Prison Revisited

From the church we went to "our" prison. We had visited it twice before, and we carry on an extensive correspondence with several of the men behind bars there. It was a special treat to have a friend who we first knew as a prisoner accompany us-- a free man going back to share Christ.

Once within the prison, another special moment came after climbing five flights of stairs. There at the top was the almost completed prayer room! Two years before we had seen the room, and it was an empty place that didn't even have windows. Now, thanks to the financial gifts of some of you and the hard work of the prison men, it is a haven within dreary prison walls.

The prayer room was a popular gathering place that day. There were Americans to check out! We had a large, attentive audience while we shared from our lives about salvation in Christ. Afterwards we gave gifts to all.

The little library at the back was the site of a special gathering. Several of Mary's "boys" whom she has encouraged and challenged through letters were there! Smiles and pleasure sum up the atmosphere as we saw each other face to face.

Our time was up all too quickly, and we were escorted out between rows and rows of inmates to the prison gate. It was sad to say good-bye, but it was wonderful to have our one friend walk through the gate with us rather than stay behind like last time. A few minutes later we had to say good-bye to him as well. He waved tirelessly until our van was out of sight.

Now we are back home to a place that seems worlds away from the Leninsk Kuznetsky prison. After an experience like that, we don't want to forget... And we can't, for letters keep coming. How glad we are that our "comfortable" lives have been "ruined." Read on!

Letter written to us the evening of our visit.

I write to you, for you ruined my lonely soul and heart. After your visit, sun is shining in my soul. I do not even know how to express my feelings. As if a raylet of the sun came into my soul, and my soul shines brightly. I felt so sorry when you left. It was raining, but you had no umbrella. I asked God to stop the rain, and it stopped. It was a miracle for me, for I got what I asked for . . . I am an orphan. I started my life without any support of adults when I was 9. This is my bitter life. But today, July 6th, when you came, my life turned to happy days . . . Frankly speaking, I lived a different life until today. Today I feel that somebody shows me a new road in my life. Do not think that I came to listen to you because of profit motives. I just have never been happy as today. Everything was upside down in my life. Now I am changing my sight at my life . . . If I stay lonely, then it is my destiny and God's will. I will not be downhearted because of it, for there is nothing that can make me feel it. I got to prison because of a child's naughtiness. My staying here doesn't spoil me but gives me new experience and teaches me how to live . . .

Your student and God's worshiper . . .

Before (2003)

After (2005)

Gathering Place

Captive & Free

Friends