Reins of Grace Ministries

03/22/2022

Letters from Shane~
This is my latest letter I wrote for Visions of Hope! I wanted to share my on going ministry and how God is on the move here, at Deer Ridge! May it inspire and bless you!
Love, Shane
Just Click Below!!

By AIC Shane Hall After just a month of being at this prison location, the day came where God said to my heart, “Shane, go to the yard, with your Bible, sit down and wait.” Within minutes, a man walked up and said, “Can I see what you’re studying?” We … He Came to Kill, Steal & Destroy R...

06/27/2020

Letters from Shane ~
Just last week, I walked into what is our chow hall at work, and was met by J.R. He's not a church goer, nor do I believe a follower of our Lord. If he is, it's the greatest secret ever! He's an acquaintance. In my years in this city, he and I have spoken less than 200 words...an occasional Hi and small talk. He is a bit of a hustler. His favorite phone number would be to an attorney always on the hunt for a quick dollar. He is who he is. As much as I know of this man, he could obviously write some sort of bio on me as well. Just for the record, I've never shaken his hand, or for that matter, hugged this man.
With all that said, I have to be honest, I never saw what was coming next! So as I walked into the chow hall, he immediately came right up to me, and without any warning he said, "I need you to hug me," as he reached out with both arms. I was on full alert! This was so out of the way, and out of character for him. I held one arm to my side, but was clearly questioning the motive. I stepped back and said, "What's going on?" In a caring voice, but still a little awkward he said, "I just found out my dad died, and I knew you would care and hug me." All walls, all awkwardness, all awareness of my surroundings vanished. I grabbed him and hugged him with both arms.
I write story after story literally stating the same fact over and over....everyone needs love!
I did nothing to bring his dad back, in fact I haven't seen J.R. since our hug, but for that moment in his grief, even in the midst of incarceration, I feel even one hug gave J.R. not only comfort, but confirmed that love and caring still, and will always exist, even here....as long as we're willing to love.
Blessings my friends,
~Shane Hall

06/21/2020

Letters from Shane ~
As I listen to the men, there seems to be a common echo..."Can you believe what is happening outside these walls? What you don't hear is the word,"blame."
I know most of you are aware that I have many acquaintances here from all sorts of different religions, race, color, and creeds. So when I say, "no blame," it's real. Their words, and conversations look to the absurdity, or outlandish reactions and actions of those outside. I waited to see or hear from one side or the other who either followed, or played out what they've seen on TV, but it's not happening...still no blame.
I pondered as to why? (1 Corinthians 4:7) might hold a clue for us...verse 7 says, "For who makes you different from anyone else?" When you come to prison, you're forced to live around all races, creeds, backgrounds, and personalities,. If you don't comply, you go to the hole. No denying the fact, it does take place! But even with those individuals, sooner or later, they too adapt, excluding of course extreme inmates which come from all races.
Not all believe in the Word of God, however I've come to witness that without realizing it, they do live out the words of Christ in (John 8:7)..."If anyone be without sin, let him cast the first stone." If we are honest, society has set apart two groups, (guilty or righteous). Jesus also set apart two groups, (guilty who admit, and seek repentance, or guilty who deny). Both are guilty!
A life is lived out the same way in prison as if each man comes to the point of accountability, and admits that we all sin, all are at fault, all make mistakes, all fall short and all hurt others. Bottom line...all need Jesus!
So for this city, we've not been changed by the world outside.
I hope all can understand what I'm saying, and that all seek the blood of forgiveness, and the blanket of righteousness on this Father's Day.
Prayers and blessings,
~ Shane Hall

06/13/2020

Letters from Shane ~
We've all heard the statement: "Somebody call the cops, I've been robbed." Whether it's over the missed field goal, or simply opening up a shell, and instead of finding a nut, it's only an empty shell. Have you ever met an empty shell of a man or a woman?
I've come to realize these are the kind of men I tend to come in contact with the most, but to be honest, in most cases, it's no fault of their own. With no family upbringing, and lack of any moral compass, they turn to a life of drugs and gangs. Yet whatever the cause, I've also found that in all these circumstances, all have a tie to what can not only break the cycle, but fulfill the inside of the empty shell. It's love, they need love. As soon as I detect such a shell, I go into...(fill the shell mode). I don't lie, exaggerate, or fill their ears with words that don't really describe them, I build on who they truly are. As I wrote last week, that form of love and acceptance can come in many forms...the Red Robin and her babies, and how it affected the men here. When authentic love speaks to the heart, an immediate glimmer is seen in the eyes as if love stirs them to rise up out of the ashes. The heart is overwhelmed, and as little as it might be, we start to see ourselves as our Father see us.
I believe without a doubt, when this takes place, our soul begins to see it's true potential to become one with the Father.
I challenge all of us to test this, and let love move that soul in front of you.
God's Blessings,
~ Shane Hall

