Fruitful

My greatest wound was hurting my family through drinking and drugging, going to prison, and failing as a husband, father, son, and friend. I believed the lies of Satan – that I had determined my fate – that I would be a convict for all my life, and I should just give up on any notion of being a good father, husband, son or friend. I thought, “I’ve wounded too many…including myself…to ever make it right again. Too much work would have to be done to restore all the damage I’ve caused.”

When needless suffering and affliction invades our lives, we often ask ourselves, “Who needs all this grief?!” This is when depression and despair can set in. We search for answers and the way out of the crazy nightmare of a life we are living, to only come up short.

But the good news is, Jesus Christ our Lord came to save the wounded, the afflicted, the hurting, the lost, the destitute and the sinner! Glory be to God! There’s a way out of this nightmare of a life!

Cry out to Jesus is what I had to do, and He took my wounds and my affliction and caused it to be fruitful.

Take the origin of pearls, for example. Each pearl is formed by an oyster’s internal response to a wound caused by an irritant or affliction. Resources of repair rush to the injured area. The final result is a lustrous pearl. Something beautiful is created that would have been impossible without the wound.

Take the story of Joseph in the Bible. He was cast into a pit and left for dead, he was taken from the pit and sold into slavery. While a slave, he did what was right and yet was falsely accused and sent to prison! However, Joseph is placed, by God, into a position of influence – second in command of all of Egypt! God used him to feed surrounding nations and his own family during a time of famine.

But how does Joseph become this influential man of God? It all began with a wound which produced a pearl of usefulness. Because Joseph drew from God’s resources when he was humiliated, he became better – not bitter. Joseph named his second son “Ephraim” which means, ‘twice fruitful’. Joseph said, “God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my afflictions.” (Genesis 41:52)

Author Paul E. Billheimer says of Joseph, “If human pity could have rescued him from the sad part of his life, the glorious part that followed would have been lost.”

So, if you’re suffering and afflicted remember: no wounds, no pearls.

For me, I now see that it was only in my afflictions, my “land of affliction”, that has caused me to be fruitful and, all glory and honor goes to the One who made it happen.

God gave me a son, named Gateway To Glory. And, just like the son God gave Joseph, named Ephraim (which means twice fruitful), we see Gateway to Glory being twice fruitful. Some of our graduates are teaching Bible studies, leading prayer groups, and going back into the jail to do services and one on one ministry!

Where are you with past wounds and afflictions? Have you become better or bitter? What about the wounds of betrayal, unforgiveness, picked last in the lineup, fired from a job, relapses, infidelity… Do you harbor resentment and bitterness that will produce disappointment, depression, and despair? Or are you using God’s resources that ultimately turn the wound into a pearl of usefulness?

A famous quote by someone goes like this: You can’t fix the past, you can’t go back and make a brand-new start, but you can start today and make a brand new ending!

Praise to God for His new beginnings!

Chaplains Steve and Robin Malek

People

I think it's fair to say that we have all learned a lot of new things as we are transitioning, now, to a new year.  We have learned about Zoom meetings, social distancing, how to wash our hands...to name just a few.  I think we can all agree that something we have learned well, is to step back and slow down a little.  Granted, the slowing down came from forced lockdowns;  regardless, we can be thankful for last year's pandemic which pointed us back to what is really important: family, community, social interaction...in short...people.

Jesus showed us the importance He put on all people.  He valued His creation so much that He willingly laid down His life to reconcile us back to the Father. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

He laid down His life for people...let's not lose sight of that as we navigate the days and years ahead.  Scripture tells us: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

I daresay because of this pandemic, our attitudes have shifted to where we, more clearly, recognize the importance of communicating and interacting with our families and communities around us. Perhaps, through this time, we have learned to value one another much more.

Gateway To Glory is determined to continue to love those the Lord brings in to our midst, in the jail and the aftercare. Thanks to all who continue to partner with us through donations, spending of your time, prayers and encouragement.  Your support is touching lives of folks you may never come in contact with on this earth - until you meet them in heaven where they will say "Thank you" in person!

Loving others through the love He gives us!

Chaplains Steve and Robin

COFFEE

Preaching in the jail is never easy. Most often the ladies don’t want to express the fears or turmoil they are going through while incarcerated,. But, sometimes a story can make all the difference in the world. I (Robin) found the following story a few years ago. When I led a class for the women, I ended the class by reading it. Needless to say, this “parable” touched the ladies and some great conversation started, due to the conflict/trial of them being in jail.

Though we have not been able to hold classes in the jail, due to CDC guidelines, I realized this narrative fits the current climate as we are all going through difficulties due to COVID-19. If you find you are facing a lingering fear of catching this disease or have experienced some other ramification flowing from the pandemic, I hope this anecdote will help you as you continue to walk through this trial.

