Our team spent the month of April on the Filipino island of Mindanao. We were settled on the mountains in a city called Malaybalay. We lived, worked, ate, slept, and played at an orphanage for young children. One of the first Sundays we were there, we were given the option to visit the city prison. I decided to sit that one out. I do not feel particularly called to prison ministry, in fact, I avoid it. I have the utmost respect for those who feel called to it, but to be honest, it intimidates me. I’ve always struggled with the idea of prison because most institutions do so little to rehabilitate the prisoners. Also, it just plain depresses me, so selfishly, I try to avoid those things which make me sad.
Later that week, one of my fellow squad mates, Jodi Greenlee who had visited the prison approached me about an idea she had. She told me about the cell of minors that they visited and how she would love to visit regularly throughout the month to teach English. Knowing my passion for teaching, she invited me to come along. I excitedly agreed and we immediately went to work lesson planning. The next two weeks were so incredible and I can’t begin to write about all the amazing things that God did. Maybe I will save that for another time.
It was an honor and a privilege to work alongside Jodi. Her love for the boys was unlike anything I had ever seen. God has given her a beautiful heart for these minors and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. She is planning on going back to the Philippines after the race to work with the boys again. You can stay updated through her blog.
Here is a video she made:
