I’ve heard people say that being a missionary is like living out the book of Acts. I absolutely believe that to be true.
In my experience so far, everything about community, the power of the Holy Spirit being unleashed, the travel, sleeping in tents it’s all relative.
But, there is one particular part of Acts that I must have skipped over. A section that I just didn’t pay much attention to.
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!”
Acts 16:25-26
When I imagine the book of Acts being lived out today, I don’t particularly expect this scripture to be a reality in my life. After all, I am not in prison, and I don’t plan on ever going to prison. But God…..yes, BUT GOD.
Those two words put together in that order, are always followed by something magnificent. I never planned on being locked away in a prison cell as a missionary, BUT GOD, He had other plans.
Last week I was locked up in a Nicaraguan prison. I shared Cell 22 with about 40 other men. Yes, one cell, 40 men. It was crowded, dark, hot, and smelly. They sleep on cardboard there is no light or fresh air.
Some of the men are in for murder, some drugs, fighting, drinking etc. This place is no joke. It’s been 4 years since I was in jail, and Cell 22 makes my previous cell look like a Holiday Inn.
I sat there drenched in my own sweat, trying to ignore the guy beside me without any pants on. The smell was distracting to say the least, and after about 5 minuets, this cell became an oven.
The translator said a prayer and gave a quick word, God spoke to me. He reminded me of the last time I was in a jail cell. He told me that I am here to share my experience from 4 years ago. So I did…..
As soon as the translator looked at me, I raised my hand and shared something like this…..
“Men! 4 years ago I was locked in a cell. It was my 3rd time in jail. I was living a life of drunkenness, drugs, fighting and much more. That night in my cell I told God I’ve had enough. I fell on my face and told Him to take my life. I wanted Him to kill me. And He did. He took my life. I died to myself, He took my life, and gave me new life. Since that day I’ve never looked back. Jesus died for our sins and rose again to new life. I am now forgiven and have everlasting life with Him.”
I encouraged them to do the same. I encouraged them to fall on their faces in that cell and surrender all to God. I told them how God restored me. That day the Lord used me and a few of my teammates to speak to 40 prisoners. They heard the Gospel, they learned what baptism represents and they where given a chance to be free. The choice is theirs, it’s not my place to know what choice they make. It’s my place to let them know they have a choice.
Before we left the cell the men began to worship. Not your typical quiet, soft and tender worship either. No, this was loud! These men were crying out to The Father!
No instruments, lights, or words on a screen.
Just 40 broken men screaming for God. The walls were shaking as my team and I joined them. We were singing one of the only worship songs I know in Spanish. The song talks about giving all the glory and honor to God.
Now back to the scripture:
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!”
Acts 16:25-26
It says their chains fell off! They were free!
Last week God brought this scripture to life for me as I watched the chains being broken in the hearts of these men. They were physically in prison, but they were spiritually free. They were giving glory to God, in prison! Hallelujah!
To say this was an overwhelming experience would be an understatement. God is so incredible and unstoppable. Later, God reminded me that I was 22 last time I was in jail. I was 22 when I gave my life to Jesus. It was also the 22nd day of the month. It’s no coincidence that I was in Cell 22. God is so playful in little things like that.
