Circumcision of the Heart Ministry
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit,
and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
Philippians 3:3
Incarcerated Men and Women to Arms
THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE GIVING UP THIS IS NOT YOUR DESTINY
Bishop Joseph Hall Jr.










...the Coleman Medium choir sang one particular Sunday morning. While I sat there mulling over what seemed to be a very inspirational song, I couldn't help thinking about the time I've spent in prison waiting for that Law of all Laws that would change our lives for the better. Wishing for that one Supreme Court decision that would finally make right a very serious wrong that has been our curse for so many seemingly wasted years, I thought of a very interesting piece written by Frederick Douglass, on March 2, 1863
.
Although written for Men of Color during the 17th Century encouraging black men to fight for their freedom from the clutches of slavery under the banner of equality and the entitled rights of "life", "Liberty" and the pursuit of "Happiness", supposedly afforded to all men under the Constitution of the United States of America, it inspired this writer to pen this call; to incarcerated men of all color, creed and religion to arm themselves with the essentials of life in hope of securing a place in society upon their respective release.

I have not thought lightly of the words I am now writing to you. The warning I give comes from close observation of the great struggle now in progress and our continual fighting of the unjust laws and inconsistencies of sentences of our justice system and of the deep conviction that this is your hour and mine.
When this time-your incarceration-is over, your life begins anew; some of your rights restored, as they will be, and you seek to secure your future, you will need to possess the essentials of life if you hope to have some sense of dependability in your life.

We must prepare for usefulness and business; it's not enough to program for the sake of receiving a "Certificate of Completion" or points toward the light superficial acquirements, popularly and fashionably called accomplishments. I am not saying we are not to desire accomplishments, just that they must be useful.

It is important that our minds be well informed; well stored with useful information and practical proficiency if we hope to rise from ignorance and debasement, to intelligence and respectability in a society where the doctrine generally impressed upon the public mind is that we, the incarcerate, deserve everything we get and if release we will only return to a life of crime.

The present is a period of activity and hope. The heavens above are bright, and much of the darkness that overshadows us is passing away. We can deal in the language of brilliant encouragement, and speak of success with certainty. Our condition is gradually improving and soon the possibilities of parole maybe more of a reality than just a dream of hopefulness.

When the prison doors swing open and we find ourselves in a free society we can't begin to prepare our lives, but we must be prepared with the essentials of life. This is our golden opportunity. Let us accept it, and forever wipe out the dark reproaches unsparingly hurled against us by being consumed by the idleness of time. Let us win for ourselves the gratitude of our families and communities, and the best blessing our posterity through all time.

Action! Action!- Not criticism is the plain duty of this hour. Words are now useful only as they stimulate us to better ourselves by seeking to educate ourselves. The office of speech now is only to point out the importance of education and most importantly of all, to encourage us, as well as others, to seek God's purpose, direction and will for our lives.

Comments to:
Joseph Hall, 13874-018
Federal Correctional Complex-Medium
P.O. Box 1032
Coleman, Fl 33521-1032



Bishop J. N. Hall Jr.