On this day we began the
day at Bella Vista prison. We thought we would see a worship session but we
got a wonderful surprise and were witnesses to 20 baptisms!
The process of
admission to Bella Vista was not as strict as for Pedregal. There was one
computer check point and one metal detector. One stamp and finger printing. And
then they checked our shoes after the metal detector! And of course we were
fingerprinted when we left too.
We were directed to
the chapel when we got there where we were informed about the baptisms taking
place today. We were very excited to be present for this wonderful time.
We
were also informed that Janean Brabon would be there too. It was a pleasure to
see her again. She was a part of the first people to bring the Gospel into
Bella Vista back in the days when they were killing each other and the guards
were even afraid to enter. But due to a vision from the Lord, the Gospel was
taken into the prison by a few brave missionaries, and the prison was changed
from a place of darkness and violence to a place of the Light of the Gospel.
Today there is a seminary there that produces pastors who serve both inside and outside the prison.
After the baptisms we got to shake everyone's hands and
extend our blessings to them. We were so blessed to have been there to witness
this wonderful event.
After the baptisms we were taken to another patio or
cell block. Much smaller and less crowded than the previous one. They said the
prisoners in this patio were all former police or guards or government
officials and lawyers! It seems crazy but that is what we were told. We went into
the room where they have Bible study. There was a guy sleeping there. They told
us that this room also is used is as a safe place to sleep when inmates have no money to buy
sleeping spots! That is the way it works there due to the severe overcrowding
of the prisons in Columbia. Our guide from Prison Fellowship (who also spoke
English, praise God!), told us that Prison Fellowship owns some space and they
see that the men have adequate places to sleep if possible. We also found our
our guide works for OMS! It truly is a small world.!!!
They asked me to
say some words about how believing in the Lord Jesus changes your life. I gave
a short testimony of what He has done for me with a salvation message. The Lord
gave me the words, for sure. Gary shared about how we were called into prison
ministry and they seemed moved by our stories. So grateful the Lord provided a
translator. We are so grateful to be serving in the prisons of Latin America❤️
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