TESTIMONY of Brother Dave Keen

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to lie when you followed the ways of this world…Like the rest; we were my nature objects of wrath.  But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.  (Ephesians 2:1,2a, 3B-4).  These are the Words that God spoke to me as I sat in a maximum security prison cell facing 15 years for almost killing another man. His loving Words brought me to tears, to my knees, and into His open arms.

              That day, in a dark and dreary cell, I fell deeply in love with Jesus, my Redeemer.  For the fast four years I have been about my Father’s business.  Daily, I die to myself and I let Christ live through me here at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla, Walla, Washington. I lead & sing worship music at our chapel services. Here is a song I wrote, words & music, called “JESUS LET ME KNOW “. Brother Mel encouraged me to make a C.D. when I’m released.

             “I woke up this mornin’ in an alley way, Cold & hungry as can be, Somethin’ inside of me is begging to say, Somebody, please set me free. I woke up this mornin’ to an empty house, to a broken family. Somethin’ inside of me is crying out, Somebody, please set me free. (Chorus #1) Somebody, please let me know, that you feel my broken heart, Cause something inside of me lets me know you’re close to take me in your arms.(Melody) I woke up this mornin’ in a prison cell, Fell down onto my knees. Something inside of me is dying to yell, Jesus has set me free. (Chorus #2) Jesus, you let me know, You have felt my broken heart. Now you’re inside of me drawing me close, Closer into your arms.”

                Even though I am surrounded by walls of brick and steel, I live free by the blood of the one I live.  I share this freedom with all the other prisoners, both staff and inmate.  At times I am discouraged, but my father in Christ Jesus, Bob Hagen, encourages me with the Word of God that flows mightily through him. Brother Mel gave us all the powerful Arsenal prayer that we pray daily, so we can stand against the wiles of the devil. Bless you brothers.

Soon I will be released back into society and I greatly look forward to continuing to fight the good fight with you, my dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.  Peace be with you.