COFFEE

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her.  She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.  It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen.  She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire.   Soon the pots came to boil.  In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.  She let them sit and boil, without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished out the carrots and placed them in a bowl.   She pulled out the eggs and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled out the coffee and placed it in a bowl.  Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see.”

“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.  The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it.  After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. 

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.  The daughter smiled as she tasted its richness and savored its aroma.  The daughter then asked, “What does it mean, mother?”

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity — boiling water.  Each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting.  However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile.  Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however.  After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

“Which are you?” she asked her daughter.  “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond?  Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?”

 Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?  Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff?  Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.  When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.  If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst; you become even better and change the situation around you.

~Author Unknown

As this story illustrates, the choice is ours. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The choice for us is: do we falter in fear, or do we trust Almighty God? I hope you choose the latter!

Take A Stand

Many years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a small tract-like booklet.  It was called “Others May, You Cannot”.    Written by G. D Watson many years ago, I have it hanging in my office, so that I can look at it over and over again.  It’s too long to put in a Chaplain’s Chat, but I would encourage you to look it up and read it for yourself.

In a nutshell, it encourages believers to take a stand, to get to that point in our lives that we decide “…to really be like Jesus in all your spirit…”, regardless of what the people around us are doing.  I have found out that making that decision to live as Christ dictates, causes me to scrutinize my life and standards.  As I have begun to inspect my life, I found that Scripture directs us to do so:  “Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord” (Lamentations 3:40)

With all the social unrest in the world, it has become imperative for us, as Christians, to take a stand, decide which side we are on.  Are we on the side of light or dark – righteousness or lawlessness?  If light/righteousness, then the Word should take center stage.  Christ’s commands should be what we strive to follow.  The Word admonishes us:  “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God…” (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

Our mandate as Christians, is to be separate – to be different – so that we attract others by our uniqueness.  We have to be okay with being different when living an authentic life for Christ.  This means doing the right thing, regardless of the sacrifices to ourselves or our lifestyles.  When we act differently from the world, people will want to know why.  When they see the peace with which we walk through this world, they will want to know how.  When they see the pure love believers have for one another, they will want to know what happened to us.    

Knowing the questions are going to come, we believers must “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (I Peter 3:15-17)

Yes, even being willing to suffer.  As Christ suffered for the forgiveness of our many sins, we must be willing to suffer if that will further the cause of Christ. 

Now, with Paul I can attest, I have not “…already attained, or am already perfected…” there is still much I have to learn and much the Lord needs to work on, but I am committed to pressing forward, “…that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12b)

It is more important than ever to decide which side we are on – Light or Dark, Good or Evil, Christ or the devil.  Are you willing to take a stand?

Standing tall and trusting Him through it all!

Chaplain Robin

Victory Comes!

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33

What a bold, yet comforting statement from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  It doesn’t matter what is taking place in the way of chaos, uncertainty, fear, or pandemic, Jesus has already overcome it all!  He is our all in all!

I am so glad my faith and trust is not in a worldly system that is operated by fallible man.  Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

As a former dope infested, alcoholic, promiscuous, wretched heathen sinner, I learned the hard way, that the only thing this world has to offer is jails, institutions or death.  Scripture puts it this way in I John 5:19:  “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

Lately I have been praying harder than ever to resist the wiles of the devil and this spirit of lust that invades our minds.  I’ve discovered that every time I make a conscious effort to do what it says in James 4:7 (Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you) that’s when victory comes!  This business of submission comes from abiding in His word.  I find every time I get lax with His word, I open a door to worldly lusts.  Jesus said we have to abide in Him; and His word has to abide in us (which means we have to literally conform to it) and it is then that we are able to ask what we desire and it shall be done for us. (John 15:7)

I don’t know who may be reading this right now, but I have been prompted by the Holy Spirit to encourage you.  There is a spirit of lust upon us like never before.  I can’t look up the word “fruit” on my device without, bam, right in my face, some sort of soft pornography!  It’s everywhere you look, and hard porn has never been more accessible.  If you are battling this spirit of lust, know this:  God says that He will always make a way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13), and He does it by way of His word when we abide in it.  So, I admonish you, in the name of Jesus, to take hold of His word.  Read James 1:12-15 (drawn away by selfish desires), then 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (taking every disobedient thought captive, bringing it into obedience to Jesus Christ).

God’s word tells us we cannot love the world or the things in the world.  “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” ~ I John 2:15-17

Hallelujah to abiding with the One who has overcome the world!

Chaplain Steve

Sin, Disease, And A Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On

According to the prophet Micah (6:13), sickness and disease are a direct result of the fall and sin coming in to the world.  This whole world has been disrupted from the way God intended it to be, so, it should be no surprise that additional disruption is taking place in our world, due to our sin problem.  Our sin in America and around the world, has not only escalated to heights that one could only imagine, but we’ve literally taken sin and thrown in right in God’s face!

