One of the ministries we have been a part of here is going into a nearby prison and sharing music and a message or testimony. I was surprised at first, how easy it was to enter the prison. Yes, there was a big wall with barbed wire, but we were just were guided right on through. They didn’t check us for weapons or even ask our names before we entered. We sat down in a newly built library where we met the prison warden for questions and answers. We learned there are over 800 male inmates, less than 40 female inmates, and a separate area for juveniles. The inmates that were freely walking around the grounds were convicted of things like murder, drugs, or robbery. Some of them were sentenced to life in prison while others had shorter sentences.
I realized right away that I was very uncomfortable with the word, “prisoner”. As we were sitting with the warden, I just kept thinking about that word. The name “prisoner” is given to them, as if they have no other name or identity. But they do have a name. God knows their name. His grace is more than enough to cover any transgression.
We walked through the prison and passed the men and women that were working in gardens or doing building projects. Some of them were trying to talk to us and some of them just watched. Some of the men were in gated areas and some were walking about freely. We walked into a room in the courtyard where about 50 men sat.
As we walked through the prison, I realized that I was not afraid. A few years ago, sitting within feet of and shaking the hands of people who have committed murder might have scared me. A few months ago, before forgiving men in my life that have hurt me, I might have been terrified of getting hurt. I would have immediately judged what their intentions were. After hearing testimonies last month of men that were former traffickers who now work to prevent trafficking, and after seeing God work through a man in the darkness of the red light district care for a little girl, my heart is changed and I am no longer afraid. I also know, God goes before me and behind me (Ps 139:5) and I know, He has my back.
I had been asked to bring a guitar because the men enjoyed music, so there I was sitting in front of the men singing How He Loves, Our God is Greater, and Amazing Grace with my teammates. Some of the men clapped along, some mouthed the words and tried to sing with us, and others just sat and watched.
Oh, the power of the gift of music! I have loved seeing, so far on the race, how God has used music. He uses it to usher us into His presence, to open up hearts, to bring about unity, and to bring a sacrifice of praise to Him. He uses music the way He also uses silence. They are two very powerful things I just can’t get enough of!
After the music, Stephanie gave a beautiful message about not striving for God’s affection and then I had an opportunity to speak as well. I shared my testimony of God’s grace in my life. At the last minute, God put it on my heart to tell the story of the Prodigal Son and talk about the gift of salvation and invite them to receive Christ into their lives. I spoke that no matter how long they were scheduled to be in the prison, God can give them the greatest joy and freedom in the midst of their circumstances. It was amazing to see how God was working as I looked upon the expressions on their faces. A few had willing tears in their eyes, a few looked afraid, and some looked hardened.
With that, our time at the prison ended and we walked out into the open air.
I’ve processed so much about our ministry at the prison. The revelation of grace that God has given me has gone even deeper. My desire to see men, women, and children freed of their prison is a little stronger. In that, I realize there are all sorts of prisons. Some look like a building surrounded by barbed wire that will hold people captive their whole lives. Some prisons look like an emotional cage of depression, rejection, and fear… like the one I was rescued out of. Some look like bar street in the red light district of Thailand. Yet, some seem to look like a slum where abuse, hunger, and depravity abound…
