When I worked for GTL, they would often send me to various prisons to work on the inmate phone systems, and meet with the prison staff. One such trip occurred in Feb. ‘07. I drove down to south Florida to the Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers area, and while I was down there I anticipated meeting up with Steven Tanner, a friend of mine.

I agreed to meet Steve and a Superbowl party thrown by Tim and Penny, two friends of his who lived right on the water. On the way to the party, I began praying for Steve, and asked God to give me a chance to share the Gospel with him. As I drove down Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda, I passed a small church that was having a prayer meeting.

I made a U-turn, drove to the church, parked, walked inside and sat down. While I was inside I listened to the pastor and the people with their prayer requests. It was a wonderful gathering of Christians. I asked them to pray for Steve, and to pray that I would have an opportunity to share the Gospel with him. I exchanged numbers with the pastor, and agreed to meet him later in the week for lunch.

It’s amazing how God works. I was able to make a friend during that week. The pastor of the church met me for lunch and we talked about evangelism and the state of the church in south Florida. It was a blessed time. Brother Steve (the pastor) and I became friends and have since emailed one another a few times. (He’s one in the photo with me.)

For some reason, Steve has been on my heart recently. I haven’t emailed him about it, but I will tonight. Right now, I am asking for prayer for him. Please pray that the Lord would work His perfect will in Steve’s life. Pray that Steve would continue to be a shepherd who follows the Lord and leads his people towards Christ.

While you’re praying, please pray for Steve Tanner as well. I love the guy, and haven’t talked to him in a while.