I went to prison in the Philippines. About three times a week actually. While we were in the Philippines, the Lord enabled us to start a prison ministry. This opportunity was rare, the first time it had been allowed for foreigners in these prisons, so were are told. I was able to minister at two prisons, a small location that holds about 36 people and a large location that has about 900 prisoners. Many people there are waiting for trials.
The small prison was a single rectangular building with an open air common room, and four tiny cells. The six women share one cell, which has one thin mattress and two blankets to sleep on the floor…it’s about enough room for 2-3 people to sleep. Six must be beyond uncomfortable. Other cells hold juvenile and adult men. During our time here, I spoke the Word, prayed with the prisoners, encouraging them to seek after God. I shared the Gospel several times.
My first day, God put it heavy on my heart to share with a lady named Liza (picture: lady in yellow). She only speaks Tagalog, so I asked a semi-English-speaking prisoner to help me with translation. She understood the full message. You could tell from her eyes and facial expressions, like one that has hope offered to her but afraid to receive it. Something was holding her back; I tried to understand what it was. She said she wasn’t ready. I shared with her again, prayed with her, and then left the Holy Spirit in charge of freeing her from her life’s bondage. God gave me peace; today was not her timing. But I continued to pray for Liza. And every time I returned, I told her that I was praying for her to make a decision. The last day, I asked again if she wanted to trust Christ. Translation was hard that day. She said something like she knew Jesus. And then she gave me a gift, a beautiful sculpture she made out of a plastic sprite bottle shaped into a plant/tree with red-painted flowers. I don’t know if Liza believes or not; her eyes make me think she’s not quite there yet. Please pray with me that Liza will come to know the Lord soon, freeing her from her bondage.
Exciting news! At the large prison, Sean was able to baptize a man who had recently become a Christian. Upon hearing that news, two men at the smaller prison (miles away!)asked to be baptized. I explained to them what it meant to be baptized, how it is a symbol of our faith in Jesus, His sacrifice and power, and our new life in Him–not our way to salvation itself, but atestimony to others of our already changed lives, a commitment to put off old sins. Once these men understood their commitment, Seanbaptized them during our next visit to the small prison. Amazing how the faith of one prisoner leads to the faith of other prisoners miles away. Please pray for these men’s continued growth in the Lord.
I leave you with this challenge: How far does your testimony reach? How are you sharing Jesus with others?
