.JPG)
On Sunday, August 9, 2009, I drove to Victorville with a Christian brother of mine whose name is Chris. We met up around 10:00 a.m. and jumped on the 57N to the 60E to the 15N. On the freeway we talked briefly about "before Christ" days and the amazing Christian life that followed. Many Christians will refer to this new life as a walk, or the walk, because God is always at work and calling us to Himself. It begins with the Lord saving us from sin, a self-consumed life which will have nothing to do with God. This life leads to destruction. Once saved from destruction, we are placed on the path of righteousness. On this walk, there are days of rest, days of hard work, days of talking to other travelers about the walk, days of silence and meditation, days of straying from the path, days of confusion, days of darkness, misery, and depression, days of rescue and restoration, days of reflection, and days of exuberant joy and singing.
During the walk God is always present, although seemingly absent at times. There's much learning and growth on this walk, and though it may be difficult, it is the most worthwhile walk anyone can ask for. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11 ESV)
At about 11:15, we arrived at IHOP in Victorville. I had one of the best brunches in years: country-fried steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes, and wheat toast. Chris and I started talking about weight-lifting and he gave me some insider tips on getting the most out of a workout session. A few minutes before noon, we headed to our destination -- The United States Penitentiary (USP) - Victorville.
USP Victorville is part of a larger complex called the Victorville Federal Correctional Complex (FCC). My first impression was that the buildings were in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by dirt and fences. It looked like a desert, without the cacti. As we approached the building, a sign read, "No cell phones beyond this point." Once inside, we were told to wait in the waiting room until the chaplain arrives. Driver licenses were collected. Once he arrived, we walked through a metal detector and then through a heavy iron door. I was part of a group of about 15 guests. There were dozens of metal doors and "transition" rooms, which I assume is for the case that a resident (a.k.a. inmate) somehow breaks through one room in the building, he would be trapped in a locked room. There were also security cameras every few yards. The doors were heavy, the keyhole was the width of a few fingers, and the key was something you'd find in a Paul Bunyan's cabin. No one was going to successfully pick these doors.
Finally, we walked into a room with letters, banners, and messages written to the residents there, all plastered on the walls and ceiling. That room led to the main room where 37 residents sat in rows of chairs facing the Kairos leader for that weekend, Steve Spry. I noticed familiar faces from the Thurs. Bible study group. After a few words from Steve, he invited groups of residents to go up to the front and share their experience with Kairos over the four-day event. They shared about what they learned and what they were going to take away with them. Most of the groups talked about the love, peace, and joy that they experienced with the brothers and that it's the Lord Jesus Christ who gives them those blessings. There was also a lot of talk about unity. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalms 133:1 KJV). After all the groups were called up, two residents went up to speak to all the residents. Typical, according to protocol, only one member was allowed to speak. Over the weekend, Jeremy had intended for Adolfo to speak on Sunday, but after pray The two brothers' names were Adolfo and Jeremy. Jeremy is a "graduate" of Kairos and now a member of the "inside" Kairos Team. This brother spoke with a mighty conviction, telling the residents there that they must be the salt and the light of the compound, through Jesus Christ, because there's no other hope of finding anything good. He talked about one main problem that men have, that is pride, arrogance, and self-glorification. All these things get in the way of loving God and one another. And why do we hold on to these things? One reason is fear. Fear of getting roughed up. Fear of being disrespected. Fear of humiliation. Fear of rejection. What conquers these fears?
The Bible says that perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not be perfected in love (1 John 4:18). In this passage, fear has to do with punishment and judgment. Jesus came to remove that punishment from us, and so whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God (1 John 4:15). Then we will know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment (1 John 4:16-17). Though we have many fears in this world, the greatest fear is the fear of death and judgment. All of us have been appointed to die, and after that comes judgment. Will we stand spotless before the infinitely holy God, or will we stand guilty and condemned? The reply rests solely on your faith in Christ's finished work on the cross, for He came to save sinners from that day of judgment. Christ's perfect love casts out this fear, and subsequently all other inferior fears.
