Joy….,
That is the only word to describe how our first day in Mozambique was.
We arrived after a few days of travel on a bus.. Wore out and tired, but still excited to see this new country and new opportunity God has handed us. After a good nights rest we woke, ate breakfast, then headed of to a Juvenile prison for men from the ages of 16-21. I have never been to a prison, much less one in Africa. I was a little nervous, not sure how aggressive the men were, not knowing what to expect from them but also nervous about how dark the place would feel. I was sure we were going to have to fight off some sort of evil spirits of oppression or bondage. A few of us volunteered to give our testimonies.. Not sure if they would be received well or if the men even cared that were we there. The moment we walked in everything changed.
I felt Joy
I felt Hope
I felt Peace
These men just exude these traits. I didn’t feel defeat or hopelessness. All I know is that God has been at work in this place. They clapped for us.. Smiled and laughed when we were funny, one guy even came and translated the sermon into English for us. I could feel the spirit moving in this place.
I didn’t know how I would feel going into a prison but I know that these men aren’t any different from me. They are Gods children. They are good people.. We all make mistakes in life that could lead us down different paths and I know that it is only by God’s grace that I am here right now. That I am able to travel to these countries and to be able to stand in front of a room of 150 young men and tell them that they have hope. That they have a future.. I know because I am just like them. I once was lost just like they are but God pulled me back because He had a purpose for my life. Just like these men. I don’t know their stories and I don’t know why they are there (and it doesn’t matter) All I know is that God is going to use them for his plan and his purpose, whether it is outside of those prison walls or inside. These men are held captive not just by walls and a barb wire fence- but by the lies that this nation has fed into them. That they aren’t good enough, that they are criminals- but I know these things aren’t true.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord,. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the Lord. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you our of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
I can’t wait to hear their stories.. To know where they come from and to comfort them and let them know that they are loved. They were created for a purpose. That they are men in Gods army- mighty warriors.
Psalm 65:3-4
Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who lvie in your holy courts. What festivities awaits us inside your holy temple.”
Psalm 21 3-6
You welcomed him back with success and prosperity. You placed a crown of finest gold on his head. He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever. You victory brings him great honor, and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty. You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence.
