Recently, I was able to go to the County Jail on a tour as part of my Addiction’s Counseling class. It was extremely eye opening to the need within those walls. I wanted to share my heart on the experience while it is fresh. Once we stepped behind the sliding doors, we were confronted with the reality of “life behind bars.” If anyone ever questioned, they would quickly change their mind about desiring to be a resident of such a place. It was said that it is the 2nd worst built prison in the nation, specifically due to the contractor. It used to be #1 in that listing until LA recently passed it up. We quickly saw for ourselves why it is given such a title. In the time allowed, we were able to tour some of the medical facilities and clinics, receiving, central, and the chaplaincy. The whole experience felt cold, dark, dirty, even primitive. I remember touring a jail just before it was opened when I was younger, but this experience showed the reality compared to one at its prime condition. One of the things that was most impactful to me was this concrete room we quickly walked passed. I could only catch a glimpse inside. It was old, and seemed empty aside from a partially deflated basketball and a hoop hung on the side of the wall. There was a glow of light from inside the room which gave it a warmth. The officer explained how at times they may be allowed to go into that recreational room for a few minutes, and it is the only form of fresh air they will receive. That was overwhelming to consider. I cannot imagine living within those walls, completely secluded and separated from the world aside from the inmates and officers there. Their life is lived within their cell, and due to those around them, it can be an extremely unsafe environment. They receive no face-to-face interaction with family or friends, visits are similar to a form of “FaceTime.” The inmates live in a completely different world.
While we didn’t get the opportunity to go into a pod, we did observe those who were occupying the cells. While looking on at the screens which monitored every area of the jail, the “delivery service” between the bathrooms, death row, and the mental observation area, this new world became very real. Some would say, “We can’t treat people like this, we should fix up the facility.” But this is not free lodging, these are consequences due to their actions. Among other areas, we were able to go visit in the chaplaincy of the jail. Though countless religions are represented within the room, there are opportunities for Christians to visit and counsel the men and ladies there. At the same time we were there, two women were also there receiving counsel and they shared with us some of their stories and the blessing the chaplaincy has been to them. One in particular was quite tearful, afraid, and hurting. It was difficult to connect with her in the moment as going into it there has to be somewhat of a disconnect to your emotions due to the things you will see or here. In that moment, I saw both sides of the situation. Yes, she made wrong choices, and consequently she will pay the price for those choices with her time there. But, they still need the Lord. The majority are there due to, or as a part of substance or other forms of abuse. Most are lost in every sense. We also need to recognize that we are no better than them. We are each just one decision away from creating a lifestyle which would lead to the same consequences. It is only by the grace of God that we have a different story, and someday, who knows, we may end up occupying those walls due to the fact that we are Christians. Those thoughts must be taken into consideration before a harsh judgement is placed upon them. The chaplaincy is a great opportunity to minister to these hurting or bitter hearts. Only the Lord can change their lives. They need hope, and this hope can only come through knowing and following Him. Without people who are willing to minister to them, some will die within those walls without ever again hearing of God’s love. Does it have any effect? I’d say so, the inmates bore witness of that fact, as do the statistics. It was told to us that if/when one would be released from the jail, three fourths of those people will return. However, those who have gone through the chaplaincy program (it is their choice to be there), only 10% of those people will be back in jail. A thought that was impressed to me is how bus ministry and youth ministry is literally a preventative of this lifestyle. Bus ministry, youth ministry, these are opportunities to invest in the lives of young people, lead them to know the Lord, and strive to reach out to them before the wrong decisions are made and their life is to this point. Good parenting, if it could be found within every house, would also help with this. That is why what we do is so important. Every opportunity you are given to invest in the lives of people; don’t waste it. If we aren’t contributing to the solution, we are contributing to the problem. Are you contributing to the solution or problem?
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Lizzy parkerMarriage.
Motherhood. Ministry. Missions. Archives
January 2023
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