As I waited for the correctional officer to open several locks on a massive barred gate, I could hear the sound of drums and what sounded like keys jingling in the distance. As I got closer to the open area I could hear voices chanting and singing. It felt as though I was walking into the coliseum getting reading to fight.
When I reached the open area I saw around 40 men in red jumpsuits singing and dancing. My eyes reached two men with long wooden poles and at the top of the poles were bottle caps that were jingling together to the music. Then I looked to my right and there was a man that was sitting on the dirt beating a drum.
There were about 30 plastic chairs set up in the hot sun in the middle of this arena, which is where we all sat. Surrounding the area, the 40 men stood dancing and singing praise to the Lord. I felt God telling me to share my testimony and as soon as I sat in my chair I felt nervous and anxious because I knew I had to stand in the middle of the arena, in front of 40 prisoners without handcuffs on.
One man from the group, the one holding the large jingling pole, started walking towards the middle of the arena. He stood there and began chanting praises to the Lord, then all of a sudden the prisoners began to sing along. Even though I didn’t know the words I began singing and in that moment, all my fear and anxiety left my body and I was filled with excitement!
I shared my testimony that day, along with my friend Krista and I cried during it. I cried in front of 40 male prisoners. After my testimony, my friend Ryan shared a word that made every single person in that arena silent. If someone came in there not knowing who Jesus was, they definitely left knowing about what Jesus has the power to do and what He did when he died for us.
6 prisoners gave their lives to Jesus that day. 6 murderers/thieves/abusers gave their life to the Lord. They are people, just like you and I. And if you can believe it, their sin is no worse than yours and mine. They hold so much value. So much worth. And they are so loved.
As for me, I know what it feels like to be prisoner of my own mind and my own life. Although not physically trapped inside a prison cell, sometimes it feels like I’m trapped in my life. Like there’s no way out and no where to go. Trapped within a job or within a family, trapped with alcohol or drugs, trapped with lust or sex, trapped in sickness or with a mental disease. Trapped in worry or fear, or trapped in wealth and riches, or even trapped in loneliness.
God wants to help you. Whatever you feeled trapped with right now, it’s the enemy trying to deceive you. You have been lied to. You don’t have to ask for freedom, because it’s already given to you. The key to your cell is right there in your hands. If you feel like you are trapped inside a prison cell, God is waiting for you to ask for help. He will help you turn the key and break free.
If you need prayers, please please please comment below! I want to pray for you. I want to see you free:)