Not only is slave trading taking place, but now it is sex slaves, or sex trafficking.  Wasn’t there a move to abolish all of this in 1863 called the Emancipation Proclamation?  We have literally thrown abomination in God’s face, redefining a holy sacrament and celebrating it by lighting up the White House with the rainbow flag!  Do you think we crossed a line on that one?  How about the latest total of abortion on unborn children?  63+ million abortions total to date.  And, haven’t we gone one step further, aborting a baby right before birth, after a full-term pregnancy.  Doctors in many states have been given the right to leave a baby, born alive, without medical care while it screams in anguish and fights to stay alive!  We used to call that infanticide. 

Hebrews 12:25-29;  “See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ 27 The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.  28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’”

This pandemic could very well be the start of something God is doing.  Can we agree there is a whole lot of shaking going on?  In Hebrews 12:25, “ See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven”!  Can I suggest that God is speaking and we better not ignore Him, or “ …much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven”!

A quote I heard just recently, in my opinion, confirms Hebrews 12:25-29: 

“A Recipe For True Awakening Is Upon Us; One of the greatest gods in America is being shut down – Sports and Entertainment!  Schools are being closed which is forcing needed relational proximity for marriages and families.  Large church and conference events are being canceled allowing house to house gatherings to explode like the book of Acts.  The stock market is plummeting exposing the greed and fear of lost humanity.  Prayer and a recognized need for God and His healing and protection has never been greater.  Has anyone else been on their knees full of joy, thanksgiving, and faith just marveling at our Father?  So many of us have been crying out for revival and awakening – let’s not miss this season of true visitation!”

So, for those of us who are the Spirit of Christ and part of His unshakable kingdom, allow this time to be an opportunity to serve as we are instructed in verse 28, to introduce Him to those who don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior – whose kingdom cannot be shaken!

Prayerful and thankful,

Steve Malek

Transformed By Grace

Through the jail, we have the opportunity to meet and help many people who have lost their way.  This is the story of one of them, told by Chaplain Robin:

Several years ago, Chaplain Steve was able to preach at one of the women’s classes in the Macomb County Jail.  At that time, he met a young woman who recommitted her heart to the Lord at the end of his class.  After returning to the office, he mentioned her to me and asked if I would follow up with her.  Before I could visit her, I received a phone call from one of the Officers asking me to see her before she was released (she had touched this Officer’s heart as well).   

Upon meeting this young woman I was struck by her sweet, china doll face, and her soft heart.  In our conversation, she explained that she was concerned about getting out and not really having a safe place to land.  So, I mentioned Life Challenge (with whom we work very closely).  Unfortunately she was on some medication that Life Challenge wouldn’t allow. Upon learning she would have to wean off that medication before going there, she found another place to go to in Port Huron.  I told her that Steve and I would transport her there when she was released.

The day came for her release and I met her at the doors to the jail at 5am.  She was released in the middle of winter, so I took her to Meijer where we were able to find a couple of warm sweaters (all they had at the time), then I took her to breakfast.  She was so pleasant to be with and, again, I was struck with her sweet disposition and desire to grow closer to Christ.

After breakfast, we went back to the Chaplain’s office for her to make some phone calls and get some paperwork in order.  Afterwards, Steve and I took her to lunch then to Port Huron.

I stayed in touch with her by phone for a short period of time, but then contact with her began to dwindle.  Pretty soon, I could not get hold of her at all - which indicated that she was off and running (using drugs again).

After some time elapsed, Steve was preaching at another women’s class, and there she was – back in jail.  We were ecstatic; she was still alive!  I again, met with her, she agreed to enter Life Challenge, and we arranged to get her there.

Sensing a connection, I became her mentor, visiting her every other week at Life Challenge. Encouraging her to ask the Lord for a “life verse” (Scripture that will carry her throughout her life), Jessica felt the Lord led her to Isaiah 61:3:  “…to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning…”

During her year there, the Lord met her, fed her and kept her strong when her strength of resolve was waning.  She graduated Life Challenge in November 2015, (incidentally, the Officer who had contacted me on her behalf, was able to attend her graduation and was moved to tears to see the transformation that had taken place).  After her graduation, the young lady decided to stay there as an intern for 6 months.

After the 6 month commitment was over, the Gateway Board had been feeling led to open a women’s house and had the opportunity to do so, so the young lady became the first resident (and because of clean time and leadership abilities, also became the women’s house manager).  She continued as the house manager for 3 years.  Many of you know her, the young lady’s name is Jessica.

Just last year, our amazing God brought a Godly young man (Brandon) into Jessica’s life and, on February 1, 2020, in front of 120+ people, Jessica and Brandon recited their vows of marriage to one another! Incidentally, Brandon’s life verse is Ephesians 2:10; “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”

Coming from a similar background (not to mention having life verses that compliment each other), these two share the testimony of God’s unrelenting love!  They are trophies of His amazing grace!  As they begin their new lives as husband and wife, we pray that the grace that captured them will hold them, mold them, and continue to abound toward them as they work together to fulfill His calling on their lives.

