Three weeks ago, we started a service that I don't think I can ever stop again--here in Africa or when we get back home. We went with one of the deacons to visit the two major prisons here in Lusaka. At first, I was hesitant and actually a bit afraid to go. I didn't know what to expect but I finally reminded myself of the Lord's words "I was in prison and you visited Me" (Matt 25:36) and was convinced that I would see the Lord face-to-face...and I did, I really did. We walked into the prison expecting to see different buildings with inmates cells..and we did, except those cells were empty and all the prisoners were outside in a communal area ready for worship. They began with singing songs and then awaited for one of us to share the word of God with them. When I say singing, don't let your mind go to any church meeting or Sunday school class. Their voices shook the prison walls and everyone in that little town knew when it was time for worship at the prison.
Every face we saw, every word the prisoners said, we felt the love in their hearts, towards us (people they've never met before) and more importantly towards the Lord Jesus. Everything they did, they did with passion. In their singing, they were fiery, in their prayers they were consistent, and those who could read (or afford a bible) had one in their hand. They all sat quietly as we shared the word of God (reminder: these are a group of thieves, murderers and rapist) but in looking at the change in their lives (while in prison anyways) you would never have guessed they are criminals. Every time we go, we remind them that this time was granted by God for them to repent and become better people and in this time, they will find blessings.
When we left the first prison two weeks ago, we didn't feel that God really has spoken through us (talk about faith :/ ) but God wanted to prove His promises never fail, in spite of the weakness of our faith. He said, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.