Prison ministry comes with a few challenges. Quite a few actually but I want to focus on my most recent visit behind bars.
We had what they call a retreat this past Saturday at the George Beto Unit. When I attend a retreat in the free world I usually go off someplace special to add to the affect. We simply used the chapel in the prison for our event.
Every Saturday the chapel is used for what they call prayer and share. It’s a time for Christian inmates to gather for worship that includes singing, a short message and a time of praying amongst themselves.
The retreat is a longer event with singing, a few talks (we had 5 this time) and discussions following each talk that may or may not include prayer.
The theme for this retreat was discipleship. I gave the first talk which focused on a basic definition of what a disciple is and what discipleship is.
Part of the reason for these retreats is to groom one of us free world volunteers in preparation for leading a big Kairos weekend event.
No, I wasn’t the one being prepped this go-round.
There was a bit of confusion about who was assigned which talk but it got sorted out quickly. The talks went well. So did the discussions.
All in all the day was a success.
With a new warden comes new challenges. That’s what we soon discovered. Usually the Kairos vehicles are allowed to pass the gate without inspection. This time we had to be searched just like the visitors.
I learned of other changes and challenges going on behind the walls that I won’t say anything more about here. Please pray for a successful transition period for all involved.
I rode down with the guy who led the first Kairos walk I was a part of. Tommy and I had great conversations on the way down and an interesting occurrance on the return trip.
We picked up one of the Kairos trailers in Palestine so Tommy could carefully inventory the contents at his air conditioned place of business.
The halfway point is Corsicana. That’s were we hop on Interstate 45 for the rest of the trip.
Fortunately Tommy neglected to relieve himself before he gave the last talk and before we left the prison. That meant we pulled into a gas station for a break.
As we were turning around in the parking lot Tommy says, “Crap. We just lost a wheel.”
Kairos means “God’s Special Time.”
These trailers are loaded with tables and other items used for the major weekend events. They’re used by different groups at various prisons in the area. That means maintenance is anybody’s guess. The tires looked great.
It was the brake drum/wheel assembly that fell off because the bearing inside came apart.
If that had come off before then it probably would have rolled off into the ditch somewhere, unless it occurred while we passed someone.
If it had fallen apart on the interstate it’s anybody’s guess as to what might have happened.
God was watching out for us for sure. We limped that trailer in the rest of the journey without incident.
So why did I burn a Saturday spending time with guys convicted of major crimes?
As I told one of the guys, “Everybody deserves a second chance.”
The Christian walk is a challenging journey in the best of circumstances. Imagine what it’s like for these people with a criminal record.
There’s an interesting paradox involved with going back behind the wall. There’s equal parts wanting to see and not wanting to see the guys I worked with before.
I want to see them so I can get a feel for how they’re spiritual walk is going, but if I see them that means they’re still stuck in prison for who knows how long.
If I don’t see them it means one of several things. They’re either still in the prison and not interested in attending because they’re walk with Christ has suffered; or they’ve been transferred to another prison which probably means they’re in the process of being released back into the free world; or they’ve been released; or they’ve made another mistake and aren’t allowed to attend.
Those are just the realities of the ministry.
My last few times behind bars I’ve heard all of those scenarios played out. That’s why prayer is such a vital component of prison ministry.
I do know I’ve been used to make a positive impact on men’s lives that many felt weren’t worth the time of day.
I don’t know when I’ll next go into Beto physically, if ever. My prayers will continue to go up for all involved.
The winds of change are blowing. Tommy’s business might be the first business my online business will help with some online advertising. That means I’ll finally get a sizable monthly income from what’s been a very expensive hobby until now.
That could begin to free up time for outreaches to other businesses. That’s something I’ve been challenged with by driving my life away.
Until something substantial changes I’ll keep on keeping on.
Keep praying for me. I want to honor God in all I do.
The next two months will be important for my future in many ways. Too many details to go into now.
God knows what He has planned for me.
That’s good enough for me.
I’ll see you later. Wade
