Our Week in Prison

A week has gone by since the Returning Hearts Celebration at Angola, not a day has passed where I haven't thought about what a powerful weekend that was for everyone involved. It was another wonderful trip that will leave a lasting mark not only in the memories of those who were there, but lasting into the rewards of Heaven as well. From the official report from Awana there were 608 kids, 272 dads, and 175 guardians and 501 volunteers from 26 states, representing 156 local churches. The founder of Awana led one child to Christ, and we know of one guardian and a volunteer accepted Christ, but we could see the spirit moving throughout the barbed wire and chains of prison and I saw many dads being "free" for even just a few hours. Free to just be dad. I was working with a couple inmates on Thursday packing bags for each child containing local church information and other Awana goodies, and one inmate was telling me how much his daughter was looking forward to be able to come and spend time with her daddy again. He told me that every time he got a letter or was able to talk to her Returning Hearts was all she could talk about and was counting down the days til she could be with him again. Just hearing that story reminded me why we do this - for those kids. For those dads. For that few hours where there are no bars or wire or numbers. They are dads - bringing smiles to the faces of their children. A heartbreaking story came from an inmate who was ready and waiting for his 11 year old son to meet him for the first time. He was incarcerated just before his son was born and everything was all arranged that he was going to be able to meet him and spend the day with him. He had made a gift for his son too - a spongebob necklace with his son's name on it: Caleb. Saturday came and this inmate gets the news that there has been transportation issues and his son is not able to get from Texas to come meet his dad. I was in charge of the family photos and when I heard this story, I asked if I could take his picture with the necklace and then Awana would send the picture of him to his son with the necklace. We got permission and that's what we did. So even if Caleb couldn't be there, he could get a little momento and "see" his dad and prayerfully, Caleb and his father can meet next year at Returning Hearts.

I am so blessed that I was able to witness and be a part of such an amazing day in prison. That still seems such a strange phrase but it's true. An amazing day. It's also even more amazing to say I personally was blessed incredibly by the inmates and their heartfelt words, advise, and worship within the chapel walls of Angola. Yes these men have made a mistake. But we all have. Some just make the BIG mistakes and pay with their time and their life. But even locked up, they are not locked out of the love of Christ.

Next year, the Returning Hearts Celebration is set for May 17-18. Prayerfully consider coming with us. You will be blessed.