BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

Stepping into the courtroom, Jon felt that peace, which he now recognized as the presence of God. The judge asked if Jon had anything to say. He stood and spoke from his heart. When he finished he said, “I will spend every waking moment improving the caliber of who I am.” “Mr. Ponder,” the judge said, “I’ve been on the bench for more than 22 years and I’ve never heard anyone say they’ll do what you’re saying. If you do even half of what you’ve said, you’ll walk out of prison a transformed man.” Then, looking directly at Jon, the judge said: “I don’t know why I’m doing this, but I sentence you to six years in federal prison.” Six years! What could have been a maximum sentence of 23 years in federal prison had miraculously been reduced to six years! Jon knew it was the intervention of God. He had, indeed, climbed into that judge’s robe and meted out a sentence that came from Him. Life on the Line “I was sent to United States Penitentiary Allenwood, a maximum security prison in Pennsylvania,” Jon explains. “I’d been on the wrong side of the law long enough to know that the reality of a maximum security prison was a thousand times worse than it’s portrayed on television. I was in prison with about 950 Muslims. In prison you have to be affiliated with a group to survive. You can associate yourself with the Crips, the Bloods, the Aryan Nation or whatever, but if you don’t pick one you will face consequences. “I hadn’t been there long when the prisoners in power asked who I wanted to run with. I’d seen guys stabbed to death for not making that decision, and I knew that without a group my life was in jeopardy. But I’d made a promise to God and I had to walk it out in prison. How could I lend my name and my loyalty to one of those groups?” Standing before a table of 20 of the most dangerous prisoners, Jon said, “This is not the life I live. I’m a Christian. Do not call me back to this table unless it’s to talk about Jesus Christ or how you can improve your life. I know the rules of the game. If I need to die for what I believe, let’s get it over with.” Almost certain his next step would be his last, Jon turned his back on the men and walked away. Later, in the chow hall, the only place to sit was with those same men. I’m going to die, Jon thought as he slipped into the chair. Danger charged the air like an electrical storm. Jon bowed his head and prayed. They left him alone. Loneliness was like a prison of its own and mail call was the hardest. Jon not only didn’t get visitors, the mail stopped coming. Many times he lay in his bunk and wept. “Lord, You’re all I’ve got,” he said. 'That’s right. And I’m all you need.' Then the Christians in the prison rallied around him. Men serving 20- to 30-year sentences taught him the Word of God. They taught him to pray. They mentored him on how to be a godly man. He attended chapel services and participated in Bible studies. *********ADVERTISEMENT******* “Partnership is designed by God to dramatically increase the abilities, resources & rewards of every believer.”—Kenneth Partner with KCM today! 1-800-600-7395 (U.S. only) +1-817-852-6000 *********************************** APRIL '14 : BVOV : 13

• Cover