Behind Bars
By Emily P. Meyer
There are many ways the lessons get into the hands of our students in the Discipleship School. When people end up in jail, many hear about our courses from a cell-mate or a friend. Sometimes the chaplain will suggest they get lessons from us, or may even pass them out in the facility. Our greatest concern with a new prisoner student is to make sure that they are saved, but if they have trusted Christ, it is our duty to see them GROW in Christ. Many of them have been cast down by the sin, but God can still change them into the image of Christ. They are not too far from the grace that God has given to all those who believe in Jesus.
There are almost 47,000 students in our records at the Madison Discipleship School and nearly 24,000 of them are prisoners in jails and prisons. Each student is given an opportunity to follow Christ through the study of His Word with us. We have 16 basic adult Bible courses. These men and women are hungry for God and need encouragement.
One person who has come through the Discipleship School is “James” (name changed). He started the lessons in the beginning of 2014. He was saved back in the 80’s, but never was taught to walk with Christ. He ended up in prison and desperate to have help from God. Soon after starting the lessons he rededicated his life to Christ after reading “Complete Confidence,” a tract by one of our SLM missionaries, Ray Walker. He grew in his understanding quickly and his grades were excellent.
“James” got out of jail suddenly and he was not able to tell us where he went. A month went by with no word from him. One day he called me and asked if it would be okay for him to continue to take the lessons because he had been helped by studying them. I told him that our program is for everyone whether incarcerated or not. He was happy that he could keep taking the lessons. “James” has not re-offended, but has kept following His Lord and Savior. This year has been difficult for him as he is receiving treatments for terminal cancer. He has been taking enrollment cards into the treatment center to sign up those that would like to take the lessons. His progress has slowed, of course, because of his health problems. His determination to finish well is firm. He has kept his desire to be true to his God. So far through the eight courses that he has studied with us his grade point average is 99%. This would mean he has never missed more than one question and he has received 100% on most of his work. He has a great attitude and God has blessed him with understanding.
In light of his illness you might think that “James” would be discouraged, but he is not. The only thing he is disappointed about is how long it takes to finish his lessons now. Do you have that kind of attitude that can handle the difficulties of life with joy? “James” claims these Bible promises. God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect (2 Samuel 22:33). And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9). Pray for “James” as he is continuing to go through chemotherapy for his cancer.
Do you know someone in prison? Do you have a burden for those that have been incarcerated? The SLM Bible study courses are great resources to work inside those prison walls. You can spend time with an inmate that even a religious volunteer or chaplain cannot through the lessons. Contact us and let us help you with reaching into jails and prisons in your area, OR come down and volunteer at the Madison Discipleship School. We can train you in how to disciple through correspondence as you work on the job. It is a great way to catch the vision for reaching the lost. You will get to hear the bell ring over and over as we announce the names of those who trust Christ and let us know of their faith in Him through the Bible studies. At this writing there have been over 200 salvation decisions from prisoners all over the United States in 2017. You could be helping to reach them.
