
As I’m sitting here in the bus typing, we’re parked only yards away from a tall fence topped with mile upon mile of sharp razor-wire. Driving a steady path around the complex is a security vehicle and nearby a tower surveys the area from all sides. From the outside it seems a colorless, depressing place. But once again this week we’ve seen how the radical, powerful, tender love of Christ can transform even the gloomiest of circumstances.
This week we’ve shared in 5 different prisons in Alabama as part of the We Care Prison Crusade. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures to share, due to prison regulations. But perhaps I can describe a few of our choicest moments from this week so you can catch a glimpse of God’s work behind bars.
I never want to forget...
...fighting back tears as a beautiful inmate performed sign language for Ray Boltzs’ song, “Thank You” for our family. Her graceful interpretation of the song was breathtaking. But only half as priceless as the tears in her eyes, knowing she meant every word in the song.
...sitting in the bus, praying for Dad, Matthias, and Stephen as they had the rare privilege of spending an hour with several inmates on death row.
...arriving at a Maximum security prison, where only those ages 18+ could enter. Then realizing that Ruth was probably too sick to join us for the service, leaving only Elizabeth, Matthias, Dad, Mom, and I. Also discovering that the evangelist for the evening had to cancel due to not having his ID. With so many changed plans, we were felling terribly inadequate. But then we saw the Lord’s mighty hand. Ruth was well enough to join us for our hour of singing after all. And God gave Dad a special measure of grace to preach the gospel. In spite of our weaknesses, many men responded to the gospel.
...watching ladies literal sob as we shared Daddy’s Song together. Wiping tears as Dad stopped to spend some time praying for their children.
...the joy and smiles on the inmates’ faces as we sang hymns together. Their enthusiastic clapping and cheers.
...playing for our final service and watching 12 men come forward to make first time salvation commitments. Rejoicing in the power of repentance and God’s grace.
But most of all I hope I never forget the matchless, relentless, tender, life-changing, light-giving POWER of the LOVE of God I experienced this week!
Am I living in the light of His love?! "...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints
what is the width and length and depth and height—
to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Eph. 3:17-19