On Monday Sean, Gina, Elizabeth, Jenny D. and I went to visit a local prison here in Manila. This prison houses 700 men and 68 women and they are packed in tight. I visited the women’s side with my girlfriends. I sat with a bunch of ladies on their bunk beds (wooden structures, with no mattresses, stacked 3 high and holding all their possessions). They are beautiful women. I sat holding Ira’s hands in mine and prayed she would be reunited with her newborn (1 week old) baby. I sat with Benedikta and prayed that God would heal her of her diabetes, asthma and heart problems. Benedikta is a frail 64 year old who looks far older then that. She has the most beautiful eyes and we spent time talking about her children and grandchildren. I also sat with Roxanne who showed me her Bible. I flipped to the 23rd Psalm and told her it was my favorite. We talked about memorizing scripture and how we can hold God’s word in our hearts. She is going to try and memorize the 23rd Psalm and I get to test her when we go back on Friday.
At one point the women broke out in some halleluiah courses. It was awesome! They totally welcomed us in and are excited that we will be spending time with them this month sharing the Bible.
Right as we were getting ready to leave I met a girl named Mie. She was holding one of her hands that had a very bad looking open wound on it. I asked if I could pray with her for healing. She shook her head no but there were tears in her eyes. I said that I would pray for her all this week and visit her on Friday. Please keep her in your prayers. I’m hoping to spend more time with her soon.
Many of these women are in prison because of drugs. Quite a few have children that are being raised by their Moms and relatives. Most have been here a long time. All of them need hope.
