Posted in Ministry

Jail

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Lisa went away for the weekend, and I ended up in jail.  It’s been a long, long time since I’ve visited anyone in prison (my vicarage year!), so I was apprehensive.  I didn’t know the person.  I visited them at the request of his significant other.

I sat in one of those rooms where you sit behind glass stations with a phone in front of you.  The guy picked me out right away, and began ranting and raving about how angry and frustrated he was.  I could barely hear him through the phone I was using.  I didn’t get to say much; just listened.  He had been in for 90 days so far.  I’d be pretty angry and frustrated, too, I guess.

Anyway, after about 45 minutes, I said I’d talk with him again when he was out.  What I’ll say, I have no idea.  I was there only because I could hear the voice of Jesus in my head, “…when I was in prison, you visited me…”  Did I make a difference?  I doubt it.  But who knows?

Posted in Life

Go Phils!

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Suddenly, October’s an exciting month since the Phillies are in the World Series for the first time in fifteen years.  I’ve paid little attention to baseball this year until recently, and now my mind is swimming with memories of games I’ve attended in the past.  I attended my first games with my Dad, making what seemed like a very long trip up to Connie Mack Stadium.  Then, Veteran’s Stadium opened only minutes from our home.  I got to see every home game working concessions through high school and college, including some of the 1980 World Series games.  Recently, I got to take my Dad to some games at the new Citizen’s Bank park, and enjoy attending the games as much as ever.  I know he’s enjoying watching the series, too, and he’s still right there near the action!