In the seventh chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, we learn from Stephen – just before he is murdered – that the Most High God does not live in temples made by human hands any longer. That heaven is God’s throne and the earth is His footstool. God rules over everything and everyone in the universe, and all authority has been given to His Son Jesus. 

Elsewhere, Paul also encourages us that our bodies are mini temples of the Holy Spirit, restoring us to what has been lost and moving us forward to the new future and creation that is a reality as a result of the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Furthermore, Paul tells us that each of these ‘mini temples’ is being built together into a great temple that continually and forever gives God the praise and honor that He is due. 

In confirming the general point but using a different analogy, Peter (benefiting from or maybe starting some sharing of best practice theology) talks about us all being built together as living stones: 

“As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ… But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:4-5, 9 ESV) 

Selah…….Pause and think deeply and calmly about this. 

So, to this new initiative Touchstone. 

Over many years now, God has clearly been calling us as members of the Body of Christ to this ministry of serving prisoners, their families and victims. Our PFI family of independent, indigenous, national organizations is diverse in ethnicity, Christian confession, and cultural expression, but united in mission and most vitally in our shared love of the Lord Jesus and understanding of His Great Love for us. 

Within any family (especially a family that is seeking to serve a clearly defined audience with complex needs), there is experience, knowledge, wisdom, practical excellence and best practice, which when shared and implemented can and do serve to equip us for greater Impact. 

We would be foolish not to liberate this deep bank of resources, give voice to it and facilitate knowledge transfer. 

This is the mission of Touchstone. 

It reminds me of a favorite proverb that says this: Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. (Proverbs 15:22) 

Recently, I have quoted many times St. Augustine’s maxim that ‘we pray for miracles and work for results,’ fully conscious that we must abide in Him to bear much fruit and that without Him we can do nothing. 

No strategy or plans should ever get in the way of this or usurp this spiritual principle. 

That said, I wholeheartedly commend this new communication initiative to you. The content will be to convey actionable best practices, originating in the field, in a quick-read format.  

Though the format is new, we have been working towards this goal for years. Indeed, it has been happening in different ways for a long time. It is crafted with you in mind, with grateful thanks and admiration for all you are already doing with the hope of assisting you in greater things for the future. 

Connecting us relationally and building us up as living stones, offering acceptable sacrifices through Jesus……. And bringing great honor and fame to Him alone. 

Andy