This is a long overdue part 3 of 3 to a series we started in September! If you want to refresh your memory on the previous two Click here.
Gary finishes up by sharing some of the particular challenges he faces on his visits to the local prisons here in the US. Good stuff. God stuff.
Gary finishes up by sharing some of the particular challenges he faces on his visits to the local prisons here in the US. Good stuff. God stuff.
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PART THREE
Many of the challenges that I have to deal with are the results of my shortcomings and lack of self control. Of late, I am finding a decreasing ability to deal with details and also with shortened fuse on my temper. I believe it may be just “old timer’s” but it frustrates and worries me.
In getting into the prisons, there are of course many security issues that you must deal with. Each facility seems to have a completely different set of ‘dos and don’ts.” Of course the first requirement at all institutions is you must get a reservation in order to visit any inmate. While the process varies from one institution to the other, it is generally straight forward. My major difficulty has been how and what I need, have to have, can’t have when I enter a particular prison.
Inside, we need to use a “food card” in order to purchase food to share with the inmate while we are inside. This necessitates purchasing a food card (cash required), then loading it with credit (cash or credit card) and this must be purchased inside the prison at the Visitors room. PROBLEM: You can take the food card in, but cannot carry any cash or any credit cards.
We are required to present identification (driver’s license) to prove who we are in order to get a pass to enter the prison. PROBLEM: Once you are cleared you can enter the prison but you can’t take the license in with you.
Their solution, rent a locker from them. You must have two quarters in order to use the lockers. No change available!
Now, at three of the four institutions I visit, you can enter carrying your car keys and you can wear a wrist watch, however at the fourth institution, neither are allowed. You must now re-open your locker and deposit your watch and car keys in your locker and then lock them in...... oh yes, need two more quarters.
On my first visit to this institution, I had to return to my car, once for extra quarters, once for cash for the food card and the correctional officer was amusing himself with my frustration. I eventually had to turn my back on him, take a deep breath and calmly walk out of the institution. I returned four days later all prepared. I was truly afraid that my temper was going to get the better of me and I was going to say something.
I am not proud of the fact that I almost lost it, but the experience provided me with a taste of what the inmates put up with daily. God’s lessons are easier to recommend than experience sometimes. But God is in control and by His leave, I continue to try to minister to these men. They aren’t saints, but then neither are any of us.
