VOLUME JULY 2002 b

July 10, 2002

MEDIA MISINFORMATION

The media is so predictable. Just as it was twenty-five years ago, from yesterday morning and all throughout today, virtually every news media outlet on radio and TV (and I also assume in the newspapers, although I haven't seen any of them yet) have been abuzz wilth stories about my parole hearing.

And it is no surprise, too, that because of either their ignorance to all the facts, or maybe because of their bias against me, some of the information they presented to the public was incorrect.

All the news I listened to on my radio, and then later on the few TV channels I saw, said that my "bid" and "attempt" to get parole was denied.

Yes, the board said, "Parole Denied." This was a formality as they had to by law, make an official decision for the record. However the fact is, I was not trying to get out.

I knew before I went to yesterday's hearing, and so did the parole board, that I was not seeking release. For as I said in my March 25 letter to Governor Pataki, "For if and when I go to this hearing, it will only be to show respect to the parole board, to apologize and take responsibility for my criminal actions, and to basically tell them what I am now telling you--that I do not deserve parole". And this is exactly what I did!

I was saddened to see this "Summer of 77" hysteria back in full force. It hurt to hear these continuous reports about my "bid for freedom" when I made no such bid. How rediculous. The reports, in this respect, were completely untrue.

David Berkowitz

July 12, 2002

EXHAUSTED

I am presently going into a recuperation phase. I need to get refreshed and re-energized. But I already feel a tremendous weight off me now that the parole hearing is over.

Although I do feel physically and emotionally exhausted from this recent wave of trials and challenges, my heart remains knit to the Lord's . I belong to Jesus, and He belongs to me.

In my quiet times with the Lord today, the Holy Spirit reminded me that nothing can separate me from God's love. Because I am in the Lord's hands I have been able to experience a deeper fellowship with Him. These disappointments and difficulties, hardships and struggles serve to keep me humble. They cause me to cling more to Christ. And besides, in these situations He faithfully provides His enabling strength that I can endure and not give up.

Of course Satan seems to try his best to darken my testimony. He works hard at getting people to only see my past and not what I am today;

This is part of the battle. He doesn't want me to be free of the past. He wants to keep me a prisoner to it, but I'm not. I am already free!

Still, Satan will use the media to remind me as well as society of my crimes long ago. He wants to somehow torment me by this.

Yet I know what the word of God says: I am a new creation in Christ. Old things have passed away, and all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God's Word is stronger than Satan. The Lord's word shall prevail. And for me, this is what counts!

David Berkowitz

July 17, 2002

A PRAISE REPORT

Today I want to praise the Lord and thank Him for His goodness, and for the wonderful things He is doing in my life.

I just received a letter from dear friend informing me that the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church re-aired the FORGIVEN FOR LIFE video. This is an approximately 25 minute version of my testimony.

On Sunday, July 14th, during the 4 P.M. service, the video was shown at this large church. People from all walks of life were in attendance. Many remembered me from the time when I roamed the streets as a possessed madman, full of murderous rage, looking for people to kill for Satan.

Yet this past Sunday, many of these same New York City residents got to see the miraculous work of salvation and deliverance that Christ has done for me.

I will be forever thankful for God's rescueing my life from its course of descruction. He is truly a God for whom nothing is to hard!

And here is what a portion of my friend's letter said about the video and this church service:

"This past Sunday was wonderful as usual. I attended Brooklyn Tabernacle where your "Forgiven For Life" was shown.

"Pastor Cymbala's presentation was outstanding and this time, after the video was shown, he gave an invitation for all those who were experiencing impossibiities to come forward. Then tehere was a second invitation for salvation.

"The altar was filled to capacity and hundreds of people were standing at their places in need of prayer also.

"God's marvelous work is truly beyond anything that we could ever think or imagine..."

David Berkowitz

July 20, 2002

FRIENDS FOR ETERNITY

I wasn't planning on doing anything special today other than washing some clothes, cleaning my cell, writing some letters and reading God's word. It weas a good day to simply try to rest and recuperate until tonight's chapel service.

So at approximately 10 o'clock tehis morning I was surprised when a corrections officer came to my cell to tell me that I had a visit.

My dear friends, Nick and Ellen, came up from New Jersey. I hadn't seen them in awhile as Nick has to work six days per week and Ellen has been battling cancer.

Her doctors said she has little hope for long term survival. But I know the One who is called the "Great Physician". He specializes in treating and curing the most hopless of cases. His name is Jesus and He is a Healer.

The three of us had a good time talking, laughing and praying. God has woven our lives together to encourage each other and keep one another on the path of life.

I've known Nick and Ellen since we first became friends in 1993. They've been with me through thick and thin and through every trial. I'm blessed to know such loving Christians.

From 10 A.M. until 2 P.M. we stayed in a crowded to near capacity visiting room sharing our hopes and simply enjoying each other's company. During the last fifteen or so minutes of our visit the three of us joined hands, bowed our heads and took turns praying. The many chemotherapy treatments have left Ellen weak, exhausted and bald. But if she could bravely undergo her painful trial with grace and faith, then I can endure my days in prison and another hardships too.

David Berkowitz