They Kept Coming In…

My wife and I were asked to fill in tonight for our ministry’s Monday evening Bible study at the local prison. It’s not that often that we get to go lead a study together, so we were really excited to get the call.

This particular study is usually well-attended; the regular leaders for this unit have developed good relationships with the inmates and they look forward to spending time in God’s Word.

So we go into the unit and begin setting up the room. An announcement over the intercom in the background bellowed out, “Bible study time for those interested in going.” My wife asks, “How many chairs do you think we should set up?” I told her, “Probably about 10 or so for now. If we need more they can grab ’em from the stack.”

No sooner than I said that, I looked over at the door and there was a huge line. Initially I thought they were waiting to use the phone. But as the C.O. opened the door to let the inmates in, I realized they weren’t there to use the phone. They were waiting to come to Bible study.

We had seventeen inmates show up this evening! We literally had to request more chairs! Praise God! Our study was John 9 – Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind. These guys were hungry for God’s Word! They were engaged, they asked questions, and they shared their thoughts about spiritual blindness and the way that Jesus restores the eyes of our hearts.

The time went quickly. It always does, it seems. But this group of men made us feel so blessed to be able to share the love of Christ with them in this tiny little room.

May our merciful and loving God bless and protect these men this week.

Amen.