Visiting Jesus

The power of the Gospel to change lives was very evident this past weekend. It was my great privilege to be part of the Kansas Kairos Prison ministry team that ministered Thursday through Sunday at a prison here in Kansas. I must say, my rookie outing was one of the most, if not the most, rewarding experiences I have ever had.

Matthew 25:36 came alive to me: "I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Many of the men never have a visitor, nor receive letters, and some have lost contact with their families. The letters each Kairos team member wrote to every participant brought tears to many eyes; participants, team members and mine. The table placemats children had drawn meant so much to the inmates - it reminded many of their children and grandchildren.

We sat at round tables as families; I was in the family of Paul. On my left was a young man from Cuba. He spoke no English and I spoke no Spanish. At the end of the weekend I saw a glimmer of hope replace the sadness that was so evident when the weekend began. To my right was a young father with two young daughters; he did not know where his wife or girls were. Across the table was a man who showed me a picture of his wife and six children. We were able to pray that God would restore his family.

For many of the men, their faith in Jesus Christ was strengthened; for others, seeds of the Gospel were planted; and all were impacted by the love of Jesus Christ.

I am looking forward to the next opportunity to visit Jesus in prison. I invite you to come with me. Check out the Kansas Kairos Prison Ministry website at http://kskairos.org/kskairos.

PrairieParson