This week Team Radiant Vibes was given the honor of going beyond the prison gates. We were able to spend a few hours speaking with women of all ages and boy 18 and under. It was such an eye-opening experience for us. Our hearts have broken for the people in these situations.
Our first stop was to the women’s prison. There’s only one women’s prison in all of Albania. No matter which law you have broken or how old you are, if you’re a female sent to jail, this is where you come. The women there were so excited to see us! Some came just to see Americans. Just to try out their learned English skills. The ministry there has been in place for about 3 years by these 2 incredible women. They come at least once a week to conduct a church service. Several of the women there have gotten saved under this ministry. However, peer pressure is a real thing. Most of the Christians in this jail get made fun of for their beliefs. However, we were there trying to encourage them and love on them for a bit.
I was actually ministered to more than I felt like I ministered to them. These women have all done something wrong in the eyes of Albania. They have lost everything. Yet, they are still praising Him! They are becoming cleansed. Their faith is incredible. They are learning that no matter their past, whether they have consumed, sold, or stolen for drugs, gotten stuck in prostitution, or killed–the Lord loves them so SO much. It’s wonderful!
Now, in the juvenile detention center, life was a different story. We did not get much time to actually talk with the boys, we got to share our stories and tell them how the Lord has changed us and rearranged us,which was great! We were a little bummed that we couldn’t spend a lot of time with them. Our time was split between the 4 sectors. Each sector had about 12 boys. It was so heavy in each of the rooms. Our hearts just broke at the thought of what these boys had gone through at such young ages.
We wanted to instill in them that they are more than what society has told them. They are important. They can make a difference. They are not defined by their past. They are loved, SO loved. Their stories matter. They can change lives through Him.
We are going to have the chance to return to each of these prisons and a men’s prison. Please be in prayer for these inmates.
I’ve realized the spiritual prisons we put ourselves into. Don’t lock up your faith! It’s so easy to go through the motions and never grow. Having grown up in minister’s household, that is so easy for me to do. I am so guilty of going through the motions with my relationship with Christ. I don’t want that anymore. My new normal is radical! I am not going to let my faith be cooped up in a box anymore! I’m letting all of me go all in for the All in All! Join me!
Support Me!
