice because the Rabbi assigned to our yard graciously allowed me to practice in the Chapel when he comes. I am preparing for a concert, possibly in August called “Bach to Beatles,” including other classical composers. Of course, you know what Beethoven is doing now….he’s “decomposing.” :-)

You may think it a small thing to play an instrument, but to do so in prison ins a major blessing from the Lord because it is uncommon (except for guitars). When I relate to you the things I get to do (visits, violin, preach the Word, etc.) I am really trying to give glory to God for His grace and blessing and mercy to me, so…to God be the glory!!

This evening, I received a nice letter from Germany, from Angela, a faithful former student who reminds me of Ruth in the Bible. She is very grown in the Lord and is concerned with bringing the Gospel to young people in different places in Europe. May the Lord bless you, Angela. She sent me some photos of a town I used to live in when my dad was stationed in Germany. Her family is also faithful to pray for my prison ministry. Pray for her family’s ministry in Oelde.

Journal: July 17, 2010

2010-08-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Today is Saturday and the Lord blessed me with a visit from my faithful and very kind brothers Ed, Komy, and Stephen (who had to wait in the car because of a mix-up). These men sacrificed their entire day, leaving their wives and children and responsibilities to come and spend time with me. This is truly sacrificial love the Lord spoke about in John 13:35. I remember the verse where our Lord said, “I was in prison and you visited me.” Thank you, dear friends, for your encouraging visit. Your fellowship breathes life into me and spurs me on to minister to the men here in prison. You are, as Paul said, fellow laborers with me here at Corcoran.

Journal: July 13, 2010

2010-08-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It has been a wonderful day in the Lord! I was able to go to the yard this morning and enjoy a nice morning before the heat came. It was 97 today and will be 106 in a few days. This goes on through August. I am grateful for the swamp cooling and my fan.

I spent the late morning preparing for my sermon I was able to give in the afternoon. I spent quite ea bit of prayer on it both praying God would direct me in preparing it and that He would touch the hearts of the men who would hear it. It was based on 2 Cor. 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you.” But the sermon was on how we can hinder this all-sufficient grace by having three wrong attitudes (sins):
1) an unthankful heart (not thanking God for this trial);
2) a complaining spirit; and
3) not being prayerfully dependent on the Lord.

The Lord blessed the sermon from what the men said and I am grateful.

Then this evening, one of the brothers who was to give the devotion on the yard, could not, so I substituted for him bringing a message on how to deal with anger. This of course, has been an area I have needed to grow in, but the Lord gave me wisdom through His word.

This morning, at 4:30am, brother Tim was taken away and it was a sad time. He will go to another prison and we will not likely see him ever again until heaven. He has been a bright spot on this yard for nearly 5 years.

Last evening, we all gathered on the yard to pray. There were about 17 of us and we prayed for our families (mine included) and for many other things. Some of the men are going through such tragedies, but their spirits are still very sweet in the Lord. I am thankful God placed me around such wonderful brothers in the Lord. Though I long to be free and with my family, I am grateful to the Lord for all He is doing in here., in my own heart, and on this yard for His glory.

Journal: July 9, 2010

2010-08-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

It is very hot today but the Lord brought a nice breeze so the morning yard time was pleasant. Yesterday there was such blessing from the Lord. He allowed me to instruct some brothers in eschatology, and they were very much encouraged. In the evening, I was able to preach to a filled chapel a sermon I had spent hours preparing on the Gospel. It contained 3 points: The disease-sin; the cure—Jesus Christ; and the action—repent and believe. I interwove my own testimony with the sermon as an illustration. The room was filled with unbelievers as well as believers so this was sort of a “crusade” service. It was well-received even though I spent much time on sin contrasted with the holiness of God. The Lord blessed the evening and I pray will use it to convict many and turn to Christ. I practiced pitching today in preparation for our game on Sunday. Sad news: brother Tim P. is leaving for another prison Tuesday. I may never see him again until Heaven. Such is prison and this trial of my refinement. -- DG

Facebook Group

2010-08-04T23:19:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends of David,

I'm not sure if you all are aware, but there is a Facebook group called Friends and Supporters of David G. Gray If you're on Facebook, please join us!

And pass the word, invite your friends! :-)

(I've also added a link on the bar to the right for future reference.)

Thanks!

Journal: July 5, 2010

2010-08-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

This was a very blessed day. The Lord opened our doors to the yard and I was able to go to the chapel and practice the violin all day while the Rabbi was meeting with his men. I met with a Christian brother, David S., and we had great fellowship over the Word. We gave thanks to God for how He is using the affliction of prison in both of our lives to help us grow into a deeper relationship with the Lord and to learn lessons we never could have. Later this evening, he gave an excellent devotion on the yard to about 17 hungry believers.

This evening I have prepared a Bible study I shall give tomorrow morning, Lord willing, to several men greatly desirous to learn more about eschatology and our Lord’s return. I am also scheduled to preach tomorrow in chapel. I will preach on 2 Cor. 12:9 and what the condition of the heart must be in order to receive God’s all sufficient grace in trials. I will also have to prepare Thursday’s message for the night chapel which is filled with unbelievers who are searching for truth. I will preach the Gospel and include my own testimony. It is such an honor for me to be able to be used of the Lord. I pray I would be faithful to the task. I was also blessed today with a package fro my faithful and loving brother, Don.

We also, this evening, prayed for some sisters in Christ who are in a Tijuana jail. We are sending them stationary (from Deanna and Charlene) and some stamps. These sisters have far less than we do in our U.S. prison. Please pray for them. The Lord bless you.

