Over the past few months I have had the opportunity to go to the prison in Reynosa with a group from Rio Grande Bible Institute. The ladies and I go to the women’s side of the prison to hold a weekly bible study each Thursday. Through this ministry I have learned the importance of looking at the heart of man rather than just the externals.

When I first went to the prison I have to admit it was hard for me to keep my jaw from dropping to the floor. The place itself is nicely kept with Hibiscus bushes lining the walkways and Aloe Vera plants spread throughout the picnic area outside the women’s bunkhouse. However, as I entered the bunkhouse I was hit with the fact that I was walking among women who had committed all types of crimes.

Some of the prisoners are prostitutes, others are drug addicts, and one of the women underwent a sex change. I knew that I was in over my head and wondered what I had gotten myself into. I remember thinking, “Does God really love them despite all of the terrible things they have done?” Grace or mercy, I did not have. I went in with the attitude that said, “you did the crime now you’ve gotta do the time!” After my first trip over I was not sure if I would ever go back. I began to pray that if that was where God wanted me that He would give me the love and the new eyes that I needed to see these women as He saw them.

Recently I have seen a big difference in how I view the prisoners. I have been given the compassion that I needed. My eyes well up with tears when I hear the women’s  desires to see their families and to finally be free from behind bars.  I am realizing that there is not a big difference between them and myself. We have both made mistakes and done things we regret. I mess up every day, but I know that He has forgiven me.

My job there is to love them and be sure that they see Christ through me. I want them to know that there is forgiveness from their sins. I am His living breathing representative and my only hope is that they will see Christ in me. I pray that one day they will eat of the bread of life and drink of the blood He shed for them.