I want to share a story with you, just to make the point of how a group like this can change or encourage others. One guy started in our prison group at the second meeting, almost six months ago. He came into the group with a huge chip on his shoulder, and he made it clear to all of us that he didn’t care how anyone felt about him. He was just doing this for himself and no one else. In other words, he was warning us all not to expect him to contribute anything which might help anyone else.

The amazing thing is that over time I’ve watched this guy’s attitude and demeanor change within the group and outside the group. Before, outside the group, he avoided people and would talk to hardly anyone. He had a snarl on his face most of the time. Now, he comes into the meetings with a huge smile, acknowledges all of us individually, and goes out of his way to talk to people outside the meetings. The snarl is gone, and it has been replaced by the content look from a man who seems at peace.

He credits God of course, but also the group for changing his life and his attitude. Many of us thought that this guy was going to be a huge pain, but we remained patient and allowed him to progress at his own pace. Sure enough, he now contributes many positive comments during our meeting and makes a point to talk to us outside the meetings. I’ve seen similar effects on other group members, but not at the high level this guy has experienced.