They know Tom Dotson pretty well in the prisons of Michigan. They ought to. He has spent one-third of his 38 years as an inmate.

Tom gave his testimony at the annual banquet for jail chaplains in Muskegon, Michigan. He said he had grown up in a Christian home but had rebelled and rejected the gospel. His wife, who sang for the banquet, had stayed with him in spite of his repeated failures. And a prison chaplain faithfully worked with him.

Then, a few years ago, Tom genuinely surrendered to Jesus Christ. He’s stayed out of jail ever since.

In his testimony, Dotson spoke directly to Christian workers. “Continue on in your ministry with people like me,” he urged, “no matter how frustrating. We may have lots of setbacks. But don’t give up. There’s power for change in even the most frustrating person through the sacrifice of Christ, the One who really sets us free.” Then, looking right at the chaplain who had patiently witnessed to him, Tom said tenderly, “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

Are you about to give up on someone? Don’t! God will “abundantly pardon” all who come to Him (Is. 55:7). His powerful Word can bring change (v.11), freeing men and women from the prison of sin (John 8:32). Keep at it!

  — David C. Egner