Journal: July 4, 2010

2010-07-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today, we were allowed outside and I was very grateful to the Lord. There was no chapel today so I met with the brothers to study some Greek, and later we had a nice time of prayer where we prayed for all our families. We shared how we used to spend the Fourth when in freedom. It brought back wonderful memories of taking my family to see fireworks and having backyard bar-b-ques. I was able to practice the violin this evening, working on the Bach Ciaconne. Our dinner consisted of a hotdog and a hamburger with some salad and cake. There was an All-Star softball game and I was selected to pitch but I wanted to help the guys with their Greek. WE will play again next week. I was able to counsel a Christian man who has been very discouraged over his life-sentence. The Lord gave me wisdom. One of my former students I translating my devotions (book) into German and Pastor Joseph (inmate) is translating it into Spanish.

Tonight I will try to see the Boston Pops on TV. I was greatly encouraged by reading George Muller’s autobiography, a commentary on Matthew by Ironside, and a book by John MacArthur called The Second Coming. Of course, I meet with the Lord in the Psalms. May the Lord bless you all.

Journal: July 1, 2010

2010-07-20T21:45:00.001-07:00

Today was a very difficult day because we were locked down all day. WE had hoped to be out by 1 PM, but it did not happen. We had no showers either. I am grateful for the swamp cooling and the small fan I have. The Lord is good.

Because the day brought so much frustration and discouragement, I felt motivated to write another devotional on suffering for my book. I took as my text Genesis 37:24, 28 and 39:20 “and they took him and threw him into the pit…and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites…and put him into the jail.” These phrases describe suffering of Joseph, cruelly treated by his wicked brothers and Potiphar’s wife. One moment he was walking in freedom and the next he was stripped of all he owned and robbed of his father, his freedom, and his future. He had no more control of his own life but was at the mercy of others. He was bound in chains (Ps. 105:18). He could cry out or fret and it would do no good. He was brought to the point where he had to trust God—for everything. This is actually a blessed place to be to be but it is very painful (to the flesh) to get there. The Scripture says he was refined in his chains. I am grateful to the Lord that He, from time to time, gives me tastes of this kind of suffering, for my much needed spiritual growth.

Journal: June 30, 2010

2010-07-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Today the Lord gave me the opportunity to help three believers understand more about eschatology. We covered the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium and the eternal state. I was so thankful that I could serve these men and the Lord. We shall try to meet again Friday. It took the whole yard time. Usually I have time to walk and pray for my family: brother, kids and their mother. This afternoon they canceled all program because they had to search all the cells on the yard. Prison is so unpredictable. Tonight I had planned to preach on 2 Cor. 12:9 but we were locked down this evening as well.

I forgot to mention the 27th (Sunday). The power company had to shut off all area power for 10 hours which eliminated our air and fans. It was over 100 degrees and our cells were hot and stuffy and nearly asphyxiating. I prayed for grace to endure it and it also gave me a taste of what our Christian brothers and sisters suffer in prisons in under-developed countries. May the Lord comfort them and give them relief in their trials.

May the Lord bless you all.

Journal: June 29, 2010

2010-07-18T22:02:00.001-07:00

We started a Bible devotional time on the yard each evening from 7 PM to 7:45 PM when we have to go inside. WE did this in order to offer solid spiritual “food” to the flock. Our turnout has been very good. The first speaker brought a message on mortifying sin. The next night the topic was prayer. Then I spoke on holiness of the heart and its necessity for revival. Las night a brother preached on Biblical love. Today I completed my third devotional for my book on suffering. It takes several hours to write just one page. It was on 2 Cor. 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you.” Now that I am finished with the ThD, I can concentrate on this book.

Journal: June 28, 2010

2010-07-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I completed all my work on my doctor of theology degree and I thank the Lord for all His help and grace. It has been a long and difficult road. I truly believe I learned a lot and I hope I am more useful to the Lord if He should continue to use me for His kingdom. Today I was able to practice the violin a long time and prepare for my next recital which will be entitled a “Bach to Beatles” concert. I am thankful to the Rabbi for allowing me to practice.

Letter: June 22, 2010

2010-07-01T23:57:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

These last several days have been both very trying and full of joy in the Lord. There is so much sorrow and tragedy here among the inmates, especially those who are lost. The man who lost his young daughter is doing better. We prayed with him and blessed him with some food. He started going to some of the outside services. Pray for his salvation. His name is M.C. I will look for an opportunity to share Christ with him.

Last Sunday, I was asked to preach in Chapel and I chose for my text, Matthew 10:37-39. There are three points in the passage: Jesus wants our loyalty, our will, and our life. He demands total surrender to Him. The sermon was well-received, but I fear the usual tares who attend the services were not change din heart. I can only throw the seed, but God gives the increase. Please pray for the salvation of those who hear regularly the Word but who have not trusted Christ.

Today, by God’s grace I was able to preach form Daniel 2. It was a service filled with sweet music led by a very skilled singer and guitarist. After me, brother Joseph preached from Genesis on Lot and how he hesitated at the angels’ warning to flee Sodom. He brought out the point that Lot had no spiritual impact on his family or city. We noticed this evening that some of the brothers are starting to listen to a false brother on the yard who is teaching error. This is very discouraging to us. We will try to offer regular evening on-the-yard devotional times in order to feed the flock solid food.

Throughout the week we gather to pray for our families. Many of the men are separated from their kids (like men) and have no contact. We pray for reunion and, where needed, salvation. We also pray for missionaries like Pastor Goetzen in Germany who is throwing the seed of the Gospel to a very hard-hearted people. He is very faithful to endure despite very little response. Please pray for him. You’ll remember I taught his daughter violin at Grace School.

