At DJJ With Bill Glass Ministries

Having had a little time to digest a packed weekend with Bill Glass Prision Ministries...I'd like to share a few things. Over 400 volunteers went to correctional facilities all over South Carolina to share the Gospel. My group went to the Department of Juvenille Justice.

I had the chance to talk with some of the kids individually and in smaller groups. It was interesting to me how many of them already had knowledge of the gospel. They had grown up in or around the church. Yet they still ended up at DJJ. They answered the questions the "right" way and many had said the sinner's prayer more than once before. I think this may have played into the fact that I did not lead anyone into one of those dramatic conversion experiences you hear about.

And yet...sometimes we're not there to havest. There's no question in my mind that what I was able to do was plant seeds. When I look back at my own experience in becoming a follower of Christ, I remember countless conversations over a number of years that in hindsight I can see planted seeds and tilled the ground. I dont' know anything about farming so I hope that metaphor made sense! :) Honestly what seemed to be the most powerful thing to do was listen to the kids -- and pray with them. Some of them are already in Bible studies. It was a great chance to affirm that they were spending their time well.

We went in on two separate days. There was one kid I talked to on both days. On the second day he shared with me that he had struggled with anger and had had an incident just that morning. He knew he was wrong - actually realized while the altercation was going on. And he regretted it. Another guy - who had kind of a tough exterior - came to me and showed the the autographs he had gotten of two of the guest speakers. He had a huge smile on his face as he showed me what they had written. Underneath it all there was still a childlikness. I could see that God is at work at DJJ through these kids.

But here's the challenge. There are some amazing people who work with kids behind bars. But not enough of them. One of the greatest tragedies is when a kid gets out of DJJ and goes home to a dysfunctional family, bad influences in the neighborhood, and no support system. Even though its tough at DJJ, the kids are actually nurtured in a way. They are learning artwork, writing and craftmanship. And some of them are very talented. Take a tour sometime and see their work! They are getting a high school education and having their values challenged. Some of them are even learning God's Word. But when they get out, all of that disappears. The DJJ folks tell me one of the things the kids need most is mentors. Someone to build a long term relationship with a kid. To encourage, challenge, and build up. I'm just taking a shot in the dark here - but if you think God may be leading you to be a mentor, I just happen to have a link for you right here.