by Alice Stratman Smith
I am remembering when my husband Larry and I ministered at the prison in San Saba, Texas. When it was a young men’s prison we went once a month on Sunday afternoon. Larry would give a message and I would sing. When it changed to a women’s prison (600+) I directed a 10 member choir every Wednesday evening and we were also speakers. The first Wednesday of each month four ladies came from May, Texas. The main speaker is a pastor’s wife whose son died in California a questionable death; the keyboard player’s son was murdered; the flute player’s son killed a young woman; and the fourth woman’s son is in prison. They each poured out their love and the importance of depending on God for His mercy and grace. One night when I was going home I was pulled over because I was going 45 in a 35 mph zone. I told the officer “I am so sorry, I wasn’t watching my speed. I just got out of prison”…….
This year I did not sing alto in The Messiah with The Zanesville Civic Chorus because I needed cataract surgery. I went to their performance Sunday, December 11th and enjoyed it but wanted to sing with them my favorite, Hallelujah Chorus. Before going to the concert I went caroling at the Colony Hills Condos in Zanesville. My cataract surgery on Thursday, December 8th went very well. My daughter Jenny was very helpful and I am thankful for prayers and thoughts of friends and neighbors.
John the Baptist’s father, Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave a prophecy in Luke 1:68-78 (The Living Bible). Luke 1:76…And you, my son, shall be called the prophet of the glorious God, for you will prepare the way for the Messiah. You will tell His people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins.
