And the residents responded. They shared their stories within their family groups. They came up with creative skits and posters. They prayed for one another for the first time. Several met for private counseling with our clergy (we were blessed to have 6 ordained men on the team!). Friendships were made. Trust was built. Hurts were forgiven. Jesus ruled the weekend!
The inside team was a model of efficiency, dedication, service, and prayer. They ministered to us so powerfully. Remember them in your prayers. Do you face challenges of leadership? Keep "R" in mind -- he leads a team of prison residents, sometimes a strong-willed bunch, and yet he gets a complex job done with an unbelievable combination of efficiency and compassion, as we could see through his tears at the Closing. Feeling depressed? Remember "J", who will serve many years in a hard place, yet always has a smile on his face and will cheer you up -- because he experiences the love of Jesus. Are you getting jaded? Think of "S", who at one time was so cold-hearted he didn't care whether or not he got the death sentence. But God gave him a "new heart" and now he is the prayer warrior who welcomes the Holy Spirit into our midst on the weekend. There are many others.
Several of the candidates are short-timers who will be released onto the street soon. Pray that they will be welcomed into a supportive transition environment that will nurture their relationship with the Lord!
The USP Chaplains were great in their support, as usual, despite the sick leave of Fr. Mike Kirkness. On Sunday, while Rev. Greg Nelson and Deacon John Burke stepped out to lead services at the nearby FCI, we were taken care of by our other good friends in the Chaplaincy: Imam Jamaal Abdul-Rahim and the new chaplain, Buddhist Priest Reynold Fujikawa. God is not only good, but He has a sense of irony! Rev. Fujikawa got an extraordinary introduction to the USP. (His comment: "when I looked at your Kairos schedule, I felt tired.") His gentle presence was a real blessing.