Prison Ministry Update =)

Okay...before I get into the meat of this post I think something needs to be said. It my intention to never again make a proclamation regarding the regularity of my posts. Such as "going to try and post 3 times a month" or "how about song fest Friday." I think it's time we all aknowledged that at this point in my life I am simply not consistnet enough to keep up my end of the bargain. Although in my defense I think Facebook is partially to blame. I mean, I frequently post short little updates. prayer requests etc so I don't always feel the need to blog. But enough about that on to bigger and better things! =)


Today I had the awesome privelege of joing a small team that ministers to the prisoners in the women's prison here in Antsirabe every Sunday. I was really excited/nervous! Especially about speaking with an interpreter. I spent all Sunday morning praying for God's assistance, listening to worship music, listening to Matt Chandler, John Piper, and Francis Chan in sermon jams, and going over what I would share with the women.

I decided to share my testimony and through that, clearly (to the best of my ability) lay out the Gospel and how it has changed me and continues to change me. I decided to also share how, about two years ago I really became distracted by the world. Trying to find satisfaction and joy in things other than God and coming up empty. I felt compelled to share how God has created us to be in relationship with Him. And only He can satisfy our souls. And how once He graciously called me back into His presence my joy was restored. There is no greater pleasure than being in the prsence of the Lord and enjoying his fellowship! When I actually shared at the prison I went into more detail and shared some verses but this is the gist of it.


I decided not to bring any notes as I felt it would feel awkward as I would just be standing in a courtyard with no podium or anything to set them on. However once I got to the prison I became incredibly nervous that I was going to forget everything I had planned on saying and I was going to speed talk making it impossible for my translator. So I quickly bowed my head and asked God to use my words to speak to these women regardless of my 'performance'. And he graciously answered that prayer. I was able to remember everything I wanted to share with great clarity, and to my surprise, found speaking with a translator easy as can be. I actually really enjoyed that aspect! I felt confident and excited about the message I had to share and Power my translator did a wonderful job communicating it in Malagasy and the women were all so receptive and grateful to me for coming. All in all a fabulous afternonon. And then Power asked the women if they would like me to come again, and they all responded very positively that they would.

So once outside Power asked me when I could come and teach again and how often I could come. I asked him how often he would like me to come and he grinned sheepishly and said...every week?? I enthusiastically agreed. What an awesome opportunity. And it was so exciting to finally be able to share my faith in a real and tangible way. It is slightly daunting to think that I will need come up with a short message to share every week with these women but a task well worth my time and effort.

So thank you so much to everyone who was praying for me and for the ladies in this prison. All praise goes to God! He was (and always is) faithful! I am excited to see how He will use me in these women's lives over the next four months. Please continue to keep me and these women in your prayers!