Occasionally, I stop by NAPA to purchase some fuel injector cleaner. (It is far less expensive to prevent buildup than to clean clogged fuel injectors.) And it strikes me that on these shelves are enough parts to build an engine that roars. But there they sit, each tucked away inside of its own cardboard box, and huddled up with other parts exactly like it, all of them doing nothing. I realize the purpose of an auto parts store is not to build a new engine, per se, but to equip mechanics for repair. Still, it’s a little ironic, isn’t it?
A team of 46 men just completed a Kairos Prison Ministry Weekend, and it was a picture of the body of Christ at work—each one assuming his assigned role in and among the others, and all converging to share the love and forgiveness found in Christ Jesus. Leaders led, servants served, and musicians ushered us into praise and worship. Table family leaders facilitated discussions — “listen, listen; love, love” is the Kairos slogan — opening the hearts and mouths of the 42 residents in attendance. Then there were the men and women who supported the Weekend from outside the walls: the bakers who baked over 4,000-dozen cookies and the pray-ers who, in half-hour shifts, covered almost the entire 3½ days in intercession. It was a picture of the body of Christ: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”1 For “God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”2 What happens when everyone functions in his/her capacity? Consider these inmate testimonies . . .
“I was hateful and spiteful. I didn’t nor couldn’t abide Christians. I have torn Bibles apart and spit on Christians. Now I have found an unconditional love I never expected.”
“This is awesome, so beautiful. I’m still locked up physically, but inside I’m free.”
“I came to this weekend very angry and hateful. I had asked God before to change me. I had asked him for a family. Now I’m looking at the whole bunch of people who are my family.”
“God has a plan for every one of us. I didn’t understand this until I got here (prison). I was stuck to addictions, but God sent the police, a judge, and then prison. This weekend is step 1. Tomorrow is step 2. I will strive to be a better person because of God.”
“I’ve changed! I’ve changed! I’ve changed!”
“Around here, we’re known by our number or our last name, but you [volunteers] called us by name. Thank you for giving us our names back.”
There were many amazing testimonies, and surely more unspoken. The body of Christ came together, each as called, and the engine roared.
Father, “Here I am! Send me.”3 Yes, show me my role in Your body today, and send me. In Christ I pray. Amen.
1 1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV
2 1 Corinthians 12:18 ESV
3 Isaiah 6:8 ESV
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Paul Nordman—Author 