06/07/2020

Letters from Shane ~
I can only imagine the words/phrases you would hear if you asked 20 people to describe the kind of individuals one might find in prison. If I'm honest, before my Heavenly Father placed me in this city, I too, would have had negative thoughts concerning the hearts of those incarcerated. Thank God, my eyes have been opened...(Ephesians 1:18). I hope your eyes have been as well.
I live on a unit with close to 120 men. They age from 18 to 92 years. They represent all levels of education, religion and most likely, the top ten crimes as well. With that in mind, let me tell you what took place in the last three weeks.
A red robin mama made her nest in a light just above the weight pile. Within weeks, the sound of cries of her babies could be heard.There are only a select few of us who work out, yet the babies stirred the hearts of not just us, but of every man on the unit. These hardened outlaws, and criminally minded outcasts were collectively inspired by the sounds of baby birds. Before you knew it, food crumbs, and water cups made their way near the nest area so mama robin wouldn't have to leave the yard. And then with every chance, there came an occasional bird watcher giving greetings just under the nest. I watched the scene play out over and over. I heard conversations at chow, or between cells..."Did they fly yet? Are they okay? How many do you think are up there?"
And then, the day came! The "three amigos" made it out of the nest, but weren't quite strong enough to soar. We witnessed three crash landings in the midst of our little yard. You would think these men were at a rodeo, or sports event. There was clapping, encouraging...coaxing the three to fly. I should tell you, most of these men are anxious types with penned up nervous energy, and can hardly stay still! One little bird changed all that!
The runt of the bunch would do his best for days to take flight, especially when the yard first opened. So....some of the time he would fly and land on either a man, or right beside him. Lets just say, "Stillness" came across every man!
Now you've quite possibly had a bird land by you and thought nothing of it, but in this case, it sure made these men feel special.
The scene lasted almost four days, and then they soared. One day, I believe they will come back to raise their little ones in the safe haven of TRCI.
Who would have ever thought? I only know our Father knows how to bring out the best in every man, and He did! (Matthew 6:26)
Love and blessings,
~Shane Hall

05/31/2020

Letters from Shane ~
Over the past six months, I've struggled, fighting everything from depression, anger, to loneliness. Ironically, in this time, I've experienced more dreams than ever before. Each one is good, and the best part is, my dad is ever present! Just a week ago, I could see his face clearer than ever. He was smiling, and we both had a guitar. We were happy to be singing together. My dad went home to be with the Lord in 2004...one of the worst days of my life. It's a day I wouldn't wish on anyone. Yet my sister in Christ, Jamie Bybee is now living through the loss of her mother. Jamie is one of those women that the world is blessed to have. She's beautiful, and she is a gracious Mama to not only her two boys, but to a host of family all over Oklahoma. She's a strong, and loving wife. (Anyone who knows the Bybee men, knows they need a strong, determined woman to keep them in check). I'm smiling! Yet in all of this, Jamie is a threat. Please allow me to explain. The way Jamie loves, cares and is there to help is a picture of our Lord Jesus. When someone like Jamie is among us, lavishly showing these characteristics, she is an enemy to all that is evil. When we try our best to live our lives out of love, we will taste crisis, and bitterness of this world. It's as if we are marked. I've often believed, and said, there are families who seem to suffer more than the average family. They experience horrific losses whether financial, or death. Tragedy seems to haunt their surroundings. However I can also say those who fit in this category, find themselves in an elite group. It's found in (Hebrews 11). They are called the: "Hero's of faith." Although they experience severe blows, and are knocked down, people like this...like Jamie, never stay down. For now, mourning is an absolute, yet scripture tells us in (2 Corinthians), "We will suffer, but so also, Christ's comfort will overflow, and sustain us." And still, there is more. Although we feel the sting of death, and may even cry out to God in our grief..."You're killing me, you are killing my hope, my faith, my love. God, I'm dying inside". God answers us by saying..."This is happening so that we might rely on Him, and not in ourselves.
So I proclaim to all of us, death may be with us right now, and we may feel lost, like it's the end, but it's not. We have a God who will restore, and raise up what has been lost. Shirley Josey, Rodger Hall, and to all under the Lord Jesus, will rise! I am comforted by something so real, nothing, not even death, or loss can take it away.
Jamie has always carried love. She obviously was raised by love. The love of a mother that carried over to her as if it were a seed, and she's lived in it's harvest
I opened this letter to Jamie and to those who share this story recalling how in my worst of times, I've dreamed of my dad. It's as if he, like Shirley Josey, and your loved one would all say,"Keep on going, keep on loving. Don't let this ole world steal what your loved ones have placed in you."
One last thought....Four years ago, Robert and Ina, who are life long friends of my dad and mom's, came to visit me. As I walked in to the visiting room, Robert started to cry. As we greeted one another, he said, "It's like I'm seeing your dad. You sound like him, you.talk like him...you even walk like him.
Shirley Josey, a precious mother will never be lost or forgotten. She lives in her family. But not just in the Josey's, but to a great part of Apache, Oklahoma. When Jamie cares for John, Jacob, Joshua, or anyone else, her Mama will be seen.
I wish I was there to say this to your grieving heart, but for now I give you the words God placed in my heart. I hope they not only bring comfort, but impart strength to not stay down, but rise.
I love you Jamie. I love you all!
~Shane Hall

