LOCKED UP
Prison ministry is rewarding. Every encounter has it's own unique stamp. The faces are unforgettable. The stories, often tragic. But there is hope in prison because Jesus lives. He lives in the heart of many inmates. He is offered on a personal basis to inmates without hope. That's where Bill Glass Prison Ministries comes in.
Access to inmates is very limited. Visitation is closely monitored and brief. Without organizations like Bill Glass, most inmates would not get the personal attention of volunteers and volunteers would not have access to the inmates.
Through this ministry I have had the privilege of getting to know several men in prison. Their life and their life story become real to me as we get to know each other, and along the way, I often have the opportunity to give the reason for the hope that I have. It is a great thrill, to spend all day, or in some cases, two days, working my way through the cell blocks, stopping to talk with inmates who want to engage. After a few hours have passed, the prison way of life starts to settle into my brain and behavior. The rules are strict. The conduct closely monitored. For us volunteers, it's either fit into the system or get tossed out on your ear. Prisoners never get a day off. On the other hand, they have every day off. In fact, many of them become so accustomed to having every day off, that they spend the majority of their lives in prison. I know it sounds like a lifetime of misery, but after years being locked up and having every basic need met, the outside world can be a scary place. It is not uncommon to find men who have been in and out more than four times over the course of thirty years, with the majority of that time spent in.
I am most impressed by the musicians, entertainers, sports hero's and speakers, who also volunteer their time and talent to come along with us and entertain as they share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the inmates who are willing to come out into the prison yard for the show. The majority of the talented volunteers have lived through great personal tragedy, have been transformed by the healing power of the gospel and are tireless in their passion for offering the hope of Jesus to others.
Returning home after my most recent trip to Huntsville, I told Gail that I wouldn't recognize surrender if it hit me in the face. Every morning I start my day by surrendering myself the the Lord for His purposes. Well, at least that's what I say in my prayer. But honestly, I am so surrounded by comfort and love and convenience, that the only clue I truly have about a surrendered life, comes to me by way of observing life in prison.
Prison ministry is rewarding. Every encounter has it's own unique stamp. The faces are unforgettable. The stories, often tragic. But there is hope in prison because Jesus lives. He lives in the heart of many inmates. He is offered on a personal basis to inmates without hope. That's where Bill Glass Prison Ministries comes in.
Access to inmates is very limited. Visitation is closely monitored and brief. Without organizations like Bill Glass, most inmates would not get the personal attention of volunteers and volunteers would not have access to the inmates.
Through this ministry I have had the privilege of getting to know several men in prison. Their life and their life story become real to me as we get to know each other, and along the way, I often have the opportunity to give the reason for the hope that I have. It is a great thrill, to spend all day, or in some cases, two days, working my way through the cell blocks, stopping to talk with inmates who want to engage. After a few hours have passed, the prison way of life starts to settle into my brain and behavior. The rules are strict. The conduct closely monitored. For us volunteers, it's either fit into the system or get tossed out on your ear. Prisoners never get a day off. On the other hand, they have every day off. In fact, many of them become so accustomed to having every day off, that they spend the majority of their lives in prison. I know it sounds like a lifetime of misery, but after years being locked up and having every basic need met, the outside world can be a scary place. It is not uncommon to find men who have been in and out more than four times over the course of thirty years, with the majority of that time spent in.
I am most impressed by the musicians, entertainers, sports hero's and speakers, who also volunteer their time and talent to come along with us and entertain as they share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the inmates who are willing to come out into the prison yard for the show. The majority of the talented volunteers have lived through great personal tragedy, have been transformed by the healing power of the gospel and are tireless in their passion for offering the hope of Jesus to others.
Returning home after my most recent trip to Huntsville, I told Gail that I wouldn't recognize surrender if it hit me in the face. Every morning I start my day by surrendering myself the the Lord for His purposes. Well, at least that's what I say in my prayer. But honestly, I am so surrounded by comfort and love and convenience, that the only clue I truly have about a surrendered life, comes to me by way of observing life in prison.
posted by Terry L. Burr | 7:37 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home