We walked through the first set of barred doors and into security, the cold air releaving us from the heat. Our shirts bore the badge that distinguished us as free men and women. Once we were cleared we walked through the concrete doorway, the haunting sound of being locked in stays fresh in my mind. A new scent was in my nostrils and the scorching heat spoke of danger, but fear had no hold on me. Righteous anger stirred in my spirit as we passed a golden Buddha statue, guarded by other statues of lions and tigers. We were not welcome, but we dared to trespass anyway.
This month, my team has the privilege of bringing the light of Jesus into one of the darkest places in Thailand; prison.
Today we ministered in the men’s wing of the prison. The morning started smoothly, beginning by worshipping in Thai- something in me sensed danger. I couldn’t tell whether it was fear (we were vastly out numbered by the 60 male inmates surrounding us), or whether the Holy Spirit was prompting me to stay on guard. Turns out it was the latter. The morning continued smoothly as we lead worship as a team, moved into Nicole’s worship dance to Man of Sorrows, and then prepared to listen to Brandon’s message on the prodigal son. I took my seat and waited expectantly for what God was going to speak through Brandon.
And that’s when things got weird.
We were seated in a room that had two open sides with only fence-like material between us and the outside, one in front of me and one to my right. All of a sudden I heard a loud ruckus coming from the balcony I could see from the open wall on my right. Pray. I heard the direction from my heart and obeyed. I looked on the balcony to see several men in a prayer position, it was clear they were participating in a Buddhist riritual. Jesus reveal yourself to them, Holy Spirit come fill this place. I kept praying expectantly watching for the Lord to move. In the midst of the ritual I watched a man go from a seated position to on his back convulsing. I watched as a monk and two others rushed to his side to blow on him with what looked like animal horns. Chaos ensued, the people on the balcony began to make animal noises and the crowd we were ministering to was distracted. Jesus protect us from the distraction of the enemy. Reveal his schemes to the decieved and cause them to run from it. Let the people see your peace and cause them to hunger for it. Set the captives free.
I continued to pray throughout the time we were ministering, the chaos on the balcony lessened but was still not over. I took turns praying for the crowd we were ministering to and for the ones who were lost across the way. I watched as the balcony held less and less people. The end of our time drew near and a few inmates came up to lead us in worship.
Game Changer.
The men took up their guitars and make-shift drums with pride, these were their weapons against the enemy. Worship is warfare. The first song began and I watched curious feet walk down the stairs from the balcony, peering through the fence just to listen. More curious feet came down the stairs until the balcony was empty. I looked up to see men crowded around the fence, all the way back to the sidewalk. They were captivated by peace.
In that moment God used what the enemy meant for evil, for good. He used the chaos on the balcony to contrast His perfect peace. He used His imprisoned sons to bring freedom into that place, and it was beautiful.
Please continue to pray for the prisoners in Ratchaburi, that the Lord would use the few who follow Him to bring the Kingdom behind bars. He is doing a mighty redeeming work in the lives of the men and women who are incarcerated, using the “weak” to shame the wise.
Also, I am still $3,571 short of my final deadline (which is in two weeks, yikes!) please be in prayer for God’s provision and if you feel lead you can donate by clicking the “Support Me” tab on this page! Anything helps, thank you for your support!
