Anchorage Daily News

The power of prayer was the most important factor in Osaiasi Saafi's sentencing ("A story of addiction, death and forgiveness," July 12.) What happened in the courtroom that day, in this compelling story of forgiveness, is due to the value system of these families. It clearly showed the awesome power of simple prayer and belief.

The case involved two God-fearing families, one of which put God first and not their own selfish feelings of revenge, as most victims' families do. I cannot count the times that I have walked out of the courtroom feeling the hatred of victims' families. I myself have been called names by them and seen how they have but one agenda: revenge/retribution.

That day, I witnessed the unthinkable, and trust me, it was the kind of experience that is life-altering. I have told many clients that one of the ways they can help me help them is to pray. Because I have seen God's work in the courtroom, and it is an amazing thing.

So many of us profess to be Christians, but we somehow forget our Christianity in the courtroom. Remembering our Christianity doesn't mean that we become lesser advocates of our position. It merely means we do what we do and say what we say without vile prejudice or hatred of our fellow person.

This is tough to do when you are a victim who has lost a loved one. God knows I can only hope to never be in that position.

The Saafi family (including my client) long ago put this fight in God's hands. It was amazing to me to hear a client say before trial and while continuing to sit in jail "that whatever happens, I'm putting it in God's hands; that whatever happens it will be God's will."

This made things a lot easier for Mr. Saafi in jail; for his family, who would visit him when they could; and for me as their representative.

It did not change the fight, for this fight was truly intense. People in the business know that John Skidmore is truly a hard-working, gifted prosecutor who blends skill, experience and passion into prosecuting his cases. However, we fought each other as true gladiators do, but we did not view each other with disdain.

I say all of this to say that many of us believe in God, but somehow we believe he has no place in our work. And this is contrary to what we learn when we are taught whatever religious values we may have.

In essence, prayer changes things, but the prayers must be sincere. I am imperfect and a work in progress, but I know the power of prayer. I do believe in God, and my belief was further bolstered by my participation in this case.

Rex Butler is a lawyer in Anchorage.

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