To the editor:
We read recently of the sentencing of Todd Beneke (age 26) for illegal activities that occurred prior to June 1, 2010. We have an update that should be encouraging to all of us.
As we go through life, we all have the opportunity from time to time to help someone else who needs and perhaps deserve it. That someone for us recently was and continues to be Todd, having known him since his childhood.
The last 10 years or so, we have watched Todd make poor decisions to the point of wondering where and what would become of him. Some of his decisions led him to alcohol and drug abuse, which led to other illegal activities to support this unhealthy lifestyle, which eventually landed him in the Chase County Jail for 149 days beginning last summer. It is my understanding that it would have taken only a few hundred dollars to gain Todd’s release, but family and friends were fed up with Todd and his irresponsibility as a young man and thought the best place for him was right where he put himself.
So this is where Todd’s life changed. While incarcerated, he found himself at the bottom of the barrel. With no one retrieving him this time, he had nothing but time on his hands for nearly five months.
Having a Christian background, Todd picked up and began to read the Bible. Over the course of time, he was able to read completely through it three times and thus have the daily opportunity to digest the truth of God’s word.
We believe that this is where Todd realized his wrong doings, was sincerely sorry for them, and received God’s forgiveness, thus turning his life back toward God. We believe that God removed the desire from Todd for the need of alcohol and drugs and therefore, the illegal activities that have followed. It is the power of God’s Word that is able to change lives.
Since his release from jail on Nov. 1, 2010, Todd has been working with our sons on our farm, while he is seeking permanent, full-time employment. He has also renewed his interested in a fishing hobby with our son, Jared.
Todd’s grandfather and wife have opened their home to him while he gets his feet under him and his life back in order.
Todd has been attending church regularly along with some Bible classes. He has started repayment of his debt to society and will have to deal with the consequences of his past actions for several years. We have heard many expressions of gratitude from Todd for our help.
We realize that it has been less than three months since his release from jail, but if he had wanted to, we are sure he could have resumed some of his previous bad habits.
Even with the help of others, it still will be up to Todd and his faith to make this a permanent lifelong change.
As we think of where Todd was and the direction he was heading, we think this is a real-life story of how a person, through God, can dramatically turn their life around. At this time, I am as proud of him as though he were one of my own sons.
Gary Diepenbrock
Lincolnville