Can you imagine an illegal inmate from China met Christ in prison where he started to encouraged and pray for others? Can you imagine him having the opportunity  to stand in front of a group of volunteers and officers, and speak about God's love? Can you imagine the head of the prison sitting down and listening to this young man? Can you imagine him touching the heart of an officer   and changing her life?

Last Wednesday night, we were invited to the annual volunteer dinner in SeaTac Federal Detention Center. We were honored to have Pastor Randy, the initiator of the Chinese prison ministry, join us and shared our joy. I wished all the prayer partners in the To and Cc line were there to receive the appreciation, too. A big symbolic check was presented to the head of the prison to show how much volunteer effort  was offered in year 2000. The symbolic amount was over $18 thousand. We were told that in 2001 to date, we have already exceeded that amount! Now, this is not even counting all the preparation time and prayer time you have put in.

They arranged Jacque to share. They also arranged two of the Chinese inmates to share about how the volunteers have made a positive impact in their life. Here is the summary of one of the sharing:

^^^^^^^ Translation starts
Ladies and Gentlemen, My name is Basil. Basil is a name given to me by my teacher whom I respect. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers and teachers from different churches. They have encouraged us a lot.

Learning English is difficult for us, but the teachers have taught us well. When we first came we could not understand the officers, the other inmates and the rules. It was hard to communicate even very small things. Now after the teachers have helped us, we can start to communicate. We can now do better in our living quarters. There will be no more fighting and you will not see us in isolation cells any more.

I know that the volunteers from the different churches really care about us. This is all due to the great love  from God.

On behalf of all the Chinese inmates, I would like to give Special thanks to all the teachers, officers and the guards for taking good care of us.
^^^^^^^ Translation ends

Eyes of many grew misty. The head of the prison stood and applaud, and many joined in for a standing ovation.

An officer told us afterwards that she was deeply touched by Basil's sharing. She said that she had received complaints from her boss that she should smile more. She said that she is now learning to smile more at least to these very lovable inmates.

The Education Supervisor wrote this afterwards: "I enjoyed your presence at the dinner.  I love the way Ivy is so friendly and Mark is so helpful and Jackie is so determined to make it work.  It's a beautiful thing.  I'm so grateful to have you guys to help expand my programs. Peace be with you!"

Tonight we had a religious service with the inmates. One brother is getting ready to go back to China. He said, "Now that I have known Jesus, it does not matter anymore which place I go."  He will bring this hope with him wherever he goes and share it with others. Another brother is going to court soon and he said he will leave this up to God either way.  A sister said that she has learned to "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Rom 12:12) She shared with great joy that her father just came to know Jesus in China.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35) Basil, the other brothers and sisters in FDC and the volunteers are disciples indeed.

BTW Thanks for your prayer. The brother who might need leg amputation is now better. He does not need amputation for now. He does still feel pain.

Peter