Looking for a way to reach out, a woman from the Midwest contacted a death-row prison ministry and began writing to a man named Durlyn.

For 16 years she witnessed to this man, never having met him. When Durlyn's execution was scheduled, she felt it was time for her and her husband to make the 10-hour drive to the prison. During their visit, Durlyn said when he first received her letters, he was determined to remain a hardened criminal.

However, God used her diligence and love and the message of salvation to soften his heart. Durlyn received the gift of eternal life. Now, several years later, with death lurking around the corner, he anticipated the reality of what he called "being at home with God and His angels."

Very few of us know the exact day we will die, like Durlyn did. But the Bible tells us "it is appointed unto men once to die and after this the judgment."

Do you know someone with a terminal illness? Or someone who has lost hope? Why not use this Christmas season to reach out to him or her with the Good News of Jesus Christ. None of us deserves God's grace but the reality of heaven, of spending eternity with God and His angels, can give anyone hope and comfort for what lies on the other side.