I received a wonderful gift of George Muller’s autobiography. It has nearly 800 pages of his personal writings about his life and work of faith in London. He is an incredible inspiration!

Tonight I completed my next to last paper for my doctorate of theology. I am excited to finish. It has been a long road of study. After this, I want to continue writing a book on trials and afflictions in a 365-day devotional using quotes from many famous and wise believers who have endured deep trials.

Along with my preaching ministry here, I will have much to do, but only by the grace of God. Even the most basic, ordinary things to those of you outside, are great blessings here in prison. We view them as gifts of grace from the Lord. I am speaking of things like: a shower, a phone call, getting to go to the yard, to chapel, to practice the violin, to talk with a friend, to teach the Word, to attend a Bible study, to receive a candy bar, to receive a letter of visit. There are so many benefits of prison; it teaches patience thankfulness, humility (I hope), acceptance for those you would never even approach on the street. Prison can bring joy when you see a man who was steeped in drugs and violence, redeemed by the Lord and serving Him. There are many moments to God’s grace here. To God be the glory! I hope these notes are informative and encouraging. May the Lord bless you and keep you. As always, praying for my family.

In Chains for Christ,
David

Journal: June 12, 2010

2010-07-01T23:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday

I have been undergoing some persecution for which I thank God. He commands us to “thank God in all circumstances” (I Thess. 5:18) and to give thanks for everything (Eph. 5:20). Though it is painful, I know I am blessed (Matt. 5:11-12). My Christian brothers came along side and defended me (verbally).

Thursday night chapel was a wonderful night of praise music and being able to reach out to men who are not saved. I am honored to be among these men, so steeped in sin and without hope, so that I might be just a little bit of light to them through Christ in me. This morning, the chaplain let me preach, so I chose Matthew 10:37-39, exhorting and pleading the men to surrender their loyalty, will, and life to Christ. There are those there who have made only a profession of faith, but need to surrender all. I was able to play the violin while a man sang “I Surrender All” in a very worshipful way. It was a blessed morning.

This afternoon, our Christian baseball team, “Redeemed Team,” lost our first game. I pitched, and poorly at that. Our attitudes were good and the other team, who were constantly heckling us, saw that. We lost, but are still redeemed; they won, but are lost. I believe we did play for the glory of God.

This evening, I and two brothers in Christ, had such sweet fellowship, we forgot we were in prison. WE talked of many Scriptures and had a good time in prayer at the end. Today was a blessed and wonderful day in Christ. God is doing wonderful things here in my life and the lives of these men who know Christ. Most all are like m, separated from their families, their children, wives, and parents. We always pray God’s protection and provision for our dear families. The men pray for my children and their mother.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will teach the advanced Greek class on the yard, then practice the violin in the afternoon and evening. It is a joy to see these men’s progress in Biblical Greek and how they can now open up the Greek New Testament and read a good deal of some of the passages.

Oh yes, I forgot about Rick, a younger brother hungry for the Word. He asked me to teach him how to study the Bible, so we sat on the yard and I started him in basic Bible study. He was very excited after the session! God is very kind to use a wretch like me.

May the Lord bless you all.

We learned today that a daughter (age 11) of one of the inmates in our block died recently of a lingering illness. He is very distraught and he is not a believer. Please pray for his comfort and salvation. His initials are TC. We are trying to minister to him as best we can.

Journal: June 7, 2010

2010-07-01T23:28:00.000-07:00

Today was a wonderful day in the Lord. He allowed me to rehearse with the guitarist in preparation for our concert. In prison, any opportunity to do something construction like rehearse, go to Chapel, do a Bible study, is a blessing because everything can shut down at a moment’s notice. Yesterday we were sitting at a table on the yard at our Greek class when, suddenly, the loudspeaker roared, “Get down!” We dropped to our stomachs, I on the dirt, but the others flew to the nearby grass. There we all were, 800 men on our bellies. Someone in one of the building shad had a medical problem. We were hoping it wouldn’t be due to a stabbing or something, because then we would all have to lock up, perhaps for a long time. Thankfully, it was just an individual medical problem.

I enjoyed walking on the yard with my friend from 4-block who is a growing Christian. We had a rich discussion over the Word.

The Lord blessed us today with some violin sheet music from a faithful man of God—David Johns. He also set a marvelous book. Thank you, David. Also, my pastor-friend in Idaho sent George Muller’s autobiography (about 800 pages). I know I will be greatly inspired by this man. He is the man of faith and prayer. He had a profound influence on my wife and I when we were going through seminary and adopted children—his example of faith was wonderful.

Tonight I will work on my papers for my ThD. As always, praying for my dear children, friends, and family.

Journal: June 6, 2010

2010-07-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was blessed with a wonderful visit from my dear brother, Don, and my friend in Christ, David Buck. They were very gracious to drive over 200 miles to see me. May the Lord bless them greatly.

Last evening, I spent two wonderful hours listening to sermons from 1 John which will complete my ThD this month, Lord willing. It has been a long road, lots of papers, lectures, and books. Then I will focus on writing two books—one on suffering and the other on what the Lord has done in prison—to His glory.

Today, after prayer for my children and family, I was able to go to the prison yard and teach our Greek class. The men are doing very well. Last Saturday, a dear saint on the yard went to be with the Lord. He collapsed and was taken away, but his soul is in glory! A service was held yesterday for him. Recently, a man named Joseph, sent his wife (not saved), Heather, a Grace Today. We were in hopes that she would try and attend but she is not interested. Please pray for her to come to know Christ.

