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Did anyone see me in the hole? (2004-12-23)
I thought I was going nuts. These four walls were starting to collapse on me. Just because a stupid mistake I had made days ago in another unit inside SeaTac Federal detention Center, here I was stuck in the “hole” (solitary confinement) 24-7. Prison experience was bad enough, having no one to talk to and no space to walk around was absolutely killing me. Wait! What’s all that noise out there in the open area? Through the little window, I could see 30 some people, mostly Asian, dressed colorfully in red, green, white, etc., lined up orderly on one side of the open area. They started singing “Go tell it on the mountain”. Yes, it was Christmas caroling, wasn’t it? Their angelic voices echoed in the 60+-people prison unit, soared to the top of the mountain and proclaimed that “Jesus Christ was born”. The
base boomed rhythmically and the tanner, alto and soprano jazzed in at different
time to weave a tapestry of holy tale. I closed my eyes and clapped along with
everyone in the hall visualizing that they were black singers swinging to the up
beat. I opened my eyes and realized that they were not black, but I was the more
touched by these peaceful strangers who cared enough to visit us in a cold
winter night in They continued to sing, ”God will make a way when there seems to be no way. He works in ways he cannot see. He will make a way for me. He will be my guide. Hold me closely to his side. With love and strength for each new day, he will make a way. He will make a way...” Yes God, could you really make a way for me? Thank you for sending your messengers to share the good news (Gospel) with me! What is GOSPEL? A pastor stepped forth and explained that GOSPEL stands for: “God's only son provides eternal life”. Wow! I thought being in prison meant the end of my life. I thought life was at a deadly standstill in the hole. I thought that no one in the right mind would come to the hole to comfort me. But Lord, you came to the hole and told me that I had a chance in your eternal plan? Really? God’s answer was a definite yes, and what happened next was too good to be true. Separated by an impenetrable metal door, the carolers penetrated my broken heart and sang out my deepest longing: Is there room in your house for a sinner Lord? Is there room for a sinner like me? For this world is full of temptation and sin. Oh Lord, have mercy on me, Oh Lord, have mercy on me. Do you hear the praying of a sinner Lord? Do you hear the praying of a sinner Lord? And when I'm on my knees, I ask You, Please, "Dear Lord, have mercy on me. Oh Lord, have mercy on me." The carolers must have heard my cry, for they touched me by their comforting lyrics: “Come ye sinners, poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore. Jesus ready stands to save you. Full of pity, love and power.”
I found myself singing with the carolers: “Hear the thanks from a sinner who's forgiven. Lord, hear the thanks from a sinner set free.” The pastor invited those who wanted to accept Jesus Christ as their savior to raise their hands. He wanted to pray for us. I waved my hand violently. I don't want to go back to my old ways any more. Jesus, please save me. I was not sure if anyone saw me. I also put my hands together in a praying position wanting someone to pray for me. I was not sure if someone saw me. Did I see that man waving back? When someone came near, I yelled loudly to request for prayer. I heard my own voice echoing inside the cell. Did he hear me? I was not sure… I am not sure if someone saw me in the hole, Lord, but I am sure you did, cause you healed my sin and took me in, and now there's room for me. Cause you healed my sin and took me in, and now there's room for me. There's room in your house for me. There's room for me! Amen! ^^^^^^^ On
That night we collected names of 170 men and women who accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. In Some units, more inmates were trying to put their names down than we had time and paper for. However, we know that God knows their names for sure. Please pray for their leaving their old path, their discipleship, their walk in the Lord, their families and their interaction with their love ones. **
You are invited to join our New Year eve’s prayer time wherever you are, from
any time between **
Also, you are invited to Cindy’s home on Special praises to God and thanks for the inmates who courageously share their testimonies; the inmates who spontaneously translate for others who needed I; Steven for his overall coordination and his hand-made gifts for the carolers; Cindy for her music arrangements; Chaplain for literally walking with us before during and afterwards all the way; Kristina for working extra hours to support this event; Roger for his wonderful sharing without microphone; Pastor Li for supporting us spiritually and with batteries; Alfred for waiting outside and supporting us in prayer; Andy and Rick for their accompaniment; Gloria for the eagerly sought after, yummy sandwiches; the brothers and sisters who consoled the many inmates who started crying; those who went out of their way to shake hands with the more reserved inmates; those who made a point to greet the Chinese inmates who felt so proud of us being their; those who were busy taking down names; the carolers who still sang with high spirit in the tenth unit; the many, many prayer warriors from different parts of the world; and, of course, Jesus, the birthday boy!
- Peter |