I had visited people who were incarcerated in county jails before. However, I had never been on the same side of the bars as the prisoners.
This was about to change.
Some years ago, at the invitation of a prison ministry, I had the opportunity to speak at a Sunday afternoon worship service for prisoners at Leavenworth. The United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth is a medium security facility for men.
I was instructed to arrive at the penitentiary an hour and a half early to allow sufficient time to go through security. After several security checks, I finally went through the last electronic gate to enter the interior of the prison. I was with several guards and a chaplain. We were on our way to the chapel which, I learned was on the other side of the theater.
The guard said that we would enter the rear of the theater and then walk along one of the side walls until we reached another door. On the other side of the door was the hallway that lead to the chapel.
We entered the back of the dark theater. On the screen was Charles Bronson. Watching the movie were what appeared to be about 500 inmates. I felt nervous as we walked along the left wall of theater. On the screen, someone was shooting what appeared to be an assault rifle. (Who chose this movie for this crowd?) I felt relieved as we finally got to the door that allowed us to enter the hallway leading to the chapel.
Within minutes, inmates began coming into the chapel until finally it was full. The chaplain introduced me and I talked about the story of a good God and the rebellion of Adam and Eve.
Let me tell you what I learned at Leavenworth that evening:
1. I learned to appreciate the power of God and his story. That evening I spoke from the Genesis story (specifically chapters 1-3). As I spoke, something happened that went beyond communicating. I could tell by the look in their eyes, the nodding of heads, and the verbal feedback. They were connecting with that story. Yes, I believe this was God at work.
2. I learned that I need to be in situations where I am not in control. I came away that night humbled and feeling blessed for having been there. This was not a situation that I created. This was not an event that I planned and implemented. Rather, this was being with some men for an hour in a setting that was far removed from my normal experience.
3. I learned that I had an imbalance in my life. I was preaching and teaching numerous sermons and classes. However, most of the time, I was speaking in our church building to people who were primarily members of our congregation. The problem I noticed was that I only rarely spoke to those who were outside the faith. Only occasionally did I speak outside our church building (or another church building). There was something invigorating about this group of people. The problem was not our church. The problem was my ministry. There was an imbalance.
Question:
Have you had experiences where it became apparent that your life was imbalanced? How did you respond to this?
I have recently had the opportunity to help lead a Bible study at 12 Way Foundation, a recovery residence for recovering addicts, and I have been deeply moved by the reaction these men have toward the teaching of Jesus. I had never considered the way I felt about this as being imbalance, but you have me thinking about that now. During this time I have also been evaluating myself and what I do as an Associate Minister and maybe even more why I am doing it. The eagerness I see in these men to right a ruined life just opens them up to the grace we try to explain to them. Maybe it’s not my work, per se, but imbalance that has me cofused as to what I need to be doing for Christ. Thanks for jarring me into another line of evaluation, of myself that is.
Hi Don,
Wow! What a great comment! Isn’t it interesting how such an experience can cause you to step back and look at what you are doing. I’ve had similar experiences where I found myself feeling fully alive and energized as the result. At the same time, these experiences have caused me to evaluate and get out of the rut that I have created for myself.
Thanks for such an encouraging comment.
As someone who ministers in prison regurlary I see God at work in many powerful ways. In prison there are pockets of individuals who have made some incrediably bad decisons but whose lives are an inspiration to me and others. A visit to a prison is a good way to realize how out of control and how fragile we are on the outside of the fences. It is a humbling experience.
As a volunteer in the Prison Ministry I am always amazed at the responses that we receive. They range from complete denial to those who have come to the realization that they are in prison paying the consequences of their actions. I started out with the attitude that AI did not belong with this bunch of losers and quickly came to the realization that these people were little different from me. I have seen men and women break down and cry when they came face to face with the truth of their actions and began to seek forgiveness and begin a new life. They soon find that Baptism is the beginning a period of mourning and transition into a way of life that leads to total submission and salvation.
Over the ten years that I have had the privilege of serving, my life has been drastically improved. This is where we belong, ministering to the sinners not those who are believers in Christ.
Tom,
I really like your comment! One of the most powerful moments of ministry when you realize that God is using a ministry that you are working in to change YOU. How encouraging to hear this. Thanks so much.
Thanks so much Terry. I appreciate and am encouraged by your commitment and joy that you have found in this ministry.