Donna’s Story
Sometimes when we show compassion to others, we remember the need to love people right in our own family.
When Donna Rash, a Compassion Christian children’s ministry coordinator, accepted the invitation to visit a local women’s prison, the Lord struck Donna’s heart and asked, “What about your own sister?”
“I had no idea the impact it would have on me, but I will tell you that it made me look at my heart concerning my sister who is in jail,” Donna said. “Taking this challenge allowed me to make peace about her being in jail and reminded me that as a believer in Christ, opening up to my sister is a form of compassion.”
Donna was deeply touched by the plight of women in the local facility. “It broke my heart to know that some of these women don't have the opportunity to see a lawyer, they don't have visitors, and some of them don't have any hope. It was a blessing to be able to talk and pray with them and let them know that Jesus loves them,” she said.
As a result of her initial visit, Donna made two huge decisions: to return and visit even more women in jail and to visit her sister.
“I call it sowing good seeds by doing for others what I can't do on a regular basis for my sister who is so far away,” she said. Several weeks later, Donna did have the opportunity to visit her sister several states away, and they shared an emotional, two-hour visit.
“She asked for my forgiveness, but I told her that I was the one in need of forgiveness,” Donna said. Many hugs and tears later, Donna had a renewed connection with her sibling and an even deeper burden for those in prison.
“Through this entire experience I have learned that God can use you through the process of choosing compassion with believers and non-believers, even if they are your family members,” Donna said. “Given this opportunity their lives can be changed, but even more your life can be changed also,” she concluded.
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