I am preparing an upcoming violin/guitar recital calling it “From Bach to Beatles.” We will perform music of Bach, Puccini, Dvorak, and the Beatles. The guitarist is not saved; please pray for Patrick.

Letter: November 17, 2009

2009-11-23T21:50:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

It has been over 4 ½ years since I have been a prisoner for the Lord and I marvel at how faithful He has been all this time. Though my heart sorrows from missing my family and friends, and though the loss of my freedom is an ongoing trial, I still rejoice in the Lord for all H is doing. I thank Him for what He is doing in my own heart and spiritual life, drawing me closer to Him each day, and for all He is doing through His Word in the lives of many here in Corcoran prison for His glory.

He has graciously allowed me to preach and teach the Word of God in many different situations, from small discipleship groups to biblical Greek classes to full sermons from the pulpit. I see inmates hungering and thirsting for God’s Word, inmates who were once living lives of crime and wickedness, but who now love to talk about their lord Jesus and wondering things like justification and regeneration and the glorious Kingdom to come!

Until we go to be with the Lord, the Christian life is both one of sorry and joy. Sorry over sin, ours and others’, sorrow over loss and pain, but joy over salvation and what God is doing in our lives through trials (Js 1:2). Please pray for the following:

-- Our Chapel and yard ministry—that it would minister to both the saved and loss
-- Salvation of Randy, Hong, Gerald, Joseph, Paul, Robert, Gary and Mark

I have many of you in my prayers. Will try to be faithful to update this site. May the Lord richly bless you.

In Christ,

David

Ps. 35:27
Eph. 6:19-20

Concert Program: An Evening of Tillery and Bach

2009-07-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

An Evening of
Tillery & Bach

June 26 & 27, 2009
Corcoran State Prison

Program

Suite for Violin and Guitar in D Major (Stephen Tillery, 1984- )
Waltz
Allegro
Waltz de Tragic
Largo
Allegro-Vivace

-Intermission-

From the Bach Cello Suite, Trasncribed for Violin:
Allemande from Suite No. 1
Prelude from Suite No. 2
Allemande from Suite No. 1

David Gray, Violin

From the Bach Violin Sonatas and Partitas, Transcribed for Guitar
Sarabande from Partita No. 1

By His Stripes, We Are Healed, For Violin and Guitar (Stephen Tillery)

About Bach’s Unaccompanied Violin Sonatas and Partitas

The six works, three Sonatas and three Partitas, were completed by 1720 when Bach resided in Anhalt-Cothen. After a brief business trip, Bach returned to find his beloved wife Maria Barbara already dead and buried. This tragedy affected these pieces which constituted the composer’s greatest work from this period. The famous Chaconne, nearly 16 minutes in length, is a memorial to his wife and is considered the finest single movement written for an unaccompanied violin. Unnoticed for the years, the masterpieces were nearly lost as wrapping in a butter factory.

About the Performers…

Stephen Tillery
Mr. Tillery has studied Classical Guitar for two years. He has taught himself guitar, as well as Music Theory. He is a gifted composer hand has composed a number of works for guitar, violin, flute, voice, and string quartet.

David Gray
Mr. Gray graduated with a B.A. in Music from the University of California, Davis and has served as Concertmaster in the Davis University Symphony, the Chico Symphony and the Shasta Symphony. He studied violin with Felix Khuner, Associate Concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony. Mr. Gray has appeared as guest soloist and conductor of the Shasta Symphony. He was a member of the Grace Church Orchestra in Sun Valley, California.

With Thanks to:
Chaplain Indermill
Father Eugene

Journal: June 10, 2009

2009-07-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Had a good time with the Lord in prayer today. He is very closet o me in these difficult times of separation from my family and friends. I could not practice the violin today to prepare for the next concert because the chapel was closed. The Lord will provide. I read out of Gruden’s theology on the perseverance of the Saints—my next sermon topic in two weeks. Before bed I read out of John Piper’s book The Hidden Smile of God. Bunyan, Cowper and Brainard are such encouragements to me. Bunyan, while in prison writes, “I was made to see that if ever I would suffer rightly, I must…[learn] to live upon God that is invisible.” This is what I’m trying to do in this very painful trial.

William Cowper’s hymn is very special to me “…judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast unfolding every hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower…” These men who did suffer (along with their wives and children) l, are wonderful gifts from God to us who now suffer.

Journal: June 9, 2009

2009-07-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

By God’s grace, I was able to preach today in chapel to about 30 men on the glorious doctrine of Election. I had spent days and hours preparing. I believe the Lord blessed it and the men were able to go grasp a glimpse of this truth. I do expect criticism from the Arminian camp.

Send postage stamps?

2009-06-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

I just got a letter from Mr. Gray saying that he's out of postage stamps. If you can, could you please send him some? I've never sent him stamps on their own, so I have no idea of there are any restrictions, but I would imagine sending a sheet of forever stamps should be fine. I think he would've given more instructions if there were any.

Thanks! He would really appreciate it.

Maranatha,
Chains for Christ Ministries

June 4, 2009

2009-06-12T22:37:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

Grace and Peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ. I thought it would be good to regularly inform you about my life in prison, a prisoner of the Lord, and what He is graciously doing in my life and in the lives of those here in Corcoran Prison.

Every day I thank God for His blessings that He bestows on me here behind bars. Even though this is a terrible place, full of sorrow, pain and tears, the Lord mercifully gives grace to me in many different ways. He upholds my heart with His peace (Jn 16:33); He warns my soul with His Word (Ps 19:8); He provides all my needs according to His promise (Phil 4:19); He gives me opportunities to serve Him in ministry (1 Cor 15:58); and He gives me hope (Rom 5:3-5).

