When our team learned that we would be working with a boy’s prison, we weren’t exactly thrilled. I may or may not have said, “how is an all girls team supposed to connect with young men that want nothing to do with us?” (I have a truly impeccable attitude).
Answer: Jesus- bet ya didn’t see that one coming.
After a long ride in a truck bed (during which I had to pee painfully bad), we made it to the detention center. We strolled casually through a metal detector with our Biles, Thai gospel tracks, and a guitar ready for the boys to dismiss us- gotta love that missionary life. Our team divided into two groups; some going with our ministry host to chat with the “stubborn and aggressive” inmates will some stayed with the younger boys.
I had the privilege of staying with the youngin’s along with my teammates Heather and Caleigh, and our Squad Leader, Joshua. Our translator (and brother in Christ) organized the boys into a circle as he passed out song books. While they all began singing Thai worship songs I surveyed the boys- maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. That’s something no one tells you- that Thai boys in a detention center laugh harder, sing louder, and hug more than anyone. Seriously, not many 14 year old boys cuddle up to their best friend while falling asleep (some weren’t all that into worship).
The translator led worship for our group and then asked the Racers to share our testimonies. AKA a two-minute story about how Jesus changed us. Uh I’m sorry, but that’s a little more than a 2 minute story…
Once we finished the boys asked us questions ranging from “what drugs do you have in America?” to “what’s your favorite Thai dish?” In turn for our responses, they answered our questions. We learned most of them were arrested for drug dealing even as 14-16 year olds. We learned why they wanted to get high. We learned why they wanted to get out of detention. They told us ghost stories as they giggled and cuddled with each other on the floor.
The ghost stories came to an end and the translator handed out snacks saying, “If you want to know more about Jesus stay in here.” Now, after our conversations about drugs and ghosts, I wasn’t exactly expecting anyone to stay… but that’s okay we’d be back next week.
To my surprise, four boys stayed. They told us they wanted to try to know Jesus. They told us they wanted to change. They told us they wanted a relationship with Him.
And so we prayed. And just like that there was a huge party for 4 inmates up in Heaven. The smile I had in that moment was equivalent (if not bigger) than when I realized we were going to the ocean in India. Like, really really big.
After praying the translator told the four boys what it meant to be a Christian, encouraging them to read their Bibles and pray everyday. We gave them gospel tracks and a Bible to share, promising we would bring more next week.
Yesterday was the first day on the Race our team saw someone accept Jesus. And it wasn’t just one person, it was FOUR. It may have taken 2 and a half months… but my oh my was it worth it.
“Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’“
~ Luke 15:3-7
