Giving back while still within
One of the ways that Nice Column By Shira gives back to the community is through advocacy. Helping those who have a voice, to be able to speak out and offer hope, healing and restoration for the lives of others and in return, find fulfillment for themselves.
This form of benevolence has truly been the heart beat and success of our On-Line Magazine.
A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful pleasure of talking with Minister Karsten Brinson from Atlanta, Georgia. A man with such a humble spirit. We talked quite a bit of time as I interviewed him for Nice Column By Shira's feature article "Giving Back While Still Within."
Mr. Brinson, an Ordained Minister, serves his passion for ministering the Word of God with all diligence and grace to those who many may consider, "The Lost and Forgotten.''
Praying and Interceding for those who need encouragement and inspiration just to make it through another day. Some of the people that Minister Brinson interacts with even need the assistance of counseling, for thoughts of suicide, dealing with the pressure of what their fate has brought them to and the reality of what lies ahead, one of his hardest task.
And, there's also those who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS that Minister Brinson adds to his prayer list and counseling roster.
Talk about a man after God's Own Heart!
Let me point out the fact that Minister Brinson performs his ministry work as an inmate in the Atlanta Penal System, where he has served 85% of his 16 year sentence.
At a very young age Karsten, lost interest in the normal activities of an adolescent child. Kicked out of school, countless arrests, charges ranging from drug possession, possession of a fire arm and fighting to name a few.
As Karsten grow up, these same behaviors seem to follow him along his way. And, he found that once again his choices had landed him a 16 year sentence on charges that varied the same, as when he was a small child.
Karsten, once beginning to do his 16 year bit, began to be drawn to two older men who were incarcerated. Both whom love the Lord and one in particular, was the Prison Chaplin.
After the Chaplin took Karsten under his wings, Karsten began to study the Word of God and found refuge for his soul, recieved ordination and soon after, the mantle of Chaplin of the prison was passed on to Karsten.
Today, Karsten ministers to his fellow inmates, having received a new attitude, a passion to help others along the way and an incredible zeal for the Lord.
Minster Karsten Brinson has also put his time to productive use by writing an auto-biography called "Guns, Drugs and God (subtitle) The road called life."
I want to also make mention of Minister Brinson's two sons, in whom he spoke very highly of and he sends a shoutout to them and his family for all the support they have given him doing his time of need.
Thanks family, friends and love ones! Minister Brinson expresses his appreciation and love.
I also would like to thank everyone for taking out the time to read this story of redemptive love, grace and passion. This interview personally touched my heart in a might big way.
Blessing you all and Always Stay Encouraged!
"You are a part of your environment, it's up to you to make it better or worse." - Minister Karsten Brinson