I still remember my first time inside the jail. We were not permitted to bring a handbag, car keys or mobile phone. We were wanded and then led behind the locked steel doors—then more locked steel doors, and more locked doors.
The chaplain assigned me to a more experienced volunteer and sent us to the medical unit, where inmates with medical/psychiatric problems are housed. We pulled two chairs up to the door of the cell and could speak to the inmate through the small pass-through opening through which the prisoner received his meals or medication.
The first cell was where we met 40-year-old Rosemary whose mental condition was questionable. She was prostrating herself on the floor wringing her hands and weeping. She wanted to know if God could ever forgive her for what she’d done. We had no idea what she’d done, that’s not for us to know.
I told her what the Bible promises: “There is nothing you have ever done that Jesus does not want to forgive. He loves you. That’s why He came to earth—just so He could die on the cross for your sins and mine. He paid the price for our sins so we can someday freely enter heaven.” We then read some Scripture to her and showed her the plan of salvation.
The more Scripture she heard, the more clear-headed she became. She wanted to pray and receive Christ and His forgiveness. When we left she was smiling and calm. Her peace was real.
We visited two more inmates. Both were weeping and anxious when we arrived, yet the peace came. There were smiles and grateful hearts when we left.
What power is this that can change people so quickly?
We did not sugarcoat anything—but simply gave them the Word of God.
- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
- SONG: ONE BUSINESS IN LIFE – By Kathleen
_____________
[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
[To leave a comment or prayer request, simply click on the TITLE of this post and scroll to the bottom.
Dearest Kathleen,
What a delight to read these precious faith-based stories. Just to think how God uses us (in this case you) is amazing. Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! Praise God from whom all Blessings flow.
Thank you Katie! I appreciate the encouragement.
Thank, Kathleen for sharing. The simple sharing of the gospel is still the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes.
Amen, Frank! Amen!
John 21:25: “And there are also many other things which JESUS did…” I love John’s last note in his gospel. It lets us know as disciples of Christ, we are but “simple” messengers of what JESUS has done, is doing, and will do in our lives and the lives of others.
Indeed. We are simply messengers of what Jesus HAS done, IS doing and WILL continue to do. Thanks Mel.
Very simple, yet powerful post. Just as the Gospel is simple, yet powerful.
You are certainly right about that, Matthew! The Gospel is simple so that we who are simple will understand. It’s also more powerful than we can comprehend.
Amen to Katie’s comment.
Thank you Liana. God is good!