Jeremy was convicted by the Spirit when he realized that he was guilty of being self-absorbed and now he is warning others the danger of being self-centered. He realized the only way to conquer these fears was to be perfected in the love of Christ. What great hope to those who have come to an end of themselves. No longer do fear and pride control a man, but love. I was convicted by Jeremy's message, knowing that these are the same things I'm battling with everyday. Afterward, the chaplain shared a story about a poor Sunday School teacher who felt like she didn't make a difference in the world. Then one day she received a letter from a former student of hers. It was signed by the evangelist Billy Graham. We are to be the salt and light to those around us, and though our roles may seem insignificant, God uses every little act of faith to the glory of His name. May we learn not to compare our lives to others, but to keep our eyes on Jesus and do the will of Him who saved us. The closing ceremony closed with all the brothers in the room, some sixty to a hundred men, standing in a large circle, holding hands and singing a praise song to the Lord who is mighty to save. Coming back into the room was Jeremy, who stood next to me. As we held our hands high in the air, I could hear the conviction of truth in his voice and the brothers all around as we sang with one voice to the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Afterward, I gave him a hug and a few short words of encouragement. My heart goes out to him, as he is incarcerated with a thirty year sentence. God willing, he will be released sooner. If not, God definitely has plans for this brother within the compound.
I met other residents and blessed them, as I was blessed to see the joy in their hearts. I also had the privilege of meeting other Christian servants and pastors (Pastor Diver Dan and Pastor Ron) who have a heart to reach the lost. I don't know how many of the residents who came forward to receive Christ truly have contrite hearts and professed true faith in Christ. Only time will tell if the Spirit of God is doing a work in each resident's life.
Kairos, the Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment, describes God's intimate involvement in the lives of His children, as He brings men to a moment in time, pouring out grace abundantly in the gospel of Christ, and drawing men to Himself. I don't know if I'll see any of these residents again, but for a few hours on this Sunday afternoon, I was part of something very special. These men will be in my prayers and I pray that you will do the same. I'm amazed that there is not a place that God cannot reach, a crime that cannot be forgiven, and a stone-cold heart that God cannot make alive. What can I say but Hallelujah and all glory and honor and power to the Him who is worthy of all praise. Amen!
During the walk God is always present, although seemingly absent at times. There's much learning and growth on this walk, and though it may be difficult, it is the most worthwhile walk anyone can ask for. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11 ESV)
At about 11:15, we arrived at IHOP in Victorville. I had one of the best brunches in years: country-fried steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes, and wheat toast. Chris and I started talking about weight-lifting and he gave me some insider tips on getting the most out of a workout session. A few minutes before noon, we headed to our destination -- The United States Penitentiary (USP) - Victorville.
USP Victorville is part of a larger complex called the Victorville Federal Correctional Complex (FCC). My first impression was that the buildings were in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by dirt and fences. It looked like a desert, without the cacti. As we approached the building, a sign read, "No cell phones beyond this point." Once inside, we were told to wait in the waiting room until the chaplain arrives. Driver licenses were collected. Once he arrived, we walked through a metal detector and then through a heavy iron door. I was part of a group of about 15 guests. There were dozens of metal doors and "transition" rooms, which I assume is for the case that a resident (a.k.a. inmate) somehow breaks through one room in the building, he would be trapped in a locked room. There were also security cameras every few yards. The doors were heavy, the keyhole was the width of a few fingers, and the key was something you'd find in a Paul Bunyan's cabin. No one was going to successfully pick these doors.
