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I am home from Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. I am very tired but so very filled with the awe of God. It is so amazing every time I do a Kairos weekend to see how these guys meet the Lord through the love and care of followers of Jesus. The Body of Christ at its best. Just check out Mt. 25. One of the guys at my table reminded me of that today. “You know, we are the ‘least of these’ and you guys come and care for us.”

We had 36 prisoners, can’t give names, but the Lord knows and I have them fresh on my heart. They all saw a demonstration of how God can come in the flesh through His people and remind them they have value.

Two of the guys at my table made first time commitments to follow Jesus. One guys is doing 40 yrs; 20 more to go; has been in prison for over half his young life. Yesterday was the anniversary of the last time he was arrested and put behind bars for the third time. One of the speakers challenged the guys in that room to choose life “today” and to become a Christian. He decided that was a sign that he needed to make a change in his life. Way to go God for meeting him at that “kairos” moment. It was a special time. I hurt for him and rejoice with him.

Another guy at my table, was hard, still is. He made a baby step toward God. He has someone he hates for “putting him in here for the next 40 years.” Who knows all the details, but he is learning what it is to forgive and start a new life. He was in tears as we took turns going around the table and praying for each other. He said he had never had another man pray for him or ever prayed for anyone in his whole life.

We had three men of Muslim faith who were on this Kairos. They all three testified to a huge new understanding of the “people of the book.” They expressed their warm appreciation for the love shown them and said, “we have a great thing here in Kairos and maybe it will change this prison.” Of course, that would be the goal! One man at a time makes a difference, you could not miss that fact.

It was awesome to hear from the guys from last year! One in particular gave a 10 min talk to the new guys. He was and is an amazing example of what God can do with a big, strong, hard guy. He traded his “hammer” last year for a cross. He was baptized into Christ about 8 weeks after that and is now one of the key leaders for the Christian community behind the walls at WVCF. To God be the glory for “Trooper.” A real modern kind of Saul of Tarsus. I know you that was a huge statement, but in many ways, more than you will ever know, it is true.

I have to say may tears began to flow, and they are now as I write this. We are not allowed to touch the guys as they leave the closing. They simply have to march out by cell house to a sack lunch and into “the old way.” I see my brother Chuck, every time I experience this moment. I can’t imagine living like those guys. Yes, I know what they have done, many have told me. BUT, except for the grace of God you see, that could be me. Two of my brothers spent the vast majority of their adult life behind prison walls.

If Jesus hadn’t rescued me when he did, I remind myself, that really could be me. Thank you Jesus! I don’t know why me and not them, probably will never understand that. But I have a brother who follows Jesus now and who lives in a dark prison environment. I pray that others come and see him and care for him like I have opportunity here to do. He deserves that too.

It truly was another “kairos” moment for me and all the team. It was special because all of us are special and God finds ways of making special moments for us. Why not make a special moment for someone you love when you get a chance. Loving God and loving people is what it is all about. No more, no less.