At one of our recent camp team dinners, I had the opportunity to visit with an Assistant Warden from the prison. She’s now a passionate advocate for Forgiven Ministry, however, that wasn’t always the case. In fact, she was once firmly opposed to our mission and tried to use her influence to squelch our mission.
Years ago, at one of our first camps in the area, the the Warden chose to have One Day With God come to the facility, she was intensely opposed to what we were doing. During the initial meeting about hosting such, she made her stance unmistakably clear. She challenged the idea head-on, asking sharply, “Why are we doing this for them? They’re here to be punished, not to have special days with entertainment, food, and privileges.” She just didn’t see the value of what we do and left no doubt about her disapproval.
Despite her objections, the camp went forward, and she was to work as a duty officer. As those of us who’ve been a part of One Day With God camps would expect, during the camp her perspective began to shift. Watching children run into their fathers’ arms and seeing the love that premediated those prison walls, such broke through her hardened exterior. Overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes were weeping and her nose was running. No longer able to contain things, she radioed for a replacement. “You need to send someone down here to take over.”
The team had been watching her reaction on the camera and immediately sent someone down to relieve her. After stepping away to gather herself, she felt the Lord’s prompting to return and finish the camp, which she did. From that day forward, she has been a steadfast advocate for what we do.
This lady’s initial resistance is not uncommon. I’m sure that there are many within the prison system feel that their role is solely to punish inmates, leaving no room for grace or kindness. However, as a security officer told me one time, “The sentence is the punishment. The officers’ job is to facilitate the sentence.” Well said! Someone doesn’t have to be inhuman or unnecessarily harsh to do their job. His wisdom and grace highlight the balance between justice and compassion. This is paramount to our viewing things through a lens of grace as opposed to judgment.
Our friend’s transformation stands as a powerful testimony to the impact of love, even within the unforgiving walls of a penitentiary. It’s a moving reminder of what’s possible when grace intervenes. May we never forget that our One Day With God Camps are designed to create a space for reconciliation—reconciliation with God for those in need of His grace, and reconciliation in relationships for those burdened by the pain of incarceration.
It’s crucial to keep the mission of reconciliation at the forefront of our minds, because when we lose sight of our WHY, we risk losing our way.
You are loved!
Les
