We are called to visit the prisoner in Matthew 25: 36. When I first saw this bible verse, while living in Kenya, I asked God to allow me to visit prisoners. I was soon introduced to James, a Kenyan prison chaplain who invited me to join him on his visits to a variety of prisons. Today, our ministry teams continue to make prison visits. It is a great privilege to usher volunteers to witness God at work within the prison walls. I have to admit, is a bit scary for first time visitors to enter behind the prison walls. Guards stand stern faced with big machine guns. We very respectfully answer questions asked by the officers in charge. We are then escorted single-file to where the prisoners are waiting for their visitor. We are mostly met with grins, nods and sometimes waves from prisoners as we walk through the compound. There are not many white people who visit them. I especially am grateful when we are given permission to shake the hands of the prisoners. I want them to know that we are pleased to be with them. I want them to know they are not forgotten. I try to make positive eye contact with as many as possible. Very often, the group of prisoners are already singing worship songs before we enter their sight. Some songs are in Swahili and mixed with some English. Their worship is full of dancing, clapping and energy that I truly love. Next, we are invited to share personal encouragement through our own testimony, scripture, worship songs and prayers for the prisoners. I have seen numerous times, men humbly give their lives to the Lord after receiving an invitation. It is amazing to see. I look forward to returning.
Below are some photos of our prison visit this year. Year after year, we witness God’s amazing grace poured out in such an undesirable place. God wants the prisoner to not feel forgotten. He wants them to know the truth that will set them free. Same for you and me. What a gracious God we serve.
