Gary shares his perspective on Latin American prison

Describe the prisons.  We hear that Latin American prisons are terribly dark scary places.

I recognize that the prisons of Latin America are generally considered very dark and scary places, but we haven't experienced that to a large degree.  First, I want to explain that we have not been into the cell block area so we can't really comment on those living conditions but in the general population areas things seem fairly good.  Because of the climate, they do not have or need windows, the open yard areas are bright, clean and the inmates have flowers and /or vegetables growing in the available areas.  There were open areas where the inmates were playing soccer, and the inmates seemed fairly contented.  They do not wear uniforms but instead wear clothing supplied, I assume, by their friends and family, with most being dressed in jeans and soccer shirts or tee shirts.  Almost without exception, they are meticulously clean.  In each of the prisons we visited, there was a hand laundry area and what seemed to be miles of clothes line with clothes being hung out to dry.  When considering a comparison of the living conditions in the prison with the way they live in their communities outside the prisons, I believe the prisons are well kept.   They have very adequate chapel facilities equipped with musical instruments including sound system, guitars and a drum set.

How receptive are the prisoners to the Word of God and Jesus?

My general impression, and one which is supported by the growth of the program, is that the men in the prison are open to the Gospel and hungry for any and all "outside" attention.  They are all enthusiastic worshippers and the chapel really rocks during the services.  They participate in the Bible classes and offer not only questions, but answers and suggestions to one another in support of their faith.

Having an active rather than a passive faith seems to be a new experience, part of this because of their cultural ties to the Catholic Church and the obvious formality of that type of worship experience.  I believe their enthusiasm is in large part due to realizing they can know Jesus, not just worship him hanging on the cross.  Both are necessary, but neither to the exclusion of the other.