I really enjoy Wednesdays, not because it is a 12+ hour day, but because by the end of it I am truly blessed. The first 9 hours or so are like any other day. Get up ponder, go to work but then the fun starts. First, I turn in my drivers license and get my photo ID, I then pass through a metal detector, scan my ID through one door (it closes), hand stamped with UV ink, through another door, walk a 1/4 mile across and razor wire enclosed compound and then meet with 19 men who have been convicted of various crimes. I then lead a study with them about integrity, authenticity, beliefs and values. What great conversations we have. These guys are intelligent, reflective and engaged in the conversation. To be honest, I don't think it is so much the material that we study, but rather the fact that there are a number of us from the outside who come in regularly to share with and minister to these men. On Wednesdays there are 6-10 of use who make this trek regularly. For me, it is my attempt to live out Matt 22 and James 1, verses about loving your neighbor and caring for those forgotten by society.
I believe the men are ministered to through my presences and I know that I am ministered to and blessed by them being a part of my life. My challenge I leave with you is how can you be a blessing to those people God has put in your sphere of influence.
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