which has all the earmarks of
a spiritual classic for the ages. Not since the Letters of St.
John to the early Christian community and The Imitation Of
Christ of Thomas ŕ Kempis has there appeared such a book written
so directly heart-to-heart for the encouragement of the perfection
of the Christian life.
I suggested to Mr. de la Trinité that The Book Of
Wisdom might be of great value to inmates in prisons across the
country, and we are certainly in an age when a disproportionate
number of young blackmen, and black women as well, are incarcerated
and are living out a considerable portion of their productive lives
behind bars—men and women who are desperately needed for the
building-up and strengthening of the black family and community.
These men and women need our support in helping them
find the path to personal goodness and personal growth or, having
found such a path, encouragement to remain on it. We need to help
them achieve a healthy and positive outlook on life and an
appreciation of the value of what it means to be a good neighbor and
a good citizen in order to make a real and positive difference in
their lives. I am personally convinced that we can point out to them
a better way of living and the value of life itself, and since we
can do so, then we ought to do so.
Mr. de la Trinité was very moved by my suggestion
and said that it seemed to him that I was reading his mind, since he
had long wished to write something that might be of value for those
in prison, wishing in this way to follow Christ who said, “When I
was in prison, you visited me.” We agreed that it would be wonderful
if the book could be given to inmates free of charge to them.
Therefore, I write this letter to you asking you for
your kind and generous assistance to realize the goal of putting
this remarkably spiritual and positive book into the hands of as
many prison inmates as possible. Any amount that you pledge to the
production and distribution of The Book Of Wisdom will be
most greatly appreciated.
Please provide me with a name, address and prison ID
of an inmate, and a money order of $4.95 to cover the cost of
shipping & handling. A copy of this book will be mailed to them free
of charge. This is the least I can do, for I know that not all our
men and women who are incarcerated are simply “bad people.” Some
have not learned any lessons in life due to their background; lack
of a caring and stable home, or lack of the basic civic education
required for all citizens in a modern society. Yet we, as a society,
are often quick to condemn them, thus robbing them of the ability to
contribute positively to the marvelous experience of life and its
extraordinary possibilities.
May the Lord our God, who will not be outdone in
generosity, bless you for your kindness and your most generous gift
to your loved one. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sam Chekwas
Seaburn Publishing & Media Company
Prison Project
P.O. Box 2085
Long Island City NY 11106
Tel. 718 267-7929
Fax: 718 267-2679
email : 