To be specific, I am able to preach expository sermons in Chapel; teach two Greek classes for men who want to know the Bible’s (NT) original language; teach theology; disciple; counsel; evangelize; play a violin in chapel to His glory; and study for a doctorate in theology. All this by the grace of God. I have also had the privilege to see some Christian inmates parole who left determined to join Bible-believing churches, support their families and serve the Lord.

Behind all this is a large group of friends like you who support me in prayer. Thank you for your love and faithful support. I receive great encouragement from your visits, letters and phone calls.

Finally, I am beginning to learn that it is not where we are that is important to God, for He ordains according to His good pleasure this detail, but it is what we do in the place He has determined that is crucial to His Kingdom and plan. So, my goal is not to get out of prison, though I would to be out (for this is a wretched place), but my goal is to do His will to the utmost while I am here. That is the goal, and should be of every child of God—to serve Him in the place of His choice, whether pleasant or sorrowful. I have not obtained this goal but I do see some progress in my heart, by His grace.

The Lord be with you.

Sincerely,
David Gray

A note from David

2009-03-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

March 9, 2009

Dear Friends,

Grace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ! I trust you had a blessed Christmas celebrating Jesus’ birthday. I am so thankful to the Lord for all He is doing in my heart and life. Even though prison is a painful trial, God is using it for my good (Rom 8:28) and His glory. He is a shield about me (Ps 3:3); my light and my salvation (Ps 27:1); my shepherd, my rock, my strong tower; He is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Ps 73:26). He hears the groaning of the prisoner (Ps 102:20); He is the object of my praise and all my hope and trust are in Him (Ps 34:5-6). As the hymn writer says, “Jesus what a friend for sinners, Jesus, lover of my soul. Friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole. Jesus what a help in sorrow, while the billows over me roll; even when my heart is breaking, He, my Comfort, helps my soul. Hallelujah what a Savior, hallelujah, what a friend. Saving, helping, keeping, loving, He is with me to the end.”

Yours in Christ,
David Gray

Prayer Request

2008-09-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Prayer request from David:

"The "Pentecostal Possie" is rearing its head , crying "disunity" and wanting to have a meeting. Trouble is, they are the only ones causing disunity and their demands that we don't teach anything contrary to their doctrine simply won't be met. Anyway, this is coming up so please disseminate a prayer request...for many to pray that my pulpit time would be protected from the "PP" would not silence the teaching of sound doctrine. Thanks. The battle rages in the heavenly realms - even here.

Greetings!

2008-09-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I trust the Lord has blessed you with a wonderful summer. I know that He is always delighting in us because we are in His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I have had some wonderful visitors this summer, and I have been able to to teach the Word to many in our prison. I recently met a man who, for many years, was a leader of gangs and who committed many sins. He is now a completely new man in Christ who loves the Lord and hungers for His Word. He will be released in a few days. Only God can bring light out of darkness and give beauty for ashes. Praise His Holy name!

If the Lord wills, I will be working on my Doctor of Theology before long. My appeal is pending in the Federal courts. Please pray for these things and for my dear family whom I have not seen nor heard about in three years. May the Lord richly bless you all. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal. 6:4)"

In Christ,
David Gray

An Update from Chains for Christ Ministries

2008-03-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Just wanted to let you all know that after much generous support, effort, and help of ministry partners, we have finally been able to send David 40 study Bibles in a special soft cover edition—20 in English and 20 in Spanish. We have also been able to send 40 Fundamentals of the Faith material—20 in English and 20 in Spanish. David and the chaplain at Corcoran will be able to use both the Bibles and the FOF books to more adequately minister to the prisoners. These materials will be a real blessing and help.

If you are interested, below are other ways you can encourage and help minister to David and his fellow inmates:

-- Pray! Continue to pray for David, the Chains for Christ ministry—both at Corcoran and for those of us on the “other side”, the salvation of the other prisoners, strength and faithfulness for all involved, etc.

-- Leave comments on this blog. All comments are mailed to him.

-- Drop him an email at chains4christ@gmail.com. Emails will also be sent to him.

-- Write him a letter—it’s a real encouragement for him to hear from all of us (see above for the address)

-- Donate money to help with future ministry needs: newsletters, care packages, ministry materials, etc., etc. (drop us an email at chians4christ@gmail.com for more info)

Thank you for your encouragement and faithfulness. If you have any questions, comments, for either David or any of the Chains for Christ ministry partners, please feel free to drop us an email.

God bless you,

Chains for Christ Ministries

Classical Violin Recital

2008-03-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

David had the opportunity to give another recital this past fall. Below is the program that he played.

Classical Violin Recital
Corcoran State Prison 3C-Yard
September 14 & 15, 2007

David Gray, Violin
Stephen Tillery, Guitar

Program

Concerto in A minor, Op 3, No 6
Allegro, Largo, Presto..........Antonio Vivaldi (1980-1743)

Theme from Schindler's List.............John Williams

Rondo for Guitar...................Carcassi

Concerto No 1 in A minor
Allegro, Moderato....................J.B. Acoday (1845-1910)

Largo, from Sonata No. 3 for
Unaccompanied Solo Violin..........J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

First Sounds of Spring...............Stephen Tillery (1984- )

Rondo, from Eine Kleine
Nacht Musik..............W.A. Mozart (1750-1791)

Please refrain from conversation during performance.
Thank you.

