I went back to the jail again today. I think I’m a little addicted to that place, but I just can’t get enough of my time there. I’m now on the hunt and praying for a Viscayan/English dictionary so I can talk with all the inmates a little better. It’s so hard not being able to communicate to all of them. I’ve prayed for an understanding of the language supernaturally, but I guess it won’t be that easy…
One of the reasons I went back was because I wanted to know the guys living with Jerry a little better. It can’t be easy to be “forced” into solitary with someone, so I was just curious what their thoughts were. I was blessed to have Jerry there because I was actually able to overcome the language barrier with his help.
Honestly, I half expected James to be a little bitter or frustrated to be stuck in that cell. But then when I shook his hand, he just had the biggest smile and was so delighted to just talk with me. Just like many of the men here, James was so full of joy and just considered his life blessed despite his surroundings. I heard a little about his situation and was a little shocked by it. He has been in this jail for almost a year and is technically not guilty. The person that holds the complaint says she’ll drop the charges is he’ll just pay back the 2000 pesos (about $40) that is the equivalent of the damages. He said it would be just that simple, but since his family doesn’t know he’s in jail, and they live in Cebu (which isn’t even on this island), he’s stuck.
I don’t really ever give money directly to anyone, but I will rather go with them and buy what they need. Honestly, James’ case sounds a little more like a bribe than a payment, so I just asked if I could talk with the person that holds the complaint. I found out that this woman is at the jail every Sunday to visit her brother, so we set up a meeting. If James is telling the truth and his freedom is as cheap as $40, then I’ll have it in my pocket to pay. I’m again praying for the constant discernment because I am dealing with criminals essentially, so I have to be careful.
James finally just came out and asked me if I could pay it our at least help him get the amount. I told him that I would meet with the woman, and if it’s that simple, then I’ll take her down to the courthouse, pay her the fine, and have her remove her complaint in my presence. I finally just looked at him and said, “If you’re lying to me, then I’m not really taking that big of a hit, but if you’re telling the truth, then you’ll have your freedom. You just better not do anything to get yourself back here.”
Honestly, you’re hearing a little of my external processing because I don’t know what I will do. God has blessed me with an incredible amount of support financially to use for my ministry, and this is it. At least part of it. How much of a blessing would it be if this man’s freedom was as cheap as $40? Pray for justice in this country in the face of so much injustice, and for wisdom in my life, so that I will know how to deal with these men. I love what I do…
