Prison Ministry

“When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?” And the King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”

Matthew 25:39-40

DURING HIS LIFETIME, Chuck Colson certainly advanced prison ministry by light-years. Himself a convicted felon, Colson came to know Christ, and his life’s purpose was irrevocably changed. He founded Prison Fellowship, a ministry that has shared God’s love with hundreds of thousands of convicts all around the world. It’s reaching out to “the least of these.”

What about you? Read the verse above again. Have you ever carried out the mandate of this Scripture? Have you ever even thought about it?

Set aside what you’ve seen on TV shows and in the movies. Prison ministry isn’t a replay of scenes from Escape from Alcatraz. Most of the men you would visit are extremely thankful and cordial. Many are eager for fellowship and prayer with a Christian brother. They’re not looking for legal advice or a handout. They are simply Christian brothers in need of some love and encouragement. Your ministry is to walk with Jesus and bring Him through the gates with you. In doing so, you will bring these men the encouragement they need to keep focusing on the Lord and relying on His grace in their times of struggle.

There is a beautiful point when the Jesus inside you reaches out to the Jesus inside them and a connection is made. For a holy moment, all that is seen is Jesus. When you serve the needs of the least in our society, you do it as unto the Lord.

BOTTOM LINE

Pray for an obvious opportunity to serve the least in our society. Then, as soon as God provides, do it!

Moment of Strength: Matthew 25:31-46