Pictures from Corcoran

2008-01-26T22:22:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pictures of David with some friends who have faithfully visited him over the past couple of years.

If you visit David and are able to take pictures, please feel free to send them to me at chains4christ@gmail.com and I'll post them so that everyone can enjoy them. :-) (I'll try to be more prompt than I was with these!)

Blessings,
Jenny, Blog Maintainer

With Seth, David's roommate and friend.

June 2007 Newsletter

2007-08-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Below is the first of a quarterly newsletter that David has sent out to friends and family. Most of you should have received it.

1) If you did not receive it, and would like to (or know someone who would like to), please drop me an email with your mailing address.

2) In the near future, we're hoping to begin sending the newsletters out via email. If that is an option for you, please drop me an email your email address.

God bless,

Jenny
Blog Maintainer
chains4christ@gmail.com

----------------------------------

June 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and Peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Though I have been in communication with many of you these last two years while I have been in "chains for Christ" in Corcoran Prison, I wanted to be able to write to more of you more frequently. Therefore, I am going to send out a Chains for Christ ministry newsletter every two months or so. Of course I will continue to write individual and personal letters to you as well.

I want to thank all of you who have supported me during this most sorrowful and painful trial. You have blessed me over and over with your prayers, books, gifts, visits, and letters. I am so grateful. Without you, I could not continue to minister here at Corcoran Prison.

Looking back, I can see three purposes of the Lord for sending me here. First, as with all trials for a Christian, I am here to grow in Christ (Romans 8:29), to develop perseverance and character (James 1:2), and to mortify sin and pursue godliness (Hebrews 12:10-11). I see Him helping me become more sensitive to others' needs and to develop patience. Prison is a good place to learn patience. It usually takes weeks or months to get anything; daily routines and privileges are often canceled without warning; and we are subjected constantly to the verbal offenses of many unstable and unkind people. There is a great need for patience in prison. The Lord is "sanding" my rough places, "pruning" my branches of sin and helping me to learn contentment. But most importantly, He is working on my pride—to humble me. Pray for me. I can say with David, "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn your statutes" (Psalm 119:71). Dear friends, as horrible as prison is, it is still a good thing. God is using it for my good and His glory, and I thank Him and praise Him for it.

Secondly, the Lord is drawing me very close to Himself in this awful trial. He has shown me His faithfulness in protecting me and providing all my needs. I've been in cells with killers, violent and unstable men, but the Lord has always placed a hedge of protection around me. One cell mate, who could have been very threatening, actually promised to protect me and then asked if I would tell him all about God! I cannot tell you have often I have cried out to God for comfort and grace and He has always ministered to my soul. I have lost family, career, possessions, and freedom, but this has left me running to my God—to know Him better and to completely lean on Him. Friends, if you should lose everything, you still have Christ, who is everything.

Thirdly, the Lord has mercifully allowed me to be used in His service here in jail to preach and teach the Word of God, to disciple believers and share the Gospel with the lost. When I first stepped into my cell at L.A. County, Benjamin, one of the six other prisoners in our cell said he was recently saved and had been on his knees every night praying for God to send him a Bible teacher! So I gladly discipled him for two hours a night for over four months. The Lord allowed me to preach nightly through my cell bars to 25 other cells. I became a trustee and walked up and down the rows of cells praying with men, encouraging them by singing hymns, or sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Grace Church sent me over ten MacArthur Study Bibles and other books that I gladly distributed to the men.

At the Delano reception facility, I led a group of men through Revelation. I met Mario, who had just trusted Christ in prison. He was on fire for Christ! He had been involved in much crime in the San Fernando Valley and admitted even to stealing a car from the Grace parking lot! He studied Scripture daily until he was moved to another prison. I remember he would frequently tell me that if he were ever released he would look up all his friends in crime in the San Fernando Valley and exhort them to stop their sinful, unlawful lifestyles and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Friends, I want to share what God is doing in the lives of prisoners here at Corcoran:

Robert, age 35. Serving 23 years. Was in gangs and drugs since youth in the San Fernando area. A Christian for two years. Loves the Word. Reading Ryries' Basic Theology—faithful Bible student, gentle, kind—a totally changed person.

Tom, age 46. Has a life sentence, but full of joy in Christ. Loves to study the Word, ministers in choir and Bible memory ministry A real encourager to the brothers.

Tim, age 35. Has 15 years to life. Young in the Lord but zealous for sound doctrine. Has a ministry to the cults; defends the faith; has memorized all of I Timothy! Was an Olympic level gymnast and coach. Loves theology and John MacArthur.

Frank, age 42. Life in prison but a diligent student of the Word. Teaches and preaches; is studying biblical Hebrew. Powerful evangelist in the yard.

Don, age 65. Came to prison late in life. Was a pastor for 45 years. Preaches to the inmates in Chapel. Brings lots of vision and experience. Has a sweet disposition.

Stephen, age 22. A young believer. His life changed from rebellion, drugs and crime to obedience and sobriety in the Lord. A diligent student of the Word and Hebrew. Self-taught in music theory and classical guitar. Wants to attend Master's College and Seminary when he gets out.

Abel, age 35. Sentenced to 12 years. Has been a Christian for two years. Was in gangs and drugs. Now shares Christ to other former gang members with a humble, sweet spirit. Wants to go into ministry someday when he is released.

David, age 45. Has served 17 years with 10 more to serve. Excellent artist, singer and guitarist of Christian music. Very mature in the Lord. Produced a grammatical study of 1 Timothy, defining each Greek word.

These are just some of the inmates transformed by God's ongoing grace. To God be the glory, great things He has done! I will share more lives with you in future letters.

