I know I have been posting information on Mike. It is obvious by everyone's comments that you are interested so I will continue to pass this information along for those who wish to be an encouragement by sending cards or letters of encouragement.
Mike is now in the Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud. He is in a two man cell for 23 hours a day. He gets one hour of exercise and the remaining hour is divided by meals. He just got a new cell mate, he said it looks positive since he walked in carrying a Bible in his hands.
I will not go into the regrets he has expressed in this forum. If you care to know email me personally or right Mike. He has nothing to look forward to but your letters and cards. He misses his family, brother and sisters and all of you guys, so please put it in your heart to write him. I think you will get to know a different soul than entered jail months ago.
His mail must be addressed as follows:
Clifford Michael Hipps OID# 231718
Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud
2305 Minnesota Blvd. S.E.
St. Cloud, MN 56304-2424
You can look Mike up on the following link: http://info.doc.state.mn.us/PublicViewer/main.asp
Then put in his name or OID # 231718 That will also list what he can recieve by way of mail.
Please let mike know you are thinking about him or at least praying for him he would appreciate that so much. He would love pictures as well.
9 comments:
Ugh...I looked him up...it's awful to see him like that. Just wondering if we can send him paper and envelopes?
Thanks Uncle Jim for all you're doing for him....He needs to know that someone cares about him..i'm really glad he's got you.
Sandy,
You can send him letters, drawings like from kids, pictures however polaroids have to have the backing pulled off. Books and periodical must be sent from the publishing house or like delivered direct from Amazon. I don't think you can send him stationary, I set him some money to buy stationary and his personal needs. If you want to send money you will need to go on the web site to See how it is done it is very specific.
I don't mind helping, God has blessed me to be able to help. I have helped several in my family and Mike is a member as well. I hope my helping him and encouraging him and putting people in touch with him will help him rehabilitate. You know this could be anyone of my nephews or my son and I would hope the family would extend a hand or word of encouragement.
Jim, just remember without therapy, he will go back to his old habits when he gets out. I know this is very negative, but it is reality. Everyone finds God when they go to jail and they learn how to manipulate the system and family to get through it all. Lisa's Mike was the same way. He totally repented and worked his jailhouse minister. He got out and that was the end of that. Just be careful. I'll pray for him and write to him but I won't send money.
Jim, just remember without therapy, he will go back to his old habits when he gets out. I know this is very negative, but it is reality. Everyone finds God when they go to jail and they learn how to manipulate the system and family to get through it all. Lisa's Mike was the same way. He totally repented and worked his jailhouse minister. He got out and that was the end of that. Just be careful. I'll pray for him and write to him but I won't send money.
Debby,
I am not asking for money I am asking for our family to Pray, send letters of encouragement.
At Lyn's funeral we spoke in detail about his relationship with Jesus Christ as did he with Aunt Roberta, but like so many of us he failed to live up to that commitment.
I have been writing Mike and I put the jail house conversion question right out there and in his face. He has been visited by Pastor Randy on several occasions. His comments are that he sees growth and repentance in MIke.
Mike is involved with a Bible study, goes to church in the prison, and has taken full responsibility for his actions and punishment. All of this does not negate the fact that he is in a terrible place, a State Penitentiary with rapist, killers, and what have you. He is made fun of due to his faith constantly.
This is not a local or county jail this is the big time. Mike is scared to death and knows when he gets out it will be back in the pen if he does wrong. His not wanting to be around these kinds of people ever again might just be the thing that he will remember if he is inclined to act out again.
I have taken some scorn for trying to work with Mike and trying to witness to him. I have been accused of having too bug a heart, too easy and setting myself up for disapointment. If all of that is true so be it. This is something I feel God keeps tugging at me to do.
He is my sister's child and I have helped out other nices, nephews brothers and sisters in the past and if he does dissapoint me he will not be the first. But I am praying that will not be the case. I feel good in asking you to do the same and maybe we can get Mike on a better track in life.
I will take care of is monetary needs; all I am asking of my family and friends is to take a moment and pray and send Mike an encouraging note from time to time and we will see what happens in December when he is released. And when that time comes I will continue to pray for Mike and ask that everyone else does as well, because that will be the big test. Untill that time not ony pray for his soul pray that he makes it out unharmed and alive.
I hopes this explain where I am coming from.
Love,
Jim
Oh I forgot to mention, Mike is seeing a psychiatrist and he told me he is looking forward to meeting with him. He thinks this could be a good thing starting from scratch and get some good help. This also brings me comfort.
Thanks Jim for keeping us informed too. I will be writing him this week and do what I can. I will be praying for him. I had been trying to get a hold of him not knowing he was in jail, but obviously I had no return from him or anyone.
I had met Pr Randy when I was there visiting when we went to the AOG church together. Great church!
I agree with Sandy, it's awful to see him like that. I have a picture or two I should be able to post on here.
All things are possible through Christ Jesus and I believe that with the proper support, and Mike's determination he can be victorious when he gets out.
I wrote him a long letter and posted it out this week. For my part I'm going to try to keep in touch with him regularly. It's such a small thing I can do...
Mike and I were having pretty serious talks about God and faith long before all of this happened. I too have been dubious..wondering if he's just telling me what I want to hear (?) I dont know. But he was attending church and acting as a 'helper' on some level (not sure in exactly what capacity)..so he seemed to be walking the walk. I hope for his sake he's serious about this. Mike's biggest problems has always been his temper. I'm really glad to hear he's seeing a psychiatrist. That should be of great benefit to him! He's got a lot of time to do nothing but better himself..I hope he does...:-)
I don't want anyone to give up on Mike but I also want everyone to be aware of the reality of the situation. The Lord has admonished us not to give up on each other. We had a son who spent some time in prison. I certainly know exactly what it's all about and what Mike is facing. The fact that he is seeing a psychiatrist is the best news you have reported. When a prisoner puts therapy and faith in God together, their chances for success are much, much greater. Having been through this twice before, I know what I'm talking about. Please don't think I would ever forget or give up on one of Lyn's kids.
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