Brian and Ruth Christine Newsletter: Edition 25
October 2004 Newsletter
Leonard note- This envelope had a staple through each side of the envelope. I presume this was to see if the letter had been opened and read. The staples appeared to be the originals, and undisturbed. Don't know what difference it would make, since I am publishing Christine's letters to the world.
Brian here. God bless every one of you that reads this. Can you believe we're well into autumn already? You know, it sounds cliché but I'll say it anyway that God is just so good. His grace is more to us that we know or realize.
Just three weeks ago, I had a dream where I toured my mansion in heaven. It was so far beyond what my imagination normally conjures that I wondered if it was a genuine tour. I feebly attempted to describe it to Ruth, but much of the experience was beyond words. The dream really caused me to think. When I awoke, I just sat there in quietness. God has prepared for us a glory that we cannot comprehend or ever begin to understand. At the time I was in a solitary cell of about 8' x 15' and I told my Father that I would be content in such a space for all eternity, and I would. I've learned I need next to nothing. If I can live on this earth and still love God and serve Him, I've done all I ever need to. This is a place of contentment. Not to say that I don't have dreams, plans, and goals- I do. But the only thing that truly matters is that I am God's inheritance and that knowledge brings tears to my eyes.
This morning I read some intriguing scripture in Hebrews chapter 1 and second half of verse two states that Jesus was made heir of all things and that He created all things. The church tends to point to God the Father as Creator, but her it says all things were created through Jesus. If Jesus created it, how then can He be heir to it, isn't it already His? Perhaps yes and no. In granting free will, He gives up possession even if only temporarily. The in verses 10 through 12, He created the earth and heavens, which will perish (His inheritance will perish?).
Are these mysteries beyond our understanding? Probably so. But whatever the case, I am so glad to be and adopted Child of God Almighty. Thank you Jesus!
In the news, neither Ruth nor I have been showered with any ash from Mt. St. Helens... yet. I am back in general population finally after two months in infirmary and then Segregation. I am almost fully healed, but I will lose one molar tooth- which I hope they soon pull due to pain. Ruth and I lost our appeals in the Supreme court of Oregon in late Sept.
Now begins the long tedious process of post-conviction. Most all of the work of these appeals I will be doing since Ruth works full time & I don't have a job (officially). I do make cards & stickers to sell. We have only 10 months to get our research and papers together but should really get it done sooner than than.
I have a very steep learning curve and I will actually need help from anyone who is willing. If anyone has internet and a printer, I could use information on some specific topics.
Also, we'll need money for some legal books and for court filing fees, etc. Money can be sent to:
Christine Legal Defense Fund
% Teri Christine
18031 Promise Road
Noblesville, IN 46060
All prior funds have been directed to Edgar Steele who was our attorney through trail and first two levels of appeals. This marks the end of the road for Ed in our case as the post-conviction phase requires a different lawyer or none if doing it pro-se.
Ruth insert- (We are really thankful for Ed and all the work he has done on our case and all the help he has given us through all of this. Thanks Ed!)
If you have internet and a printer, and are willing to help us, would you please write me at:
Brian Christine 13861937
EOCI 2500 Westgate
Pendleton, OR 97801
-and let me know? I've been doing legal work full time, sometimes from 8am to 10pm at night.
God has given me courage and a lot of drive to do this. If I didn't have His encouragement to do this, I wouldn't even bother because the outlook is truly grim. The system is like a giant wood chipper & actually treats you less kindly as it slowly chews you up and spits you out.
I've also been reading up on release and parole, etc. After prayer and seeking matters out, it appears we will parole to Roseburg, Oregon where we stood trial. Since we're not from there, we're going to need help in that area when the time comes too. Employment, housing, all that. any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Quote: "Most folks want to serve God, but only as advisers"-- Unknown
Letter Excerpt:
The following is from a letter Ruth wrote to me when I was in the infirmary all beat up & going through surgery.