Let me mention briefly some other things the Lord is doing here and how you might pray.

1) I have been able to share the Gospel and the Word extensively for over a year to my Vietnamese friend, Mr. Vu. Pray for his salvation.

2) There are several cults in our yard that are drawing the lost into their heresies. They continually attack the doctrine of the Trinity and teach that Jesus is not God.

3) The men have ordered many books through Grace Bookstore, which has been very gracious to remove the hard covers. The men are growing spiritually through these materials.

4) The Lord has allowed me to play a donated violin in Chapel and to give classical music recitals. This is now expanding into a violin class I will be teaching soon. I need more opportunity to practice. Please pray.

5) Please pray for our correctional officers who don’t know Christ.

6) We've started a Scripture memory program in which many are involved.

7) There are inmates who want to pray for you. Please send me your prayer requests. Your addresses and last names will remain confidential.

8) We've started a Bible Institute where the men can get advanced Bible teaching. I am teaching Eschatology and plan to add other courses similar to those of Logos Bible Institute at Grace. Another man teaches FOF and other classes as well. I also work full time as a teacher's assistant and clerk for the GED class. I get the opportunity to tutor many men in math.

9) There is still a possibility that the federal courts would grant me a new trial.

10) My greatest sorrow is that I cannot be with my children and they cannot have their dad in this crucial time of their lives. Please keep them in your prayers.

Websites—A faithful friend is keeping two websites for me. Please visit them and feel free to leave comments, which will be sent to me. The addresses are: www.chainsforchrist.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/chainsforchrist. My email address is: chains4christ@gmail.com. Keep in mind it could take up to eleven days to get back to you. You also can write me at:

David Gray
V88191
3C02-216 L
CSP Corcoran
PO Box 3471
Corcoran, CA 93212-3471

Dear friends, In the midst of my tribulation and pain, I want to encourage you. God is completely in control of all circumstances. You can trust Him. He is right now causing all things in your life to work together for your good, and His glory. He knows what is best for you and wants what is best for you and has the power to bring it about. You can trust Him. If you are going through painful trials right now, I know it must be very hard for you—difficult, sorrowful and perhaps discouraging. Remember that God is "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). "Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)."

Please write me and send me your prayer requests. May the Grace of Our Lord be with you.

In Christ,

David Gray

Two messages

2007-04-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends of Mr. Gray,

Now that spring break is here, I am finally (and VERY belatedly) posting two messages from Mr. Gray. I'm sorry to be so behind; I'll try and be more up-to-date in the future. Please continue to check back at this blog regularly for updates (and leave comments! :-D All comments are sent directly to Mr. Gray.).

May you be as encouraged reading this as I was!

Blessings,

Jenny
Blog Maintainer

---------------------

2.8.07

Dear Friends,

I continue to be extremely grateful for your love shown by your faithful prayers, your encouraging letters, your gracious gifts, and your sacrificial visits. "The Lord will not forget the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to do so." (Heb. 6:10) Within this most sorrowful and painful trial, the Lord has blessed me over and over again. Each day I see His provision, His sovereign protection, His faithful dependability, His mercy and grace, and His lovingkindness—every day!

I usually begin my day praying for grace and mercy to persevere through the day, and to please Him. I see answers to prayers DAILY. I see Him gently working in my own heart, working in those areas that need strengthening, changing, and cleansing.

This last year at Corcoran, I've seen the Lord do much in the hearts of many men here. I've seen young believers grow much stronger in their faith. I've seen men grow more sound in doctrine. I've seen men who have lost EVERYTHING—their families, home, careers, possessions, and freedom—praise God for prison because God is using it to direct their hearts fully on the Lord. They, along with myself, see God bringing us much closer to Himself and refining us. We are THANKFUL for this trial. It is really a blessing because we are growing in ways we wouldn't if we weren't here. We don't like the difficulties, but we like what God is doing in it.

This next year I pray that many men here would trust Christ as their Lord and Savior. I pray the brothers here would be built up in the faith through the Bible Institute we have started. Many of the men will eventually leave here and return to society. I pray they will leave strong in the faith and able to produce spiritual fruit. Many will return to their families. They need to be mature in their walk so they can be godly husbands and fathers.

So please help me this new year do the work of the ministry to which God has called me by your prayers, letters and visits. These men need you.

Dear friends, I also ask prayer for my beloved family—their spiritual and physical needs. I love them all and pray for them everyday. "With God all things are possible."

I am so very grateful for all of you. God bless you.

In Christ,

David Gray

Heb. 13:3
2 Tim. 2:8-10

---------------------------

2.19.07

Dear Friends,

Just a quick note to let you know I'm doing great in the Lord, even though surrounded by many trials and afflictions. Jesus said in this world we would have trouble, but we would also have His peace. Your prayers are working. The ministry is advancing, the Word is going out. Men are coming to the Lord AND being built up in the faith. Please continue faithfully in prayer. Please pray for my children and their mother. Pray for Mr. Vu, my friend. God bless you all.