05/28/2020

Dear Reins of Grace family.
Shane asked me to post a huge "Thank You" for all your kind and loving comments on his last letter. As I read each one to him, I could tell by the silence, he was moved to tears. After I finished reading, he said to tell you: "Thank you! There was only one problem...you made me cry!" 😢😁
I thank you too, for encouraging my son. May God bless you dearly!
Blessings,
Sue

05/26/2020

Letters from Shane ~
Last Saturday, my son Duke Hall graduated High School. His day was obviously quite different due to Covid-19. To say it was hard on me is an understatement. When I was let out on Saturday night, I couldn't wait to hear his voice on the phone. As one would guess, he too felt the sting of separation. However as always, I try to find any words to overcome the sadness we both feel in our souls. This will be the second graduation I will have missed. My daughter, Mickayla graduated four years ago.
Even in my darkest of times, I can't...I won't give up believing that any day now, our Father will overturn this conviction, and set his son free! Yet when any of us face uncertainty, pain or the depths of lonesome, it can shatter our faith. My fellow brothers here know this well. God's will will always be, but for me and my will, it can become very unstable. Our will power within each of us is often tested to it's very core. I've learned that if I don't rely on the strength of the Lord, and allow my will power to deplete, I'll be placing myself in critical care. Will power can only be sustained if it has a viable source, or in this case, a goal. One could say... a true vision on the horizon.
So as Duke and I shared our sorrow, I immediately set a visionary future for us. I told Duke: whether God frees me tomorrow, or five years from now, I will replace various celebrations we've missed. I'll celebrate your 8th birthday with Superman cakes, and hot wheel cars. On your 10th, we'll have cake, balloons, and play paint ball. We will share our first hunt together. I'll hire 20 men, and we'll suit up and play football. Our time is not lost, only postponed. This is not the end, just a rough patch we must travel through in order to get to better days ahead.
That's how Duke, Mickayla, Mama, and I fuel our will power.
Our God is a God of vision, dreams, a hope for a better future, and expected end just as (Jeremiah 29:11) tells us.
~Shane Hall

05/17/2020

Letters from Shane ~
Sunday afternoon, a buzzer rang and we were told..."Quarantine is over. Yard and day room are open!" With the quickness of Clark Kent to Superman, we all converged on the yard. People were hugging, high fiving, and laughing...I just wanted fresh air, and a workout. I wanted to soak in some much needed sunshine, and I definitely wanted out of my box. I will say, it sure beat being in the hole in that I still had my guitar, T.V., and I could draw. In all, we spent 17 days in our cells. For the most part, it went well, and we had only a few minor outbursts on my unit.
After I finished my workout, I stood in the sunshine listening to the same conversations with each man who came by. I heard of their battle, and war against sin as those tidings of discouragement, loneliness, and all out anger kept whispering in their ears. The devil can do some of his best work when one is confined to four walls. As much as each man spoke of his personal struggle, each would tell of the victory they would have over those days and hours. It came through prayer, their bible, or talking with their cellmate and sharing faith, or the lack there of.
I want to express to all of you that although I'm unable to see any part of Reins of Grace, my Mama reads your comments to me. You are all so kind, and I love how you've taken these men and their stories and used them in vast ways to push the boundaries of this ministry. That's always been our purpose.
Thank you for your prayers and support. We are family, and as Jesus said, "We are the light of the world."
Bless you,
~Shane Hall

