Missions

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(written 2-17-04)

Just this Saturday, Feb. 14th, 26 of us, men and women, went to the local detention facility with the idea of ministering to two "pods" of inmates, each for men and women. Pods are open bays where the inmates resided and finished their sentences.

These two areas were known as "God's Pod" because it was encouraged there to read the Bible and consider the truth of Jesus Christ. I had learned sometime back that the Captain of the guard personnel is a believer.

Immediately after we arrived at the women's side, there was an emergency lockdown. We were allowed to stay and so we continued setting up, to include a sound system and instruments for worship. I play an instrument called a "Dunbek, a hand percussion instrument, so I needed a chair where I could sit and play. Since there were none, except for the stainless tables similar to circular picnic tables anchored to the ground. I found myself sitting at one of these table and way ahead of the band. This would later be a significant detail for me. We then had to wait an hour, to see if the men would be allowed to join us in the women's pod.

Without being given a chance for me to think we would have to sit and become bored, some of the female inmates proceeded to read from their Bibles with scripture like Rom. 8:28 and James 1. Naturally we found ourselves being ministered to spiritually, by those ladies.

When the hour was up, it was decided that the men could not join us, so we began worship with the women. By this time I had shown our leader, Greg, a copy of my poem, "Evangelisto". He soon told me to read it after the worship, so I did. It was well received with applause.

Greg, our leader, did the teaching. I am always amazed at the heart this man has for those in jail. He has an awesome ability to talk to people in a way they can understand, on their level, without the Christianese. He talked about love, taking advantage of it being Valentine's Day, taking it to what real love is in how God loved us through the sacrifice of his Son. He then proceeded to give the alter call, and all the women came up to receive the Lord. Since I had been sitting up ahead of the band playing my Dunbek I found myself surrounded by about 30 women. When I looked up I saw a wall of faces with tears and brokenness. I began to weep myself.

So, after they were led in the Sinner's Prayer, we got into groups with them and lead them in counseling and prayer. Obviously, we had and awesome time!

Looking back on it now, I realize it was the Lord that prevented the men from joining the event because it may have led to a misunderstanding about what we were doing, with it being Valentine's Day. It probably would have made things very difficult for those who were incarcerated.

We may get to go back soon, this time to minister to the men.

Pray for them, please

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