INMATE: In search of a shepherd

My name is Donald Smith and I’m currently in the Kootenai County Jail on a charge of grand theft.

This is not my first time in jail, but I’m doing all I can to ensure that it will be my last. My goal is to enter into the Good Samaritan Program.

The Good Samaritan Program is a faith based program where they believe that through Jesus, a man such as myself can be healed of his addictions and be born again. I’m counting on that belief, because if not, I’m certainly a dead man!

I have been an addict for 25 years, and that addiction has taken everything I have ever cared about from me. If I can’t turn around 180 degrees, my son, who is the BEST thing that has ever happened to me, will be out of my life permanently. I haven’t seen my son (Charlie) for three months now. If I’m not sober, his mom will not let me be a part of his life. A decision I respect, because my son needs a sober Christian father. He’s a huge motivation for me to change.

The Good Samaritan Program costs $2,500, which is a lot of money. But compared to other treatment centers and the rest of my life it’s a small price to pay …

I wish I had the money to pay for this life-changing experience. Unfortunately, I do not have this kind of money. With 25 years of addiction, going in and out of jail, bad decisions and regrets, a savings account was on the back burner. The only thing I’ve accumulated is a lot of regrets, guilt and shame. With the Grace of God, and the Good Samaritan Program, I hope I can turn my life around and pay it forward, in turn changing the lives of others.

I am praying that someone who is reading this will feel some compassion for me, and would like to sponsor me or pledge funds for my entry into the program. Any amount would help tremendously in my success of this life-changing goal. Please contact Pastor Tim Remmington, or The Altar Church, for further information.

Thank you very much, and God Bless!

DONALD SMITH

Kootenai County Jail