I talk a lot about how crucial it is
to view people as Christ does… instead of from a worldly standard. So now is my
chance to practice what I preach…
in Mozambique to bring hope to men ages 15-21 living behind bars. That’s right…
we are doing prison ministry. Last week we walked into a dining hall of 150
inmates that have committed crimes ranging from robbery offenses to sexual
assault. They are sentenced anywhere from 3 months to 8 years.
Your first instinct might be to call
me ‘Brave’ for doing this. My only hope for writing this blog is that by the
time your eyes reach the bottom of this page, you have a different perspective.
This Mozambique prison is not a dark
place. These men are not mean spirited, unruly, or intimidating. When we walk
into that dining hall there is a lightness about the air. I think they realize
we truly care about their lives and have passionate things to share… Otherwise
we would have just stayed in America.
—
When I look out at the 150+ young men
sitting on the cement block benches, I do not see criminals. I see students & athletes. I see the smiles of loving fathers & good husbands.
I see eyes of bright futures and influence. These men have the potential
to be world changers, and each one of
them has a voice to be heard.
I’m not just telling YOU this. I told
THEM the other day.
I stood with a Portuguese translator
yesterday in the front of the dining hall and shared something placed on my
heart after seeing a family close member bounce back to LIFE after being in
trouble with the law. I believe with all
my heart that…
Prison does not define who these men are.
Summary:
of walking in you TRUE identity… an identity in Christ. Being trapped in sin is
your real prison… not the bars and barbed wire fence outside. It’s worth it to
lose the sin, because it separates you from a relationship with God. There is a
Heavenly father that loves you more than anyone here on earth. His heart breaks
for you right now, and He wants nothing more than you to cry out to Him for
help. We were bought with Christ’s blood… and when you believe and accept that,
REAL freedom has come.”
We are bringing these men Hope. God is
using us and our experiences to express to these men that we love them and see
good in them… Just as Christ loves them, created them for good, and yearns for
the day they want to live solely for Him.
After 2 visits, the inmates are already
writing thank you letters, asking questions, and requesting prayer. The guards
tell us the entire atmosphere of the campus is changing. These men are thirsty
for truth and purpose. It’s humbling to see how a few simple skits, testimonies,
and spirit driven words from our team would have THIS much of an impact.
I sure don’t feel like it’s me. These inmates are opening up and allowing
themselves to be vulnerable to change. That’s a scary thing… & to me that’s
the real bravery.
“Open your eyes. He’s
calling you by name.
Rebuke all the lies. They’re holding you in chains.
There is Hope in a Holy God… By the Lamb that was slain.
He is who He says he is, & we are called to be free.”
Jimmy Needham