05/11/2020

Letters from Shane ~
In (Acts 28:1-6), we find Paul landing on an Island called, Malta. He and the others with him had been lost, shipwrecked, wandering aimlessly, not knowing if this might be the end. This is exactly the same sentiment we feel when we become separated, either by prison, death, or even during this pandemic. In the midst of this darkness, I find myself searching for any ray of light. My eyes desperately search the vastness for a light house, beacon, or maybe just something to keep me above the depths of despair.
For me, and those in my shoes, or even you the reader, we've all experienced those times of false highs of strength as if we are carried by a wave to it's highest break. In our temporary confidence, we peer out over the crest, and all we see are more waves, and more distance. We become overwhelmed and slowly, our heart's anchor begins to sink. In other words, when you and I are carried to the highest point, and hope and strength seems in reach, once the circumstances are revealed, it's as if I am all the more lost. I only know of one way to overcome this kind of despair, and that is to cling to the very life that saved me on the cross, our Jesus.
We are told in (Hebrews 4:15-16), "He was tempted by everything you and I have faced." Just look at the declaration in verse 16, "We find grace to help us in our time of need."
I am so thankful grace is given when I don't deserve it. Even when I'm mad, or disappointed, or find myself wandering aimlessly in the sea of despair desiring to give in, or give up on hope, faith, and the fight, even then in this crippled state, Jesus knows. He cares, and is sympathetic with me in my weakness. (Hebrews 4:15) implies, "He is touched by our infirmities"
Cry out to Jesus. He is there. He absolutely cares and without anything from you or me.
That's how much Jesus loves.
From this prisoner to you!
~Shane Hall

05/05/2020

Letters from Shane ~
First...thank you all for your prayers for me and the men here during these difficult days.They have been a great help and so far, it appears that God is keeping things under control. I'll soon be off quarantine, and hoping I'll be able to return to work on Friday, May 8th. A huge praise!
On April 22, we were told that TRCI had one confirmed case of Covid-19, and they had tracked it to where the man worked. Those of us who work for O.C.E.(Oregon Correctional Enterprises) which includes the Laundry and the Wood Shop where I work, were immediately called in for a 14 day quarantine. Prior to this, we were on split tier status, which means I could get at least an hour and a half to be outside and go to work everyday. Now, it's just me, my roommate, and four walls, and of course, my thoughts! I wait. I wait to know if the virus will attack me or my roommate. All of us were exposed, so the odds were good that this would grow! However it is in my Father's hands, and for His purpose, will, and plan, so I trust. I do not want to find myself fulfilling scripture where they wearied, and grew faint of heart. One smidgen of that into my Psyche will only serve to choke out my faith. We've had to take our eyes off our circumstances, and place our hope and future in God. Communication with all others has been virtually cut off.
We are in our cells 23 hours, and fifty minutes a day. Ten minutes a day, I can take a shower, and on certain days, use the phone. Conversations are very short..."HI, everything okay? I'm fine. I love you. Goodbye."
Which brings me to what I call this place..."Bethel,"... house of God (Genesis 35:14-15). How could I call this prison a Bethel? Just read all the stories I've shared in the past six years, and tell me how I can't. Love, worship, and soul saving has been present here.
So back to my third day of quarantine. I headed to my five minute shower. My heart was happy, I was out of my cell. My mind was racing....I wanted to call Mickayla, Duke and Mama just to hear their voice, and say, I love you!
I stepped into the shower and heard A.J., a fellow citizen say, "Shane, I need Church!" A.J. attended twice about six months ago, but never returned. I had asked why, and receive the common line, but I knew why. A.J. is young, and still concerned about his reputation. So to my surprise he said. "Shane, when we go back, I want to be baptized!" Please know, it isn't the virus. A.J. has had only a couple of options...T.V. or read his bible. I'm so happy and proud of him! Once again, A.J. felt he is in the house of God, and Like Jacob in the bible who laid his head on a rock for a pillow, and God showed him his future, A.J. laid his head on the rock of Jesus, and wants to add his name to the house of God.
Our head, eyes, and heart must stay looking Up at an empty cross which signifies, "Victory over death!" (Victory In Jesus)....Love that old hymn, and have never forgotten the words.
Once again, thank you all for your prayers, love and comments. Mama has shared them all with me.
Love and blessings,
~Shane Hall

04/25/2020

Dear friends,
It is with heavy heart that I am writing this to you instead of posting Shane's weekly letter today. I just received notice that an inmate at TRCI has tested positive for the Coronavirus. Shane has been exposed, and yesterday they quarantined him to his cell for 14 days. At this point, it may include no phone calls, and restricted mail. I have no way of knowing. First, no visiting, now no calls. A sinking feeling along with a bit of shock came over me. I asked God to keep my focus on Him, as I searched my bible for help and answers.
Once again, our faith is being tested and though I may ask, "How much more Lord?," I can tell you with certainty in my heart, God is with us in this storm as He has been in all the others. (Isaiah 14:3) tells us when these things are over...."It shall come to pass in that day, the Lord shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bo***ge wherein you have been made to serve." And so as I have done many times before, I prayed for another victory, and I give all glory to God for His mercy!
It's unclear when I'll receive another letter from Shane. In the meantime, I ask you please, keep Shane and all the rest of the men in your prayers. Many are in fear. We had hoped it would by-pass this prison, but since it hasn't, we fervently pray that they get it under control, and the virus will not spread.
I'm so thankful for all of you, knowing I can count on your prayers and support.
Please stay well and strong everybody for we know, " This too, shall pass."
My love and thanks,
Sue Hall