'In prison and you visited me'

By Chris Beam

HUNTSVILLE, Texas--More than 100 inmates of the prison here attended Bible lectures in September.

Dealing with prisons is a challenge. We did a lot of preparatory work with chaplains from two units in the prison--the Walls Unit and the Wynne Unit.

After explaining what we wanted to do, and how the church is opening up in its evangelism outreach, we were warmly received to go into both facilities.

We have one baptized member in the Walls Unit. His name is Bill Scott. Bill was ecstatic that we were going to have meetings in the chapel on Sunday evenings all during the month of September. We brought literature so the visitors could take it with them to read.

Some prisoners sang and played musical instruments at each service. There was a real hunger for God's word, and many inmates expressed thanks that the church was willing to take time to come and teach them.

In the Wynne Unit we were only able to conduct one meeting, Oct. 1, but the attendees responded positively. Many asked for a follow-up pastoral visit, and some wanted to attend our monthly Bible study that we conduct in the unit.

In the Wynne Unit we have three baptized men: Thomas Fougeron, Paul Prokopich and Larry Rouse. After the meeting was over a number of the inmates stayed to fellowship and learn more about the church.

The topics we presented were: Why Does Christ Need to Return? How Christ Will Restore Peace on the Earth, The Children of God, and How You Can Reign With Christ.

Feedback from the prisoners showed a real response in their hearts and minds for these kinds of messages. Please pray that God will bless the seed planted in their hearts to grow and flower into the fullness of faith in the Father and Jesus Christ.

Chris Beam is pastor of the Houston, Texas, North church