Don’t let the title of this post mis-lead you. But.. see what I did there? If you’re reading this – it must have worked.
I think it is safe to say that my whole team has fallen in love with Thailand. We have been working with a local pastor, Pastor Eckachai, in the province of Chanthaburi. Pastor Eckachai is one of the most exciting, loving, caring, selfless people that I have met. However, suffering from severe jet-lag and complete time-zone confusion, we have been in a daze scrambling to keep up with his endless supply of energy. In our first week we have taught ‘many many’ English classes, worshipped on top of the biggest Buddhist temple in the province, visited multiple different parks/beaches, attended multiple church services where we’ve taught songs and shared testimonies, attended a Buddhist funeral, celebrated culture day with our new Thai friends, and a whole lot more…like dance in a cage.
So, maybe cage is a bit of a stretch. But walking past armed guards and metal detectors and being led to the center of a women’s prison is basically a cage if you ask me. When the pastor first explained that we would be speaking at a women’s prison, I was ecstatic. I have always wanted the opportunity to minister to prisoners. When the time actually came, excitement turned to nerves.
“Don’t make eye contact with the other prisoners..” we were told as we were led through the prison.
My throat got tight and I kept my head down as I quietly followed the footsteps of the person in front of me. I prayed and prayed that my nerves would be calmed.
Before I knew it, we had arrived in the center of the outdoor courtyard where 100+ women in blue jail uniforms were sitting waiting for us. We were greeted with blank stares, and a few sparse giggles throughout the crowd as we took our places standing in an orderly line in front of them. Our translator (and beloved friend), Peng, looked at me to kick us off. But I don’t like speaking in front of large crowds…
“Hi! Thank you so much for coming today and giving us your time. We are excited to be here..” I continued on, explaining our purpose of visiting them that day.
We taught them some songs, and Claire gave a beautiful testimony to how the Lord saved her and transformed her life. We could feel God’s spirit moving as we sang worship after the testimony. A few women were crying and we were praying silently that they would be receptive of the message.
Then, the thing that no racer ever wants to happen, happened.
We had finished our program and taken our seats. The pastor looked at me with confusion.
Didn’t he only ask us to prepare a testimony and a few songs? What time is it? I thought he was going to preach after us…
“Jessica, do you have more?” he asked.
“Uhh..” I had no idea what to do.
“Games? Teach games?” He pleaded, looking at his watch.
What kind of games can I teach a group of women inmates??! Duck duck goose? NO. O-botion-otten-whatever? Even worse…
But God is faithful and before I knew it I was in the middle of a cha-cha line dancing in a circle with 100+ beautiful, smiling, laughing women. Joy and hope and freedom were so tangible in that moment I almost didn’t believe that I was in the middle of a prison courtyard.
I find myself in these moments often.. when I really have to pinch myself to know if I am dreaming or not. When the Holy Spirit is so present you can’t escape it. When God’s story is so visible you can’t help but take part in it. When joy is so full your cup completely overflows. When God’s Kingdom meets earth and you get just a small taste of what eternity in heaven must be like.
Please be praying for the prisoners who might have heard Jesus’ name for the first time yesterday. Please pray that they wouldn’t remember us, but that they would remember the joy and hope they experienced dancing in the presence of a God who loves them unconditionally and doesn’t need a court date to set them free.
