Yesterday we were told that for ministry we would be visiting a women’s prison here in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. So some of the men decided to sit this one out, but there were still a few of us who decided to go visit the inmates and see what this place was like. We had heard some pretty rough things about it, and since I have always had an interest in prison ministry, I figured I’d check it out.
The prison was located about an hour and a half outside of where our ministry site is, so we all loaded up onto the bus, and took the long drive across town. When we arrived at the prison gates, we were told that we could take no cameras, phone, or any other electronics into the facility, because we would be in danger of getting mugged or hurt.
So, we showed our passports to the guards, and began the walk into the prison. Upon arriving inside, we were told that there were approximately 69 inmates currently in the facility, 48 of which were men and the remaining 21 were women. None of us were expecting men to be at this location, so they ended up splitting the men from the women for the visit. Except, we were allowed to take 2 of our girls in with us, just for the experience.
As we walked down the long, damp, muddy, walkway, they announced that the men needed to head right, and the women needed to go left. At this point our group split up, and we followed the director into the first wing of the prison.
When we got to the first area, we were told that it contained the most dangerous of the prisoners. There men were the ones involved in a gang located here in Central America known as “18”. A VERY dangerous group of men. So they opened the gates up, ushered us into the area, and locked the doors behind us. From this point, we were basically given a tour of that wing of the prison. I can honestly say, it was nothing short of a dump. It was some of the worst conditions imaginable. I wish I had pictures to explain how bad it was, but you’ll just have to picture it through my words.
The living quarters was a small, damp, dark, dungeon, looking room where most the men shared a foam mat on the floor. The majority of them shared a twin-sized mat, which was torn to shreds, and wet. My heart broke for these men. Not so much feeling like they should be set free for what they did, but more so for the fact that some of them choose this life, because it’s somehow “better.” I can’t imagine living in a place like that.
All over the walls were drawings that some of the prisoners had done, representing different things in their lives. I also noticed on one wall, a lot of tombstones that had been drawn, which I could only assume was representing the men whom had died inside the walls of the prison due to gang activity. Nonetheless, the men were very welcoming and kind to all of us.
After we left the “18” wing, we were taken to another area, where most of the juvenile inmates were kept. Upon arriving, one of the first little guys I seen, was a little boy who was age 13! This blew my stinkin’ mind! I asked the director what he had done to be in there at such a young age, but because of privacy, they wouldn’t tell us anything. Most the guys were in for murder though.
We continued to visit the facilities, shake hands with the inmates, and see the living conditions, eventually ending our tour with a visit to another gang-wing which housed the “MS13” members. Once again, horrible conditions. To the point where I turned to John Michael and said, if I were locked up here, I would choose death over these conditions.
Before we left, we had the opportunity to gather with the majority of the guys for a time of testimony, singing, and a drama. At this point, they brought the rest of our women into the area, and we set amongst the inmates in hopes to show them that we were not afraid, but hopefully through this little gustier, we’d show them the love of Christ.
Elijah and Neil shared their stories, and then we had the blessing of performing the drama, “Everything” by Lifehouse. It was POWERFUL. Performing a skit for men who are not only in a literal prison, but also a spiritual prison, enslaved to their sin. A skit about a person who is enticed by the things of the world, becomes separated from God, and eventually is rejoined with Him. After we finished, many of the men were crying. Our Pastor shared for a few more minutes, and then prayed with the inmates.
The entire time we toured the facility, the director continued to talk about how much they needed support to better the facility. Not only that but also NONE of the workers have received a paycheck in 6 months! The majority of them have volunteered to serve in this dangerous place, because they love and care for the men and women so much. We had the opportunity to pray with the director who was a bigger feller who poured out his heart to us. As we finished praying for him, I looked up and couldn’t help but notice, he was sobbing… Absolutely humbling moment. This man puts his life on the line everyday in hopes to help them see Jesus.
As we prepared to leave, Jesus, one of our translators, was talking about how many of the men didn’t have shoes. One side note, I HATE having wet, dirty feet. It’s a huge pet peeve of mine, even after 10 months. As we started to leave though, I thought about the fact that I had other shoes. These men didn’t. Next thing I know, David took off his flip-flops and gave to one of the boys. Instantly my heart broke. I thought about the fact that Jesus would have done the same thing without hesitation. Then I found one of the boys, and gave him my flip-flops. He was so thankful. Elijah ended up doing the same as well.
As we walked out of that place, down the muddy, trashy, wet, filthy walkway, I was humbled. I realized in that moment that I was so ungrateful for what I’ve been blessed with. I was complaining most of the time because my feet were dirty from the mud, but here these boys didn’t have a choice but to go barefooted.
Again, I wish I had pictures, but you’ll just have to use your imagination. It was quite an experience. Please be in prayer for these men and women, that the message we shared would penetrate their hearts and change their lives. We really don’t realize how blessed we are. One more thought before I go…
I think a lot of times we look at folks like that and want to condemn them for what they’ve done. We don’t forgive easily, and sadly, we sure don’t forget. The more I think about it though it’s only by the grace of God that each of us are not in the same place. We’re all human and are capable of only God knows what, and when you get down to it, we are all prisoners in someway or another. Some of are behind steel bars, but a lot of you reading this are prisons to sex, pornography, drugs, alcohol, work, school, etc… I think you get the point. I’m here to tell you though, there is a way out, and you don’t have to be a slave any longer. Jesus can set you free.
Love y’all.
