Contact: Mel Goebel, Daughters of Destiny, 719-210-5977
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 24, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Annie Goebel, President of Daughters of Destiny:
I received the best gift of all this Thanksgiving; my 38 year-old son!
Last week, with a team of Daughters of Destiny volunteers, I stood in front of 250 women locked up in a Texas prison. "What I have to say will confirm that God has a Destiny for you. My life was just like so many of yours; broken home, abuse, drugs, bad relationships, juvenile homes, jails and eventually prison. It is hard to imagine God would do something so wonderful for me.
"When I was just sixteen I gave birth to a baby boy on January 9, 1973. I placed him into adoption. I didn't hold him because I feared I couldn't let him go. Back then all records were sealed. Over the years I imagined him; first, as a baby, then as a boy and then into his teens. I prayed for him and my heart yearned to know him, but I had lost that right and believed he was better for it. After I came to trust Jesus I was able to truly give my son over to God and rest in the peace of His wisdom. Then, as a total surprise gift from God, a divine appointment led to a series of events which brought us together. I met my son for the first time a week ago in Austin Texas."
The women wept and cheered as they rose to their feet in a celebration of applause.
Why is this so important to tell women in prison? Because they are the fastest growing inmate population and over 60% have children less than 18 years of age. Many face pregnancy and birth while incarcerated. They have lost their children in a million different ways. My story gave them incredible hope and reminded them they are loved by God more than they can imagine.
My son thanked me for placing him with parents that love Jesus and for choosing to give him life! I look forward to getting to know him in the years to come. He is a sensitive and brilliant young man.
Annie Goebel is President of Daughters of Destiny, a national women's prison ministry reaching and discipling incarcerated women in the United States.
www.daughtersofdestiny.org
