Remembering Those in Prison
Dear Hope family,
Hebrews 13 tells us to “continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison”, and we often hear sin being compared to a prison from which Christ sets us free. Cecilie has often told me (Jed) what a privilege it is for her when she gets to speak with patients who are recently out of prison and readjusting to life after serving lengthy prison sentences. So when Margaret Ann invited us to go volunteer in the prison on Cherry Street, I was eager to sign up.
Seven of us were signed up to volunteer, and the process for volunteering is quite simple, requiring a background check and some simple paperwork. We showed up at the prison, leaving most of our belongings in our cars except for our car keys. We were met by the prison chaplain, Roy, and as we excitedly gathered with our fellow worshippers, the chaplain unexpectedly asked us which one of us was going to be preaching. We had not been informed of that, and we had nothing prepared, no notes, or even access to the internet. Luckily, we found a Bible, and God helped me prepare a message. Still, my advice to someone doing this ministry is to have a message prepared!
The actual service was amazing. The men in the correctional center were full of joy as they led worship or sang along. The Spirit was overwhelmingly present. There were nearly 100 men at this optional event, and every one of them seemed extremely intent on being present. After the service, we had time to join in conversation with any of the men who wanted to talk with us. It was a joyous time of fellowship!
I felt sad for some of the people I talked to, who were missing time seeing their kids grow up or other aspects of life. Some seemed to own the reasons that they ended up in the correctional center, while others seemed to put the blame elsewhere. I thought about how I might be in that second category if I were in their shoes. It made me realize that being truly repentant is one of the hardest things for humans to do. But the time of worship each week seems to be helping that process, according to the stories the chaplain shared with us, and it is definitely a much-needed ministry. I was thankful for this uplifting experience, and I hold it as a great example of how “we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:12).
If you would like to go with us when we return to lead a worship service in the evening on December 7th, please reach out to Margaret Ann Speakman or Ethan Smith.
Jed & Cecilie Macosko