Passenger #13 – A Former Prisoner

Society has managed to convict prisoners for a lifetime beyond their sentence.  None of us like the wrongs that happen in the world and we know justice must be served.  Unfortunately, our prison systems are not often successful in transforming its people and many return again.  However, some do change and that is the case of Passenger #13.  He chose to join the group on the trip as a final straw for forgiveness and spiritual direction.  Over the years he was imprisoned, he experienced every possible emotion and truly gave up on himself.  His family and friends did the same.  He lost hope for a future until an angel came along.  He clearly remembers that day when an older lady came from a local church that sponsored a prison ministry.  He had seen and heard about this but no one had ever met with him until this lady was sent to his aide.  At first he acted indifferent and uninterested---barely polite---just partially listened to what she said.  That first day could have been the last.  But the lady kept it short and simple and said she would return.  As she walked away, he had great doubt that she would ever return.  But she did, time and again.  Never did she preach to him, just talked respectfully, encouraged him that he was worthy of another chance.  He still recalls one statement she made that really struck him----Our God is a God of second chances!

 Finally the day came when he was set free from prison.  It should have been a day of joyful excitement, but no one was there to greet him----except the lady who had visited him.  This time she had her Pastor and they together took him to have his first meal.  As they visited, the Pastor mentioned that he could receive real nourishment if he joined them for worship each week.  His fear of rejection by outsiders overwhelmed him and sadly, he did not take up the offer.  He continues to struggle in this difficult time of transition.

 

Guiding Questions for comments: (Feel free to share anything of comfort each day)

1.       Have you ever thought about the challenge of prison ministry?  What fears have held you back?

 

2.       Do you wonder what the Driver will say at one of the night meetings?