Willing Souls

     I will be finishing up my internship at the prison next Wednesday. I am saddened by that thought, although I am quite happy to see what two willing souls can do in eight weeks. Eight weeks ago, if you asked me what difference I would make in the lives of 15-20 Christian prisoners, I couldn't have told you. I went to listen and to learn how to make a difference. Not surprisingly, the Holy Spirit had other plans.
     Basically, my friend and I expected to have a mentor during this internship. Well, we didn't. On the first day we sat in the prison lobby, waiting for the prison chaplain to escort us into the chapel area. I wasn't afraid, but it was uncomfortable not knowing how to break the ice with these men. Then, by an act of God's grace, she showed up. We had heard about her steadfast ministry to the inmates in the past, as well as her love and commitment; but, she had cancer and was too sick from cancer and treatment to continue her ministry at the prison. We had no expectation that she would be there, yet there she was, like an angel from the Lord sent to guide these inexperienced and unknown interns through their first three weeks.
     You would never have guessed that this woman was suffering from anything, such was her joy in the Lord. She was practically the epitome of "true religion" a la James 1:27. From the moment she greeted us we could tell the Holy Spirit was present and active.
     Bodies scanned, bags checked, and hands stamped, we were all escorted into the facility together. The loud large doors were opened and we entered the outer yard. I may have been antimidated by this first-time exposure, but I wasn't. I was ready an willing to help, an attitude I can only attribute to the Holy Spirit within me.
     Inside the chapel, we could see clearly that she had developed a very deep and holy relationship with these men that was making a difference in their lives. She saw the inherent dignity that these men had as human beings created in the image and likeness of God. She brought them Jesus Christ and, like Christ, in the hours that followed, she raised them up out of the dust and blessed them with unconditional love.
     After the third week, our angelic guide had to return to her treatements. For the past five weeks we have raised the standard in her stead. We did not have the history with the men that she had, but we had the heart. In the following weeks I found that there is something about being a Christian that sparks to life when you are truly doing what the Lord has commanded or called blessed. Ultimately, if there is a greatest need these men have it is for continued and consistent love and discipleship.
     But for the grace of God, I might be where they are today. Because of that grace, I long to be with them as often as I can to listen, pray, teach, and worship with them. I won't be able to do that as often after this internship, nonetheless, I am committed to continue working on their behalf for years to come.
     You know...it's amazing what a difference 15-20 Christian prisoners can have on two willing souls.