Ed Malone Shaking Prisoner's Hand
I began working with jail inmates several years ago in Decatur, Alabama.
Volunteers were assigned a cellblock by the jailer on duty. During a Sunday afternoon visit, we would stand in front of the block, which contained about 20 bunks. Some of the inmates were lying down, some setting on the edge of their bed. There was always a card table with three chairs with the table pushed up next to the front bars where we would stand separated by the bars. There would always be three inmates playing cards. Unlike the jail here in Greensboro, where those who volunteer to attend a service are placed in an 8×8 holding area with no chairs, except for the Trustee Floor, these men had no choice but to hear God’s word being presented.
This is a testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit. No Christian would ever go into a situation like this thinking anything could be accomplished in his or her own ability. The presenter of the gospel in the jail is always ‘prayed up’ so to speak.
Anyway, I never asked the inmates to stop playing cards. After all, I was invading their privacy. After praying for them and as I would began sharing God’s truths found in His Word, the inmates always put down their cards and listened attentively. This was evidence of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit!
On this particular Sunday afternoon some of the inmates accepted Christ. I don’t remember how many. After I closed in prayer, one inmate who had accepted Christ asked me if I would do him a favor. A red flag went up because we as volunteers are restricted as to what we can and cannot do. This inmate told me that his wife was in jail also and asked me if I would go and tell her what had happened, (that he had accepted Christ). I went and asked the jailer if I could visit with this lady. He granted permission. She was in a one-person cell so I was able to visit with her uninterrupted. I began sharing with her about her husband’s decision and about what Christ could do for her. In tears, she asked Christ into her heart. She told me that her sister had been praying for them! This couple was from New York.
As a volunteer, you may be the person that God allows to reap the harvest because of the seed that someone else has planted.
To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done!
Edward Malone
Jail Ministry Volunteer
P.S. Ask any Cornerstone Jail Ministry Volunteer, and they will share with you how God has blessed them through this ministry.