Finally, we walked into a room with letters, banners, and messages written to the residents there, all plastered on the walls and ceiling. That room led to the main room where 37 residents sat in rows of chairs facing the Kairos leader for that weekend, Steve Spry. I noticed familiar faces from the Thurs. Bible study group. After a few words from Steve, he invited groups of residents to go up to the front and share their experience with Kairos over the four-day event. They shared about what they learned and what they were going to take away with them. Most of the groups talked about the love, peace, and joy that they experienced with the brothers and that it's the Lord Jesus Christ who gives them those blessings. There was also a lot of talk about unity. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalms 133:1 KJV). After all the groups were called up, two residents went up to speak to all the residents. Typical, according to protocol, only one member was allowed to speak. Over the weekend, Jeremy had intended for Adolfo to speak on Sunday, but after pray The two brothers' names were Adolfo and Jeremy. Jeremy is a "graduate" of Kairos and now a member of the "inside" Kairos Team. This brother spoke with a mighty conviction, telling the residents there that they must be the salt and the light of the compound, through Jesus Christ, because there's no other hope of finding anything good. He talked about one main problem that men have, that is pride, arrogance, and self-glorification. All these things get in the way of loving God and one another. And why do we hold on to these things? One reason is fear. Fear of getting roughed up. Fear of being disrespected. Fear of humiliation. Fear of rejection. What conquers these fears?
The Bible says that perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not be perfected in love (1 John 4:18). In this passage, fear has to do with punishment and judgment. Jesus came to remove that punishment from us, and so whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God (1 John 4:15). Then we will know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment (1 John 4:16-17). Though we have many fears in this world, the greatest fear is the fear of death and judgment. All of us have been appointed to die, and after that comes judgment. Will we stand spotless before the infinitely holy God, or will we stand guilty and condemned? The reply rests solely on your faith in Christ's finished work on the cross, for He came to save sinners from that day of judgment. Christ's perfect love casts out this fear, and subsequently all other inferior fears.
Jeremy was convicted by the Spirit when he realized that he was guilty of being self-absorbed and now he is warning others the danger of being self-centered. He realized the only way to conquer these fears was to be perfected in the love of Christ. What great hope to those who have come to an end of themselves. No longer do fear and pride control a man, but love. I was convicted by Jeremy's message, knowing that these are the same things I'm battling with everyday. Afterward, the chaplain shared a story about a poor Sunday School teacher who felt like she didn't make a difference in the world. Then one day she received a letter from a former student of hers. It was signed by the evangelist Billy Graham. We are to be the salt and light to those around us, and though our roles may seem insignificant, God uses every little act of faith to the glory of His name. May we learn not to compare our lives to others, but to keep our eyes on Jesus and do the will of Him who saved us. The closing ceremony closed with all the brothers in the room, some sixty to a hundred men, standing in a large circle, holding hands and singing a praise song to the Lord who is mighty to save. Coming back into the room was Jeremy, who stood next to me. As we held our hands high in the air, I could hear the conviction of truth in his voice and the brothers all around as we sang with one voice to the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Afterward, I gave him a hug and a few short words of encouragement. My heart goes out to him, as he is incarcerated with a thirty year sentence. God willing, he will be released sooner. If not, God definitely has plans for this brother within the compound.
I met other residents and blessed them, as I was blessed to see the joy in their hearts. I also had the privilege of meeting other Christian servants and pastors (Pastor Diver Dan and Pastor Ron) who have a heart to reach the lost. I don't know how many of the residents who came forward to receive Christ truly have contrite hearts and professed true faith in Christ. Only time will tell if the Spirit of God is doing a work in each resident's life.
Kairos, the Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment, describes God's intimate involvement in the lives of His children, as He brings men to a moment in time, pouring out grace abundantly in the gospel of Christ, and drawing men to Himself. I don't know if I'll see any of these residents again, but for a few hours on this Sunday afternoon, I was part of something very special. These men will be in my prayers and I pray that you will do the same. I'm amazed that there is not a place that God cannot reach, a crime that cannot be forgiven, and a stone-cold heart that God cannot make alive. What can I say but Hallelujah and all glory and honor and power to the Him who is worthy of all praise. Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment