Lost, But Not Forgotten
A letter from the Editor
Just a few months ago on a trip to West Africa, I was asked to speak in a couple of prisons. Even though I am a veteran of these kind of invitations, if I am completely honest, these can be some of the most frightening experiences I endure.
For those who have only seen prison in the movies or on television, such a visit elicits a far too subtle reaction. Only someone who has actually visited can truly appreciate the dangers and fears. In developing and third world countries, the atmosphere is entirely different, far less controlled and sanitary than what prisoners in the United States experience.
So as we made our way over miles and miles of dirt road, in the extreme heat of the day, we finally arrived to what can only be described as a decrepit building, certainly uninhabitable in our culture. We are greeted by a couple of enthusiastic guards, perhaps glad to just see people since they are so isolated. I soon learn there are only three guards for the whole prison.
We made our way through an unimpressive doorway meant to keep the prisoners in and soon to keep me in as well. Once in, there are no “cells,” no handcuffs or chains, and no prison guards, just prisoners and preachers.
As my translator began to introduce me I have to confess again my fear. I stood in front of hundreds of men, now closing in, dirty, half clothed, some kind faces, but those faces were drowned out by those who appeared angry and ready to antagonize the Christian teaching. I am also distracted by the bugs and lice everywhere and the Muslims sitting near little small fires sharpening some sort of tools.
When I begin to speak, I immediately begin to wish I had memorized my sermon as I hold up my iPad and see them eye it, inching closer and closer every moment I spoke.
But as I spoke, I began to see the Word of God soften the entire crowd. They settled down to a hush and even the Muslims leaned in to hear the Word. Soon I became completely at ease with my surroundings and was able to have great freedom and liberty to interact with the crowd, which they seemed eager to do. My concerns all wiped away by a confidence that I was in the Lord’s hand, there on His divine assignment. And twenty came to Christ as I closed.
As we made our way out of the prison, many brought gifts, asked for prayer, and tearfully thanked me for not allowing them to be forgotten in prison. Their spouses, children, parents, and friends have all but forgotten them, society has hidden them away. But they thanked me for my message that encouraged them that God was right there beside them…He and His messenger from America have not forgotten them.
About nine million people worldwide are believed to be in prison, mostly forgotten. Another 355 million live where there is no church, no preacher, and no missionary. There is much work to do yet in the great commission, many more disciples to be made. At Source of Light we aim to go to the Lost and bring them the news, the Good News, that they are not forgotten.
