How Would YOU Like to go to Prison?

by Linda Green


What a question! Of course not, right?

Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 25:36 “...I was in prison and you visited me.” Do you picture Paul and Silas or Peter when you read this verse, like I once imagined? Because I didn’t know anyone unjustly imprisoned, especially for their faith, I felt like I was off the hook on this one. Those called to evangelize could visit if they felt the pull of the Spirit, but the rest of us could set this project on the shelf. Or so I felt before.

Pastor Bruce sent out an invitation to the WBC family and beyond to join him on a trip to the Venus prison to serve with a chaplain who loves the Lord and shares that love with prisoners. Gaylord Hanes and others had spoken of the privilege of bringing the good news of forgiveness and freedom through Jesus to inmates. Their stories were intriguing and inspiring, and I was glad God had called them. But I never planned to go!

How glad I am that I stepped out of my prison of fear and onto the bus bound for the Venus prison. Going through the locking steel doors after the requisite security checks was a little unnerving, but as we walked down the concrete walled halls, I was surprised by the light colors and artwork on the walls. This particular prison seems to be attempting to create positive surroundings for the men whose lives have been plunged into darkness. I felt a little more of the weight of fear lifting from my insides.

As we entered the cafeteria, several inmates in white prison suits were preparing the room for our worship service. Except for their uniforms, they appeared much like men in any church; busy setting up chairs and the sound system, doing whatever was needed with a positive spirit. I watched them with interest, while wondering if any others would come to the service.

Slowly, the men began to trickle in, many carrying worn Bibles with them. Awkwardly I stood back and watched others in our group greet them, and the positive response of the inmates. I began to imagine myself in their place, and how I would appreciate a friendly face, a handshake, and a smile. The Holy Spirit seemed to give me a little inward push, and I joined the line of greeters. Very quickly my attitude of fear and self focus changed to marveling that these men were here because the same Spirit of the living God had drawn them.

More and more came, until the room was full. And we began to praise the Lord together. If you have a hard time worshiping because of all the distractions of the world, come to a prison worship service. True praise comes from a thankful heart for the Savior that is bigger than our sin. Deep thankfulness was written on the faces of many of the men there that night.

Fellow church members then shared their testimonies of God’s grace that saved them and preached from the Word of God. What a joy to see men eagerly turning the pages of their Bibles to find a scripture passage!

Was I a great evangelist that night? No, but God asked me to go, be friendly, and to pray like crazy for the work of the Spirit in the hearts of prisoners.

So, back to Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:39-40, when He says the righteous will ask the King, “When did we see you sick, or in prison, and go to visit You? The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

So now I believe that Jesus tells us to visit those in prison that have come to be brothers through shared faith in our Savior. Maybe the evangelism can be the work of others, but as the Body of Christ we are called to visit the brothers of Jesus behind bars.

Will you go?


For more information, contact Jerry Weiler at 254.582.8889.