I went to a Philippino prison the other day and was so
refreshed to see God’s hand moving in that place. I met ‘John.’ He
told me how he has several kids, former relationships, and that he really
misses them. Purposefully not going into details, I heard how much John
does miss his family. We didn’t get into details as to why he was there,
but we did get into a deep heart issue that rocked my world, and his.
This day I was able to get my first experience at this prison. Another
team had already been spending time there, as the Lord provided clearance for
the World Race to be in this prison. The team was even given permission,
as other Christians and other religious organizations have in the past, to talk
about God, to put on Bible studies and worship services. So when we got
to the prison and I met this group of inmates, we quickly entered into
worship. We sang some of my favorite church songs, and then heard
testimonies from several of the inmates and one of the world racers. Oh yeah,
by the way, these filipinos sang there hearts out. They sang really LOUD,
which was so refreshing to hear. I was singing on the microphone, and I
could barely hear myself, it was so awesome to hear their voices. After
the worship service we separated into groups and did bible studies with many of
the inmates. It was here that I was
so grateful for how the Lord led the conversation.
Towards the end of the bible study, which was on the topic
of Jesus death on the cross, I threw out a challenge to the men. Have they forgiven themselves? Have they received God’s forgiveness he
gives them? There was silence, no
response, just thoughts rolling around in their minds. Our translator told me that this is
actually the hardest thing for them to understand and accept. As a group we talked through this, and
then the most amazing thing happened.
The atmosphere was tangible, God’s presence was there, and the men were
asked the ever important question.
Would they choose to follow Jesus, and would they choose to be baptized
in water. Let me tell you, that
they have been poured into not just this month with the gospel, but many many
months and years, so their understanding of the gospel wasn’t just an emotional
response. And 11 men raised their
hands. John raised his hand. John smiled so big at me. All 11 raised there hands to saying YES
to the gospel. Today, the original
world race is going back to the prison to baptize 11 of these male inmates,
PRAAAAISE GOD, AMEN? AMEN! I’m so
inspired, so encouraged by this past event, and today’s victory. I am unable to attend this ceremony,
but God will be there, angels, my heart, and yours too. Lets cheer these men onto becoming men
of God within the confines of prison.
There’s a verse that says in Isaiah, “He sets the captives free.” These captives aren’t free to leave
jail, but they are free in their hearts.
John, he is free in his heart.
As a reminder of our time together, John gave me a handmade
bracelet. I’ll be wearing this
bracelet as a reminder to pray for the lives of the men and women in this
prison. 
