In our recent outreach, a young guy who I have seen many times previously asked if he could share something. After calling the meeting to order, I invited him up. He testified to a change happening to him from the inside, which he attributed to spending time in the Bible and prayer. He said he was becoming a different kind of man, becoming the type of man his kids need. He shared for about 10 mins, receiving applause when finished. Before he sat down, I took him by the shoulders and said, "Joe*, there are two qualities found in a real man. Qualities that do not receive honor or glory through actors pictured in movies. A real man is humble, and a real man shows selfless love. Both of these I see in you by what you just shared and the way you said it. These are traits of Jesus, the perfect Man. He is at work in you." He hugged me and sat down.
I then shared a gospel focused message titled "Incredible hidden benefits of receiving Christ." After identifying these benefits, I used the Bible to show them how these benefits could be theirs. Finally, I exhorted them not to "miss out on the grace of God," (Hebrews 12:15) and called for those ready to publicly acknowledge their need for Christ and repentance to stand. Four men stood - praise God! I prayed for them and called on them to join me in prayer for their souls. The others applauded.
As the meeting drew to a close, a number wanted to talk. Two in particular requested permission from guards to let me stay and spend extra time with them in the Bravo control area, which was eventually granted after special persistence from one of the two. This man mentioned that he felt God speaking to Him tonight in a way that he had never felt before. He felt that the message (including the illustrations) were just for him.
Praise be to God, the entire conversation we were allowed to have in this special control area was witnessed by three guards who were watching the area closely, and listening to every word. This was a direct answer to specific prayers made earlier in the day!
As we eventually were on our way out of the jail for the night, we came to the front control station where one front desk guard we have encountered previously was stationed. With a concerned look, she asked, "Everything ok? You were down there a long time! I was getting worried about you." I explained to her that the guards had allowed this special time with the two inmates who requested it. With a surprised and somewhat perplexed kind of look she said, "Ooh!," and then just wished me a Happy New Year. We had prayed earlier in the day for this lady as well. Perhaps this is the beginning of an open door with her as well.
A special night! God was there, and at work!