Prayer Warriors for Prisoners

LIGHT FOR THE JOURNEY

June 07
“I WAS IN PRISON AND YOU…”

“What an incredible sight,” I thought, as we watched dolphins play in the Gulf waters just off of Carrabelle Beach in Florida. I was with my husband, Rick, and another couple who were with us for mission work in prisons. This little pocket of time before the service at Franklin Correctional Institute was a gift from God. With only 30 minutes or so, we walked barefoot through the water and white sand up the beach quite a distance and back. How fun to pick up delicate sea shells. One tiny shell I picked up was home for a wee sand crab. We visited with a fisherman who had several lines out. He said, “This is the best place in the world to fish. You can catch every kind of fish imaginable here.” I thought of Jesus’ words, “I will make you fishers of men” and am grateful for this call on my life and the opportunity to share His love with men and women in Florida prisons.
As I review the past two weeks I am at a loss for words. The Spirit went before us but before we left Colorado, we were hammered by the enemy in every way imaginable. Nevertheless, we pressed on, knowing God had great things planned or the enemy would leave us alone. The High Atmosphere Blue Grass Band was us for the first six facility services. They did an outstanding job with the message in music, humor and the joy on their faces. The band is an asset as many prisoners will not attend chapel but come to hear the music and receive the bonus message of the Gospel and freedom through Jesus Christ. For many, this is a sweet, blessed surprise. We prayed for nearly half of the men and women at most services. Several received Jesus as Savior. Many recommitted their lives to Him. Some sent messages of gratitude to volunteers who pray for them. A recently retired DOC chaplain and his wife, Leo and Mary Ellen Neal, joined us also
The receptivity of chaplains, prisoners, officers and staff was phenomenal. God’s favor was surely upon us and He went before us. Before leaving Colorado, my prayer was from Ex. 33:12-16, esp. v15 “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. We traveled over 4,500 miles and held eleven prison services. The blessings were bountiful and we believe God will bring an abundant eternal harvest from this trip. As we traveled, doors opened in hearts of waitresses, service station attendants and others along the way that we prayed for. Once we come to know Jesus and experience freedom in Him, all of life is a mission trip. We MUST pass it on to others when He gives opportunity.
            At the end of our last weekend in Florida we met with a friend who had previously been incarcerated in Colorado. He has a great job and is very involved in church. He helps care for his elderly grandmother. His story and many others like his are so encouraging. These stories spur me on. Sometimes weariness tries to settle in but the love of Christ compels me. It is only by His grace, as I rest in Him, am I able to carry on. Isn’t that what He wants of us all? Just to rest in Him? He is an awesome wonderful God!
            We returned with over 500 prayer requests from prisoners and one man wrote a message to encourage our PWFP volunteers. “If you’re a church member just getting involved with ministry to prisoners, I encourage you to continue. Do not be swayed when you hear media accounts of x-prisoners re-arrested for some crime, violent or other. You will NOT hear in the news of those who go on to serve the Lord and be an asset to their community. That’s not sensational news in the media’s eyes. However, God says it is sensational and to be applauded. It is by His grace and power. May the Lord bless you as you continue to minister to the “least of these.”
            Praise reports of prisoners often bring me to my knees. It is so humbling to be a part of what God is doing on the prison mission field. A woman in her 30’s hugged me and said, “Thank you for coming. My husband is a pastor. I am addicted to prescription drugs...”
“After being diagnosed with liver cancer and Hep. C. and enduring cancer treatment, I was given one year to live. I lost 90 lbs which left me at 90 lbs. I was very sick. Many were praying for me. I prayed almost constantly for a year since I was on my knees at the toilet most of the time. I prayed a lot and Jesus came to me and told me I was going to be alright. That was 10 years ago. Now, I’ve had blood tests and they told me there’s nothing wrong with my liver and I don’t have Hep.C. Praise GOD! Glory to my Lord and Savior.” Ronald, Bristol, FL
          “I praise God for the renewing of my mind in areas that seemed impossible to reach. I am so grateful He brought me to this physical prison so I can break free from the inside out. I give Him all the glory. God is preparing a place for me in the Potters’ House where He is always making beautiful creations out of broken, lost souls just like I used to be.” Tiffany, Lowell C.I. FL
“I praise God for allowing me to come to prison so I could get clean and sober and have a closer walk with the Lord than I’ve ever had. So when I get out, I can be the mother and daughter God wants me to be and so I can help others.” Robin, Vandalia, MO
“Pray for my brother in Christ, Jose, who is a big part and FAN of PWFP. This ministry inspired him so much, he became an intercessor. HE was just transferred to Wakulla CI. He would have loved to meet the FAMOUS PRAYER WARRIORS!” (To this, I had to smile. Jose knows the “famous ONE” his Lord who intercedes for him every moment).
“Pray for my brother in Christ, Jose, who is a big part and FAN of PWFP. This ministry inspired him so much, he became an intercessor. HE was just transferred to Wakulla CI. He would have loved to meet the FAMOUS PRAYER WARRIORS!” (To this, I had to smile. Jose knows the “famous ONE” his Lord who intercedes for him every moment).
Hundreds of praise reports and testimonies confirm God’s favor on the ministry of Prayer Warriors For Prisoners, PWFP. This is the 20th anniversary of the ministry. Thousands of prisoners have been affected in a positive eternal way through the prayers of PWFP volunteers.   There are many ways to become involved in this vital mission work. If you would like to join us or just want more information, log on to PrayerForPrisoners.org. There is an application you can print or you may call to have one mailed to you. Jesus said, “Whatever you do for the least of these brothers of mine you have done for me.” Would you pray for Jesus if he was in prison? When we touch a prisoners’ life in Christ’s name, we are touching HIM. “I was in prison and you…” Jesus will complete this statement for each of us. How will He complete it for you?

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