Today I saw the face of mercy...
Approximately two dozen members of the Manhattan Grace Tabernacle Church from New York City were here to conduct an evangelistic outreach. These men and women gathered in the prison's chapel along with about forty prisoners. They try to come here at least twice per year, and the men always look forward to it.
As usual, we had a soul-stirring inspirational time as the Manhattan Grace Tabernacle's choir sang a slew of praise and worship songs. The service went from 12:45 to 3 P.M. I was happy being with these Christians who voluntarily made the long trip just because they love us, and they love God.
Pastor Luis Rivera gave us a message about Christ's dying on the cross for our sins, and being resurrected from the grave on the third day, thus conquering sin and death forever. He also explained that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that Jesus is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). I was taking notes, as I often do.
For me, being among volunteers from the outside who are friendly, caring and compassionate is refreshing. It's definitely not the norm in here, as prison is mostly an uncaring and unfriendly place.
Then, when it was time for our guests to leave and for the service to come to an end, I was sad. I won't see these precious people again for many more months. Nevertheless, I left the chapel feeling renewed and re-energized in my soul and spirit. Yes, seeing the countenances of these simple Christians was like looking at the face of mercy. I saw the face of God as He shined forth from humble human vessels.
D.B.
As usual, we had a soul-stirring inspirational time as the Manhattan Grace Tabernacle's choir sang a slew of praise and worship songs. The service went from 12:45 to 3 P.M. I was happy being with these Christians who voluntarily made the long trip just because they love us, and they love God.
Pastor Luis Rivera gave us a message about Christ's dying on the cross for our sins, and being resurrected from the grave on the third day, thus conquering sin and death forever. He also explained that we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that Jesus is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). I was taking notes, as I often do.
For me, being among volunteers from the outside who are friendly, caring and compassionate is refreshing. It's definitely not the norm in here, as prison is mostly an uncaring and unfriendly place.
Then, when it was time for our guests to leave and for the service to come to an end, I was sad. I won't see these precious people again for many more months. Nevertheless, I left the chapel feeling renewed and re-energized in my soul and spirit. Yes, seeing the countenances of these simple Christians was like looking at the face of mercy. I saw the face of God as He shined forth from humble human vessels.
D.B.
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