This morning’s service was a rocky one...
Thankfully the Lord stepped in to nip trouble at the bud. Of all things, a fistfight broke out between two inmates just after they entered the chapel. We managed to separate the men in time before the fight escalated further, and before the Muslim Imam, who happened to be in the area, summoned the guards via his emergency alarm. Had he noticed the scuffle and signaled for help, at least a dozen guards would’ve quickly stormed into the building and our scheduled worship service would have been canceled.
So our service went on even though the chapel was thick with tension. I had to lead in the worship in spite of the heavenly atmosphere. Our choir faithfully sang their selection of songs. Then the inmate pastor, Felipe, gave the sermon.
God, however, did His job by softening the hearts for the guys who had the altercation. They had been sitting at opposite sides of the room throughout the service, refusing to look at one another, while the deacons and ushers kept watchful eyes for further trouble.
Thankfully, as the service was nearing its end, and as I gave the altar call for anyone wanting prayer to come down to the pulpit so they could be prayed for, both men went forward. They shook hands and embraced as I held my breath. I sighed in relief afterwards, as I’m sure everyone in the congregation did.
As one could see, being a member of a church that’s behind prison walls can have its unexpected challenges. Obviously, we’re not exactly angels. But little by little we are learning how to get along with each other, and forgiving one another when we need to. We could’ve had disastrous consequences today, but the service ended peacefully. Thank God!
D. B.
So our service went on even though the chapel was thick with tension. I had to lead in the worship in spite of the heavenly atmosphere. Our choir faithfully sang their selection of songs. Then the inmate pastor, Felipe, gave the sermon.
God, however, did His job by softening the hearts for the guys who had the altercation. They had been sitting at opposite sides of the room throughout the service, refusing to look at one another, while the deacons and ushers kept watchful eyes for further trouble.
Thankfully, as the service was nearing its end, and as I gave the altar call for anyone wanting prayer to come down to the pulpit so they could be prayed for, both men went forward. They shook hands and embraced as I held my breath. I sighed in relief afterwards, as I’m sure everyone in the congregation did.
As one could see, being a member of a church that’s behind prison walls can have its unexpected challenges. Obviously, we’re not exactly angels. But little by little we are learning how to get along with each other, and forgiving one another when we need to. We could’ve had disastrous consequences today, but the service ended peacefully. Thank God!
D. B.
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