through the glass
Once a week (or at least as often as I can) I head to Lindsay and visit a young man who is in prison for a very serious charge, awaiting trial. This young man was one of the youth who used to frequent The Bridge when he was younger. We had a lot of trouble with him, in fact, I think he was our biggest challenge!
I spent a lot of time investing in him back then, and I saw glimmer so hope from time to time, but he was wild, wounded and free (from his family) so he pretty much did what he wanted.
He made a decision to follow Christ about 5 years ago, but then he moved away and we lost touch. Then I heard the news back in December that landed him in Lindsay Jail. Carlo and I knew right away that we had to go for a visit. We prayed for him and for our time together – little did we know, he was praying too – for a miracle! He was desperate and needed to know that God was there, he prayed that someone would come.
The next day, Carlo and I showed up at jail and he just lost it. He recommitted his life to Christ and has been growing like CRAZY – unlike anyone I have ever seen before. He was recently moved off a range (area in the jail with 32 inmates) where he was attending and helping out with a bible study and prayer time. This was great for him, as it helped him cope and grow in his faith. After he was moved off, he and I discussed how he would survive and grow spiritually on his own for a while.
I just met with him through the glass again today. Three weeks after being moved into this new Range, he now leads a Bible Study with 9 inmates! He said, “Tim, I think God is giving me my own little ministry here in the Jail!” He is so excited and now he is discipling others. We meet and discuss the Word and what is happening in his life and he takes that back, plus all that he is learning from hours of Bible Study, back to his new friends.
Today he said, “I think God is going to use Jail to prepare me for a real ministry on the outside!”
I think that behind that glass is a young man is having an early Apostle Paul training experience myself!
tim coles
I appreciate how well you articulated your experience with this young man. I pray that God would nourish this and sustain his growth. Always a pleasure Tim.
Brilliant to read this story Tim. We so often forget that God doesn’t need “ideal” situations to do His best work. Great reminder.
I found your blog through Melissa’s which I just randomly stumbled upon. I will be praying for you and Carlo as you continue to reach out to him. I have talked to him as well and can tell there has been a real change in his life and that God is using him in wonderful ways. Praise God for moments like these.