Amazed by His transforming power,
Chaplains Steve and Robin Malek

Nothing But Christ

Every morning we, the chaplains, take the opportunity to start our morning with a devotional and prayer.  Our devotional today seemed so appropriate, especially in the midst of the turmoil and chaos of the current times, that we felt we needed to share it in its entirety for this Chaplains’ Chat:

What is it that our Lord wants most from those who claim to be devoted to Him?  Shall we build Him more churches?  More Bible schools?  More homes and institutions for hurting people?

These are all worthwhile and needed, but He who dwells not in buildings made by hands wants much more than this.  Solomon thought he had built an everlasting temple for God, but within years it was in decay.  In less than four hundred years, it was completely destroyed.

The one thing our Lord seeks above all else from His people, ministers, and shepherds is communion at His table.  He seeks oneness around His heavenly table, a place and time of intimacy, a continual coming to Him for food, strength, wisdom and fellowship.

This present generation has a limited revelation of the Lord Jesus because so many are missing from the feast.  Few know the grandeur and majesty of the high calling in Christ Jesus to have communion alone with the Lord.

We mistakenly get our spiritual joy out of service rather than communion.  We are doing more and more for a Lord we know less and less!  We run ourselves ragged, burn out, go anywhere on this earth and give our bodies to His work – but we seldom keep the feast of communing with Him.  We are too casual about the Lord’s table, not serious enough about taking our place to learn of Him.

Paul speaks of three separate years in the desert of Arabia.  They were three glorious years, sitting in the heavenlies at the table of the Lord.  It was there that Christ taught Paul all he knew – and the wisdom of God was made manifest in him.

Something in Paul’s soul cried out, “Oh, that I might know Him!”  Conversion was not enough for Paul.  A one-time miraculous hearing of His voice from heaven was not sufficient.  He had caught a fleeting vision of the Lord – and he wanted more!  May the same be said of us.

~God is Faithful by David Wilkerson

Indeed, may the same be said of us!

Staying true to His call,
Chaplains Steve and Robin Malek

From Riotousness To Righteousness By Way Of Repentance

Luke 13:3; I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. I’m amazed at how many times I ask the question of an inmate: “What does the word ‘repent’ mean to you?” 95% of the time their answer is, “… to ask for forgiveness.”

Through my reading of the Bible, it appears the Bible’s definition is: to make a personal, absolute, unconditional surrender to God. By repenting according to this definition, it brings about sorrow and regret. But more than that, through repentance, one makes a complete change of direction – a 180◦ turn toward God!

The Greek word in the New Testament for repentance is metanoia, which means, “a change of mind” and “turning towards the light” away from the darkness.

At the Macomb County Jail, we meet with men and women who have lived some very riotous lifestyles. We, as volunteers and lay ministers, have the awesome opportunity to announce to the men and women that, “Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” ~Luke 5:32 He came for those who live a riotous life style! Now, if they will just turn from that life and turn towards the light, they will be given the gift of righteousness. They will literally be transferred from death to life and all things will become new (2 Corinthians 5:17)!

How can it get any better than that? Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us to be a small part of what You are doing in this mission field located at the corner of Elizabeth and Groesbeck in Mt. Clemens, MI!

From Riotous to Righteous,

Chaplain Steve Malek

A Fountain of Life

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. ~Proverbs 13:14.  The teaching of wisdom is life giving, not only does it give life, it turns one from the snares of death.

At Gateway to Glory, from the beginning, we implemented a mentor program that requires each one of our prospective mentors to take an online training program.  This online program takes approximately 5 hours to complete, but gives good guidelines on the mentor/mentee relationship. We then assign our residents a mentor almost immediately upon entering our ministry.

Without the teaching of the wise, providing good Biblical counsel, the odds of the men and women going back to old habits and old ways of life is very high. This is why the recidivism in the United States is 67% of all inmates released from prison or jail will return within 2 years.

When that fountain of life, mentor, man of God, or woman of God comes alongside the returning citizen (to be that accountability person that helps to turn them from the snares of death) the recidivism percentage drops from 67% to 11%!  That is a reduction of over 50%!

Please join us October 24th 6:00pm at the Palazzo Grande Banquet Hall (54660 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, MI 48315) for our annual Celebration/Fundraiser Banquet, “A Fountain of Life”.  Come and hear the live testimonies of relationships established between mentors and mentees. You will also experience: great food, music, Christian “Friends of the Ministry” and more!  It is a FREE banquet, but you MUST REGISTER.  You may do so at www.thegatewaytoglory.org.

Filled with living water,

Steve Malek