David
Hebrews 13:3

Classical Music Recital Program

2007-01-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

Classical Music Recital
Corcoran State Prison
Yard 3C
December 15th and 16th 2006

Edward Thill, Piano David Gray, Violin

Stephen Tillery, Guitar Dave Ricklef, Guitar/Vocal

Program

Waltz…………………………………………………………….Carcassi (violin/guitar)

Prelude (As heard on the movie Master and Commander)……….J. S. Bach (violin)

Nocturne in Eb Major………………………………………..……F. Chopin (piano)

Up to Jerusalem………………………………………………....….S. Tillery (guitar)

Concerto in A Minor, Allegro…………………………………....J. S. Bach (violin)

Clair de lune……………………………………………………...........Debussy (piano)

Rondo…………………………………………………………….Carcassi (violin/guitar)

Nocturne in F# Major……………………………………..……….F. Chopin (piano)

Danny Boy………………………………………………….....Irish Folk Song (violin)

Angles We Have Heard on High…………………..……….Christmas Carol (all)

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik……………………………………..W. A. Mozart (violin)

PLEASE REFRAIN FOM CONVERSATION DURING PERFORMANCE

THANK YOU

Christmas greetings

2006-12-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas! May the Lord bless you all. How I wish I could be there at Grace with you--especially for the Christmas concert.

I had a great visit with Rick B., Tom Ch., and Mike O. Thank you, gentlemen; the Lord will not forget (Hebrews 6:10).

Please pray for me on the 15th-16th of December. I will be performing a classical recital for inmate and staff. I need prayer.

In Christ,
David
Hebrews 13:3
--------------------

Thank you, everyone, who reads and comments on this blog. I know Mr. Gray will be very grateful to know that people are staying in contact through cyberspace. I found the Thanksgiving postcard, so I'll go ahead and post it now.

Blessings,
Jenny
Blog-maintainer :-)
--------------------

Dear Friends,

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving this year. How I wish I could be sitting at the table with my family. Please pray, friends, for me and my family--for mended hearts and God's mercy and grace. I am praying for all of you.

The Lord gave me this verse today:
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, the Lord will receive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand will save me." Psalm 138:7

Friends, "Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both good things and calamities come?" Lamentations 3:37-38

Your Servant in Christ,
David Gray

A note from the blog-maintainer :-)

2006-11-30T20:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends of Mr. Gray!

Just wanted to let you know that Mr. Gray sent his Thanksgiving wishes to you all, but unfortunately, I misplaced the postcard. :-( I shall post his message as soon as it makes its appearance....

Also, purely for curiosity's sake, how many people read this blog? Could you leave a comment saying that you read it? Not only am I interested in seeing who all reads this, but I know Mr. Gray would be encouraged to see how many of you are continuing to stay updated via Blogspot or MySpace. (All comments are printed out and sent to him.)

Blessings,
Jenny

Of visits, ministry, and prayer requests

2006-11-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

11.12.06

Dear Friends,

I had a great visit with Harout, Elizabeth D, and David and Daphin B. They were so gracious to drive up and visit. Thank you for the fellowship and the great food!

I'm still preaching the Word, but my time is getting cut. Pray please.

Three of us are planning a classical recital in December. There will be a violin, guitar, and piano.

I was able to witness today to two unbelievers. Please pray for Mr. Vu, a Vietamese who needs Christ.

Please pray for my family--but especially--James, Natalie, and Emily. I miss them so much.

Your Servent in Chains for Christ,
David

Hebrews 13:3

Visits

2006-10-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

I just had a blessed visit from David & Daylein B., Rick M., and Harout! Thank you, dear friends, for your kindness and wonderful fellowship. Seth was so pumped up! You really ministered to him and to me also. The Lord used you and will continue to use you. You are part of this ministry at Corcoran. God is going to do great things here. I rejoice in the Lord at the thought of all of you dear friends who have come alongside. Praise the Lord.

--David Gray
Hebrews 6:10

2006-10-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

September 28, 2006

Dear Friends,

Just a quick note to thank you for all your prayers. The Chains for Christ ministry is going strong here. I'm getting to share the Gospel to many and also teach the Word throughout the week. I'm healthy and rejoicing in the Lord, though I miss my family very much. James just had a birthday. Natilie's will be in December. Emily's was in April. God bless you all.

David.

2006-09-04T00:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I am so thankful for your many prayers, letters and visits. You are truly demonstrating the love of Christ. The Lord bless you.

The Lord is working here at Corcoran drawing men to Christ and building up teh believers in the faith. I am grateful He is allowing me to have a part in His work. ON Tuesdays, I'm leading theology and throughout the week I am able to disciple, counsel and even play the violin in chapl. God is so gracious. I am growing in my faith each day, and I thank God He is using this time of great tribulation for good (Romans 8:28).

Please pray for my appeal and for my dear family. How I miss my dear children: Emily, Natalie and James. I love them and pray for them every day. I miss Eileen too, and pray for her daily, for her health and happiness. James will have a birthday in September, Emily had one in April, and Natalie will be 11 in December. How I wish I could be there to celebrate their birthdays with them. If they only knew how much I long to be with them.

Your servant in Christ,
David Gray

Prayer request regarding job

2006-06-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

David Gray has requested prayer because he said he is going through the worst time since he arrived at Corcoran State Prison. He found out that he might lose his job due to a clerical error (not his fault) even though he has glowing reports from his boss. He said that by the time we hear about this situation the decision will have been made, but that he will need prayer. As he says, God can do anything. Please pray if this happens that he will be able to get a new job soon. Not having a job means loss of many privileges and much more cell time.

Please pass this message on to anyone else you know who cares about David.

--Update--
September: Praise the Lord--David was able to keep his job!!

2006-06-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

April 25, 2006

Dear Friends,

I am doing well at Corcoran Prison. I am serving the Lord by preaching and teaching the Word of God. I am so grateful for all your prayers and support. There are many here who are hungering fo the Word, and many who need Christ. Though this time is very painful, especially because I miss my children: James, Natalie and Emily, so very much, the Lord is upholding me. I miss my wife and pray for her and our children everyday. Thank you, freinds. God bless you.

David