I just visited a prison in Colorado with a cohort of partners from various countries and backgrounds. We met several incarcerated men who participate in the Frederick Douglass Project program, which elevates humanity behind bars by bringing members of the community in proximity with incarcerated people for facilitated discussion.
As we had lunch with the men, we got to know their stories and found so many commonalities. Although our seating arrangement was not planned, everyone I happened to sit with shared that, like me, they too were followers of Jesus.
Roberto has been incarcerated for decades and is now in his 70s. He was in tears as he recounted the moment he gave his life to Christ.
A man named Don shared, “Just because we’re confined behind these walls doesn’t mean God can’t fulfill His purpose for our lives, and He will do the same in your lives. We just have to be watching for the little miracles. It’s no mistake that all of us sitting in this group are followers of Jesus and that you came to visit us today.”
Billy shared that he walks the prison halls every morning declaring, “Thank you, Jesus, for this day!” His goal is to remind himself and others that there is still so much to be thankful for, even in prison.
Several of the men told me that they were on the church council there, helping to ensure that services were made available to everyone at the facility. One man provides Spanish translation, another man occasionally preaches, another plays guitar to lead worship—a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ behind bars. Jesus is alive and well in that place, and His Spirit is moving to change hearts every day.
No one, no matter their past, is disqualified from Jesus’ mercy and hope. As we seek fellowship with the incarcerated and their families, we can more deeply experience Jesus. And as we do, our shared hope will overflow as a powerful witness to the world around us!
As brothers and sisters in Christ, will you join me in praying for the men and women who are behind bars today? As always, if we can be praying for you, please share your requests with our prayer team.
Thank you for joining us to encounter Jesus with those incarcerated!
Serving Him with you,
HEATHER RICE-MINUS President and CEO
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