I went to visit 2 inmates and ended up visiting 3 inmates. I sat in a small room with a vending machine as I waited for the 2 guys that I had scheduled a visit with. They were not expecting me so they were surprised and happy when they walked in the door. We all hugged and smiled a lot!
We sat and talked about almost everything under the sun. I brought them a copy of my latest book called "Mentorology Volume One." The Dedication in the book is about one of them. You can find the book at:
http://www.amazon.com/Mentorology-Volume-One-Building-Mentorship/dp/1494395851
I told the guys about another book that I am writing called 49 X 3:16. It's about the 49 occurrences of 3:16 in the Bible. They were both familiar with John 3:16 which says: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." While we were together, I read Proverbs 3:13-18 from The Message which says:
The Very Tree of Life1
3-18 You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight—and be blessed!
We then talked about what was important in life. I urged them to have a plan for the future. I told them to check out the other 3:16's in the Bible. I realized later that the shirt I was wearing had John 3:16 printed on it. When I left the jail and got in my van, I looked at my phone and the time was 3:16. There were many cool 3:16 connections today.
After about 45 minutes, another guy knocked on the door and asked if he could come in. He asked if I could pray for him and his family. He told me his life history in short form. He was brought up in a Christian home and given many good opportunities in life. Sadly he chose the streets. He said that his baby's mother understood that he didn't have any money for gifts at Christmas and birthdays for their 8 year old son. He said he couldn't even afford toilet paper and didn't even have lint in his pocket.
He had been trying to change his life when he slipped and "caught a case." He believed that Jesus got a hold of him and that's why he was in jail. He has a court date coming up soon and he will be released. He asked for prayer for him and his family. The 4 of us stood up to pray. I told the guys that we should link up because real men support each other by holding hands when they pray. We prayed and then we heard the guard say that time was up.
There are many types of people in jail; some are guilty and some are not. Some want to change and some are still learning about humility. I believe that there is goodness in these guys. I will keep praying for them. I hope you will join me.
Thanks for your time.
Go do something nice for somebody.
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