By Ken Gerard
In-Prison CBSI Representative and Caleb to The Americas
With inmates raging, officials closed the La Mesa prison in Tijuana, Mexico, to outsiders in 2008. It was a sordid, bloody, and terrifying scene. Even though I was the Teaching Leader for a CBSI class there, I was not allowed to return for six months.
When people from the outside were allowed to return, we were sure the class had crumbled in the chaos. To the contrary, it was thriving. Its members were singing God’s praises while continuing with CBSI’s in-depth study of His Word.
I learned that at 5 P.M. every day during the La Mesa rioting those in a cell containing many CBSI class members began singing hymns. The sound of worshipful voices soon came from other cells as well. Inmates in the leading cell would sing for 15 to 20 minutes and then delve into communal Scripture study. The other cells copied this pattern.
I was amazed. I had been concerned about the believers who were in CBSI classes in that troubled prison. But, when I returned to see how they were doing, I discovered that God had been there all along. He was shepherding His people, and He merely invited me to see what He was doing.
People enslaved to sin find liberation in Jesus. Over and over in prison settings in the U.S. and Central America I have seen and heard men and women praising God with truth and fervor. In the same spirit many share the gospel with fellow inmates daily.
Ministry leaders shepherding these CBSI classes in the Dominican Republic and Mexico are praying with great anticipation, asking God also to establish prison-based classes in Puerto Rico, Panama, and other countries throughout Latin America. Already in Panama, nine classes—about 450 men—have finished the CBSI introductory study, If You Will Pray. When the classes are established, they will be led by inmates.
Prisoners are finding spiritual freedom. Your prayers and financial support can help to expand this ministry even further. Our goal is that through God’s living Word freedom in Christ will be found behind bars everywhere—and all honor and glory will go to our Lord and Savior forever!
In-Prison CBSI Representative and Caleb to The Americas
With inmates raging, officials closed the La Mesa prison in Tijuana, Mexico, to outsiders in 2008. It was a sordid, bloody, and terrifying scene. Even though I was the Teaching Leader for a CBSI class there, I was not allowed to return for six months.
When people from the outside were allowed to return, we were sure the class had crumbled in the chaos. To the contrary, it was thriving. Its members were singing God’s praises while continuing with CBSI’s in-depth study of His Word.
I learned that at 5 P.M. every day during the La Mesa rioting those in a cell containing many CBSI class members began singing hymns. The sound of worshipful voices soon came from other cells as well. Inmates in the leading cell would sing for 15 to 20 minutes and then delve into communal Scripture study. The other cells copied this pattern.
I was amazed. I had been concerned about the believers who were in CBSI classes in that troubled prison. But, when I returned to see how they were doing, I discovered that God had been there all along. He was shepherding His people, and He merely invited me to see what He was doing.
People enslaved to sin find liberation in Jesus. Over and over in prison settings in the U.S. and Central America I have seen and heard men and women praising God with truth and fervor. In the same spirit many share the gospel with fellow inmates daily.
Ministry leaders shepherding these CBSI classes in the Dominican Republic and Mexico are praying with great anticipation, asking God also to establish prison-based classes in Puerto Rico, Panama, and other countries throughout Latin America. Already in Panama, nine classes—about 450 men—have finished the CBSI introductory study, If You Will Pray. When the classes are established, they will be led by inmates.
Prisoners are finding spiritual freedom. Your prayers and financial support can help to expand this ministry even further. Our goal is that through God’s living Word freedom in Christ will be found behind bars everywhere—and all honor and glory will go to our Lord and Savior forever!