Jesus tells us that when we visit someone in prison, it is the same as visiting him (Matthew 25). So what about people who were formally incarcerated? Surely, the same principle applies, don’t you think? Meeting people who have been released from prison and befriending them is also a way of ministering to the Lord. We are all in some sort of prison, whether we have been sent there by the law or by ourselves, or through unfortunate circumstances. So, how can we help each other along the way?
A couple years ago I heard about In2action, and volunteering there seemed like a good fit for me. So I began participating in the morning devotions as a way of meeting the guys and getting to know them. Hearing these men share their stories and insights as we delved into the daily scripture readings became an easy way to befriend them. And actually, I discovered that their struggles are very similar to my own, and their relationship with the Lord was much the same as mine.
Unfortunately, Covid came along and I was no longer able to meet with them, due to the safety restrictions that were put in place. So instead, for the last several months I have been driving the guys to the food bank. That has been a blessing! At the same time, I am looking forward to meeting for devotionals again. Sharing my spiritual life with theirs has been a gratifying and bonding experience. It’s a journey we are all on together. Seeing how they overcome life’s obstacles has been such an encouragement to me.
I learn a lot about these men when they share their insights into the Scriptures. They open up and share their lives, and in the process, a new relationship is formed. Their struggles and their pain become real to me. But it is all within the framework of God’s Kingdom; they are not just whining or complaining about their situations or trying to justifying themselves. When they explain themselves in light of God’s word, it speeds up the fellowship and cuts through the fog that so often clouds our relationships with each other.
Like I said, I hope to get back to the morning meetings soon. Quite a few times, one of the brothers offered me a cup of coffee when I came in. That simple gesture meant a lot to me. Nowadays, most mornings I have my coffee alone. (Not really…Jesus is there too!)
Dan
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