The Redemption Letters
From Death Row to Heaven: An Account of Salvation from the Darkest of Places
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Between 1965 and 1967 I was involved in several stabbings and five killings. By the time I was (22) years old, I was on "Death Row" condemned to die for (2) prison murders. I actually grew-up on the "Death Row." I was up there for (7 1/2) years waiting to be executed. that's where I met Charlie.
Anyway, the death penalty was abolished in 1974 and I came off the "Row" with a death sentence commuted to "life imprisonment without the possibility of parole." I've been doing that sentence all these years. I've served over (40) years locked-up in my (49) years on this earth. I've done over (32) years solid without having been out for even (1) single day!
LeAnn, I take no pride in what I've done with my life. I've never hurt a woman or a child- nor would I. It's just not in me. But, I have done some serious wrong in my life and I'm paying for it. I did the crimes and now I'm doing the time. But, you did ask and now you know. I'm not a very "nice guy" at all!!
I will say one thing on my behalf. I've committed no kind of serious crime since Nov. 6, 1969, when I killed another "tough guy" in a knife fight where he was doing his damnedest to kill me. So, for the past (28) years I've done no violence to anyone other than a fist-fight every now & then. Still, I did what I did and I continue to pay for what I did.
Though I don't live like I should, I will tell you that I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and I pray to God that I'll be forgiven for my sins and that fit to grant me eternal life in a place far better than this place has been for me. Amen!!
Okay, this has been a tough letter to write. A lot of bad memories. I've tried not to make excuses for what I've done and I've been honest with you because you wanted to know. It's not very pretty, is it? No, I can't say I'm very proud of what I've done. I can say that I'm sorry for much of what I've done, not all of it, and that I'd like to make whatever amends I can with what time I've got left.
Listen, LeAnn, you bring a little sunlight into a pretty dark place. Take care and write whenever you wish.
I am here and I am...
Your Friend, Roger Dale
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About the Book
Have you ever invited someone to church only to be turned down with “I’d burst into flames if I walked in there”? How do you invite or even witness to people who think they are too far gone? You ask a person who was far gone but found the truth and love that Jesus offers to everyone.
The Redemption Letters offers an introduction to Roger Dale Smith, a death row inmate whose best friend was Charles Manson. While serving a commuted death-to-life sentence in Corcoran State Penitentiary in California, Roger Dale gave his life to Jesus and used his remaining time to witness to other inmates who shared his fate—including Manson himself. He had lived a life of sin, but he changed his heart and fell in love with Jesus, showing how even someone who has committed what seem like unforgivable crimes can go to heaven and have eternal life with our Lord and Savior.
This collection of letters and other writing present an account of a death row inmate’s life and his testimony of salvation, proving that no one is too far gone to receive Jesus’s love.
About the Author
LeAnn Ploeger is a professional surgical first assist in an operating room. She and her husband, Ryan, travel with her job and use it as an opportunity to witness in the various places the Lord sends them.