God Loves Me Enough to Send Me to Prison

God Loves Me Enough to Send Me to Prison by Dave Wilson with Eldon Rynders

Eldon serves as the team leader for our prison ministry called KAIROS. Throughout the year, they enter the Maximum Security Men’s Federal Penitentiary in Victorville and host a 3 day discipleship weekend with inmates.

Matthew 11-13

After spending time with Eldon, I did a little research on one of the more obscure passages of scripture that he drew my attention to: Matthew 12:20 where Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah. He mentions “a bruised reed he will not break”. If you google this phrase, you will get lists of websites and articles about prison ministry. Chuck Colson’s organization, “Prison Fellowship” even uses the logo of a bent reed to symbolize their work with prisoners. There are many people online who have labeled themselves as ‘bruised reeds’ because of unhealthy and unwise decisions they have made in their lives. But each one that I read gave praise to the Lord that they are not broken and discarded – only bruised.

Men and women who reach the end of the line by serving time in prison are often more open to the gospel than they ever have been. They have “TIME” on their hands to contemplate their behavior and think of ways to alter their course for the future. Actually, KAIROS is the Greek word for time. Not just any time, but God’s appointed time that is reserved as a special moment for His purposes.

As Jesus quotes Isaiah, he completes the passage that says, “…he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” Justice is significant to Jesus here because he knows that the Pharisees are conspiring against him. He is not just concerned about justice here on earth, but spiritual justice as well. The parables of the ‘sower’, ‘the hidden treasure’ and ‘pearl of great price’ all direct His followers to strive for higher purposes here on earth. In prison, inmates are given time to consider the depth of having a relationship with Christ. But, we who are free, often take our time for granted. We are busy people and do not always set aside margin in our lives for depth. I have heard people say, “We are a mile wide, but an inch deep” when it comes to our faith. Participating in Route 66 is one positive way of creating margin (time) for the Lord to speak to you and guide you during your day. Keep it up!

Body and Soul: A Package Deal

Body and Soul: A Package Deal by Dave Wilson with Jerry Newman

Jerry describes himself as a ‘semi-retired’ businessman. He is currently serving as the Team Leader for one of Trinity's short-term mission teams and is also the Chairman of the Board for a local non-profit here in Redlands.

Matthew 8-10

Jesus issues some very strong language when He describes what it will be like to be one of His disciples. The first part of this passage is exciting and powerful for followers of our Lord. They see people healed miraculously, a storm that is calmed by His words alone, demons are cast out, and they are taught profound truths by someone with much authority. He shows power over sickness, nature and the ability to forgive sin. He consistently cared for both the body and the soul of all whom He encountered. After all of this blessing, comes words of warning because Jesus knows that persecution will come. He says things like:

• “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves…” (Matthew 10:16)
• “…you will be hated by all for my name’s sake” (Matthew 10:22)
• “When (emphasis mine) they persecute you…” (Matthew 10:23)

Following the warnings, which were meant to prepare the mind and body, Jesus brings comfort and strength to the soul and spirit of His disciples. He assures them by saying:

• “… do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.” (Matthew 10:19)
• “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed” (Matthew 10:26)
• “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Matthew 10:28)

Centuries later, Jesus is still sending His disciples out to serve the physical needs of people and provide words of hope and assurance to their souls in other lands. Jerry and others at Trinity Church have heard the Lord’s call on their lives. They understand the cost of being a disciple, but they rest in knowing that “…whoever loses his life for my [Jesus] sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39) While reading this passage of scripture, ask the Lord of the Harvest where He would like to send you out.