A Mission Field in Our Backyard

Paul Harvey commented that children in our public schools are not allowed to be given Bibles, but Bibles are freely given out in prisons. He then said that if the children could not get one now-just wait-they will surely get one later.

The Bible is the answer for all problems. King David spoke of its preventive power when he said, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psa. 119:11). Peter gave the divine escape plan when he penned, "They have escaped the pollution of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 2:20).

Today, some among the churches of Christ are taking God's solution into the prisons. One such effort, Project Rescue, has been active in South Florida for several years. It is under the oversight of the elders of the Jupiter­Tequesta church of Christ. By teaching God's Word in jails we are trying to combat some evils in our society.

We also try to prevent these tragedies from happening by teaching young people. Weekend meetings for parents and teenagers are conducted in various churches of Christ. We give warning and answer questions about drug addiction and alcoholism. The gospel is presented as the solution-the only solution.

The challenges of a prison ministry are many. Dealing with denominational chaplains to work within the system is a temptation to compromise. We should make every effort to work with others, but it is all for nothing if we are not presenting the complete gospel of Christ in its purity, simplicity and power.

It is a challenge to reach the minds of the inmates and convince them of the life­changing power of the gospel. Most of the convicts can quote the 12­step plan from the AA, and know the Serenity Prayer, but are often incapable of finding Matthew in the Bible. Our first priority is to place a Bible in their hands. Then we encourage and challenge them to read, study, pray and apply it to their lives. The tragic stories twisted perceptions and tangled lives we witness each week overwhelm us at times. All we can do is sow God's seed with love and pray for fertile soil.

Seeing a mind begin to open and a ray of hope shine in a life that has been hopeless and miserable makes all the effort worthwhile. We offer a Bible correspondence course designed to meet the needs of the incarcerated.

In addition to the personal reward we receive from dealing directly with the inmates, there is the added benefit of involving many members of the congregation in the work. Preparing and grading the lessons, writing letters of encouragement, teaching in the jail, and assisting inmates upon their release has been a group effort at our congregation.

It is a great joy that two of our faithful members were baptized in the jail almost three years ago.

To expect a bountiful harvest in a prison ministry is unrealistic. We look for the one who is sick and tired of his life of crime; and who is searching for an escape plan (John 8:31-32).

Teachable prisoners are few and far between, but they are out there. I know. About ten years ago, I was one. Midway through my five­year sentence, a preacher came into the prison with a distinctive message. The message he brought changed my life forever. I will always be grateful to Frank Parker, who did not shrink from declaring the whole gospel.

To find one soul that is searching for truth makes it worthwhile. Brethren, please keep an eye on the "growing mission field in our backyard."