"Babe, it's all ok- do you know that if you got beat up so bad I couldn't recognize you, I'd still love you? We're in this together. We live, we learn, we grow. I love you for all that you are becoming as you are molded by the hand of God. Your wounds bear witness to the hands of God in your life. You are my friend and you remain always my friend as we travel together on this journey through life. Our scars are beautiful, just like you said about my donkey attack scars that are a testimony that God heard my prayer that day and that testimony was what drew us together. We both have a fire in our hearts that cannot be crushed- that cannot be destroyed by a donkey, washed away by a wave, blown away by a gun or snuffed out by pain, grief, or loss. You see we are tenacious, living with a fire that burns deep within our hearts, a fire that cannot be quenched. And as you sat in your cell and refused to be destroyed by the enemy's plans to destroy you in this battle that is not of flesh and blood- Baby you will be all that you were intended to be, even unto the death if that was what God required. You refuse to be conquered- my warrior of truth. You don't need to be able to hear songs of worship because they rise up within your heart. If you only have bread and water to eat, but have the Word of God you will be strengthened. If you are in the pitch darkness but have the light within you, you will be able to see. God will be with you to carry you through this, Mighty Man of God!"
What a wonderful wife I have! Thank you Jesus!
Quote: "It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one."-- Unknown
It's me- Ruth
Hello everybody! Well here is the newsletter finally. Yet again it was lost in all my paperwork by thankfully the Holy Spirit prompted me to search it out! And it's a good thing too because Brian was rather upset that I had forgotten about it last time!
So here we are. As I read through What Brian ahs written here I am reminded of what the Lord is doing in my life these days. Over the last week or so there has been a dramatic shift in how I live my days. I have a tendency to view life very much from and emotional perspective. If I feel good, then life is good, but if I feel bad, oh life is horrid! (and I'm sure many of you can identify with me there). There is a place for emotion in life. Indeed, God speaks to us in some very emotionally involved ways. A search through the scriptures of the Old Testament reveals a God who definitely expresses emotion, a "jealous God", a "loving God", an "angry God", even a God who "rejoices" over us with singing! (Zephaniah 3:17)
Wow, that Zephaniah scripture is so beautiful I just have to write it-
The Lord your God in your midst (He is our God), the Mighty One, will save: He will rejoice over you with gladness, (isn't that wonderful?) He will quiet you in His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
What a beautiful picture that brings to mind.
God is a God of emotion, and yet we are not to be ruled by emotion- now there's a thought. (I am preaching to myself now!) We aren't to be governed by our feelings, they aren't to have control over my life. God is! So you see brothers and sisters, God has something greater in mind.
What He has been reminding me of in this last week is that His reality gives so much beyond my perception of it. When I notice anxiety rising up within me or see some other attitude that has begun to distract me, I remember that- that is just me. God is not moved by that little situation. He remains the same. My soul is not in mortal danger because I was tempted by an evil thought. Everything is so much more stable than this. God reigns, His love remains, His peace remains- if we will only hold onto him. And just by turning my thoughts outward there is so much more joy and peace. I have been much happier how that song about "all other ground being "sinking sand" comes to mind.
It is "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand and constant-He is a might rock, He is my fortress, I will not be shaken (Psalm 62: 6) He is a secure dwelling place. Though we are tossed about by the storms of life, He remains constant and sure. I am reminded that come-what-may, despite my changing perspectives of reality- reality has been, and always will remain the same.
On another note, I want to thank Ed Steele for all the work he has put into our case, and all without pay! He has done a lot of forms and the fact that Abbey-Rose is today safely with her Grandmother in Indiana is largely thanks to him. You've been a real help to us Ed!
I want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. The prayers continue to be answered. For example, Brian was moved from the notorious west side back to the east side of the prison. This means he is back to life in the open dorm, but as for comfort and safety go, he rates it much higher than life in a four-man cell! Thanks to prayer his face is healing up really well and he has regained much of the feeling in the right side of it. Which I am very thankful for.
As far as my own work situation goes, I am looking for some alternative employment in the prison. DMV is okay but my heart is telling me I need more time to spend in worship and letter writing and things relating to the chapel here. We have heard that we will have a court hearing on November 22nd. So please be in prayer for us regarding that.
Thank you for your love and prayers, and many of you for your legal work.
(Thanks Leonard!)
God Bless
Ruth Christine