I Still Feel Safe!

One of the things that has surprised me the most since I’ve become involved in the prison ministry is the feeling of safety that I’ve had. I know that there are dangers there, but I’ve always felt secure

Even as I heard the door close behind me the first time we entered the prison, I didn’t experience the fear that part of me expected. Last night though, I was reminded of where I was.

I went in to CFCF last night hoping to bring the message to one person, whoever that person would be. We started out with some praise worship with the guys. After a couple of songs, and some prayer, I got up to spend a little time to share. I had just gotten started, had mentioned a blog that I was planning, when Correctional Officer (CO) Harris came into the room. He pointed at Michael and I and said, “Gentlemen, please come with me.” Now we’ve had a few times over the past few months where we said, or did, something minor that was against the rules. But we couldn’t think of anything that we had done. But no matter what; when a CO is giving you instructions, you listen, and follow him without question. Officer Harris took us to the room next door. He told us that there was a “situation” and told us that he was locking us in. We weren’t to leave the room until he, or another CO, came to let us out.

The first thing I said to Michael was, "I think that my planned blog has changed." Michael and I wondered what was going on. After a few minutes questioning the possibilities, we decided to share some prayer. Funny thing though; I believe we spent more time praying for the safety of the men and the CO’s than for our own safety. Despite the possibility of some danger, I still felt as if I were in God’s hands, fully protected.

It probably was less than 10 minutes before Officer Harris came back and led us back to the chapel. When asked whether everything was ok, he replied, “It’s ok now”. The rest of the night went smoothly. I was able to share and Michael spoke a powerful message, as he always does. We had another large exit at 9:30, but I could see that we had reached some of the guys, even some that left early appeared caught up before they walked out. At the very least, maybe we lit lit a spark.

After the service, Officer Hall led us back up the corridor. It was then that we found out that the excitement earlier came from an unannounced drill. None of us, including the CO’s and the inmates, knew that it was only a drill; so the reactions, and actions, were true. Officer Hall told us that their first duty, in any such emergency was to get any citizens to safety, and that was what they had done.

Whether a drill or real, whether we were ever in danger or not, I spent the entire evening in the arms of the Lord. Not beyond all danger, but safe.

2 Timothy 4:17-18
17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.



Say a prayer for somebody today.