The other day for ministry we were told we would be going to a
prison, to visit, bring the word of God and donate soap for them to use. I had
a flashback to the prison in the Philippines, and thought “Ok I can do this
again”
I have not yet preached this month so I prepped something in the
morning in case I was asked to preach. I
focused on 2Cornithians 4:8-18. Well it was not but a few minutes before we
left that Pastor told me I would be preaching (good thing I planned!)
We rolled in on some tuk tuks and entered the gates to the prison.
In the distance I can see over 100 men in striped outfits, hanging out at the
field, all eyes turning towards the “white people” walking in.
My mind starts racing. “I thought we would be inside, I don’t want
to preach out in the open. I need to make sure I ask if anyone wants to give
their hearts to Jesus. I have never done that before. What is that verse in
Romans about eternal life? What do I pray with them if they do? Romans 10:9. Ok.
No one will do it anyways, deep breath. Do not be anxious for anything. God
slow my heart rate please I can’t breathe. Holy Spirit show up!”
Then I am called up to speak.
I start speaking and use what I prepped along with all the cool
things God added along the way. (I almost like having a translator sometimes
because you have minute in-between
thoughts to think and take a deep breath… ahhh….) So we get to the end and I
asked if there was anyone who was afflicted, perplexed and persecuted, anyone
who was down and wanted to reach up for a lift from the Lord. If anyone wanted
to Let Jesus be the Lord and Savior of their lives.
All eyes staring back at me
One man stands up, then another, then more and more and more.
Within a few seconds over thirty (my team says I couldn’t think or speak never-mind
count!) THIRTY MEN were standing up with their hands raised wanting to give
their hearts to Jesus.
I was frozen. I laughed a little and said “ok, uhm, yeah, cool, I
don’t know what to do, ok yeah, ok God, ok we can pray.”
So there I was, praying with dozens of men, helping them make the
most important decision in their life, walking them though the greatest
blessing they will ever receive.
I had no clue what I was
doing.
But God did.
We now have over thirty new brothers who will be joining us in the
Kingdom. Thirty plus men who made the choice to break out of their own prisons
in this world, break through the bars and chains to meet Jesus at eternity’s
gate.
Glory to God! This miracle was the result of His mighty hand and
grace, it was nothing that I did on my own strength, I was just being used by
Him for His Glory! If you could please
take a little time to pray for those men, for truth, peace and love in their
hearts. Pray that there are people who can disciple them, love them and that
they may grow deep in their relationship with Christ.
I love you all!
