As I read the article on the execution of William Burns, I have to ask myself which he is.

The prosecutor said:
"Sometimes you see guys undergo a genuine change in prison," Elliott
said. "Burns is like a rattlesnake in a jar after 20 years. He's the same
thing. He hasn't changed."

Yet, as I went to work last night, I received a letter from him. I would like to share one part of that letter with you.

"Well, it's not the most beautifu of positions,very honestly speaking and presenting it to you. Of course it's not easly to esplain. I am in a strange place of mind and heart. For example I realize more and more how beautiful the world is. Each beautiful person I meet "inside" as opposed to "outwardly". as I read your letter so much I see this again. It makes me to know to miss this world as of April 11th. Assures me of what is really to be missed and it seems strangly God seems to be showing me so much so many lovely and world filled beautiful people like you and others --coming forth in my life now and departure so upon me. Hurt's more, yet still I treasure for just those short moments the privilage and pleasure knowing you for just that short moment"

So which is he? Rattlesnake or not?

Joy,I know this is a hard time for you.Every time someone is put to death,it takes the wind out of my sails.It then makes me want to fight that much harder.I believe with all my heart,God has a plan,and that is what keeps me going.You did something not many people would do,something most people are afraid to do,you reached out and touched a human life.You made a statement for all to hear,their are people out here who care.God Bless You Joy............................................... ...............Spencer

Joy,
God does not judge as man does.... I have full faith in him.
My first pen pal (Apr./99) was a man on death row in NV.....he's still there and still my pen pal. I have grown to love this man as a close friend. He still has a good chance at an apeal and I hope he won't have to make that trip to Carson City. I told him quite some time ago that if it comes to that I will be there. I might have to borrow money to make the trip but I don't want him to have to die alone without someone there who loves him. God willing it won't come to that.
His last letter he was reflecting on our years of correspondance and told me, "You know Susan your the longst relationship I've ever had outside of family. of course my mother and brothers surpass the almost 4 years we've know. But your right. some people do mean what they say (you) the rest all lied and I kept my end of the deal. true at times I couldn't write them back right away. But I didn't just up and stop writing them like they done me. Most of those so called friendships I could have done without."
His mother died when he was 15.....he ended up on the streets of Las Vegas..... drugs..... violence and prison at 23.

A man on death row faces a lot that the average person never will.... I believe many of them can at least come to face and make peace with themselves and their Creator even if they never can with society. Each one is God's creation and he is no respector of persons.....he holds out his grace to all..... he loves all of us.... My prayers are with those who need to find grace..... no mater how horrible the crime....if they surrneder to God's love and Christ's sacrifice they will be in the kingdom.....

Sue,I had no idea you were on this forum.Glad to see you.I agree with your post,Society today,they are so quick to kill a number.It is hard to kill a human,and that is what these people on the row are ...human.I do believe God has a plan,and everything happens for a reason.God Bless............................................. ..............Spencer

Susan, what you wrote was so good, it brought tears to my eyes. I wish I had ways with words like you do. You gave me a lot to think about, pray about. I have been doing a lot of struggling with the christian life. Maybe this is God's way of getting me to look at life and what the meaning of it is and where He fits into it. I have had a big struggle with "religions" and "Christians" who seem to think I don't quite have what it takes to be a child of God.

But that in itself is a long story and I'm sure no one really wants to hear it. What it boils down to is what is going on with my life now. In Juan's last letter he told me that he became and associate with the Spanish Chaplain there and has a little more freedom and is working with the other guys. He now wants to do some kind of prison ministery when he gets out. Not sure yet which direction...but he said that he is satisfied with where he is at right now and if they don't let him out soon, he is ok with that because God is doing something in his life where he is at. We are both struggling in our own ways, but seperately. Maybe God is working with us individually so that when we get together, we can compliment each other in our own ways to help others.

I don't know, just thinking here. Anyway, Susan thanks for your thoughts. They meant a whole lot to me.

Joy