We went to the maximum security area of New Bilibid Prison today. Even before going there, I knew that although we're going there as ministers, God will surely minister to us as well.
I met a lot of different people today. Various testimonies, hurts, love life, salvation. I'm greatly amazed and blessed with all their stories and truly overwhelmed by how they are serving, loving, and glorifying God even inside prison. As it says in John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" One doesn't need to be on the outside world to love and serve Christ. God is not small to not be able penetrate prison cells and make his love known in every area.
I was blessed by the love story of one couple there. They started writing to each other from behind bars to another country and vice versa, until God appointed the perfect time for them to finally be husband and wife. I admire the woman's submission to God's will. Mind you, it's not easy (and mostly scary) to enter into a relationship with someone from "inside." But if it's God's will, He will be the one to orchestrate things and make it beautiful. They got married in a church inside prison and they now have a beautiful daughter.
Another story is from a senior citizen who was sold by his mother at age 6 for 50 pesos, and was put to jail for a crime he did not even commit. I could just imagine the pain he went through. But the beautiful thing about his story is that he is now a pastor reaching out to senior citizens there.
A whole lot of the people I met are active church workers and are living changed lives. I especially admire the wives who are faithfully supporting, loving, and serving their husbands. I salute them all for not turning their backs and obeying God by continuously submitting their lives and being devoted wives.
I was especially blessed by the choir's song number with these lyrics: "Mahal ng Diyos ang sanlibutan, at ayaw niyang isa man ay mahatulan. Ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit siya nasugatan, upang maangkin ang kaligtasan." It's really a blessing to realize how true these lyrics are in their lives, and how pathetic I am to be complaining when my worries are but a spec compared to their situations. Some of them have been in prison even before I was born yet they're able to grasp the goodness and love of God. Although constrained in the gates, thick walls, and tight security of Bilibid, they're doing all they can to serve and glorify God in their own ways.
During our fellowship after lunch, we sang praise and worship songs again. This is the part where they really got me. They were singing their hearts out, everyone jumping, dancing, giving all they have to worship the Lord. They all had smiles on their faces and their joy within is truly radiating. No one would ever think that they've gotten death and life sentences. You really would not see even a hint on their faces for they have accepted God's love, peace, redemption, and vindication. As they were all jumping and singing to upbeat songs, I couldn't help but cry in awe of God's amazing grace in their lives. God loves each and everyone of us and His desire is to be with us and bless us tremendously. No work of the enemy shall prevail and His plan will come forth - changing lives, building families, and being a blessing to their community.
It's unfortunate that cameras are strictly prohibited in that area. As much as I wanted to take their pictures to show all of you, I only have this testimony (and a few of our pictures outside the facility) to share. Many thanks to Amazing Grace church for inviting us and I hope we will be able to visit them again.
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