If you had twenty minutes to talk with someone you’ve never met what would you say? If there was a wall between the two of you, literally, how would you strike up the conversation? If they were serving 25 – life would you treat them any differently?
Nine of us visited men and women in a Bangkok prison yesterday. After a few days of living out my ‘introvertedness’ to the extreme I was excited to talk with anyone. God had taken any fear and anxiety in me. I would get an opportunity to talk with fellow believers behind bars! Seriously, God is too good to me.
In the morning we stopped by the men’s facility. For most of them, missionary visits are the only outside conversations they have. Roberto and Ronny were filled with joy. I could hardly see their faces through the screen but I could feel their smiles radiating. They know they’ve done bad things but rejoice knowing we’re all sinners saved by grace. I was highly encouraged by their thirst for the Word. “There’s nothing else to do.” Despite being locked up they’ve discovered the satisfying freedom and hope in God’s Truth.
After lunch we checked out the women’s facility. The women were behind the glass and came up to the booths where our team smiled and shared about Jesus. The beautiful women from around the world – Ghana, South Africa, Swaziland, Ukraine, Romania, Peru – sang to us before we left. “Refiner’s fire -my heart’s one desire is to be holy, set apart for you my Master, ready to do your will.”
The day totally captivated me. Every day I’m finding new joy learning to become intentional in conversation. I’m trying my best to blog, email, facebook, and call home, but there’s something sweetly different about looking into another persons face and hearing their stories. And that’s why God has me here now. I’m sorry for each and every time I’ve settled for shallow conversation.
