The irony of working with such a humble people, all while arrogance and pride ooze out of every pore on my being is convicting me like crazy. How in the world can I come here "in the name of Love" (wink wink BB) yet be full of me...hmmm just doesn't work properly.
On our trip last year, the team was blessed with an introduction to the Marikina Prison. Since then Tita Nestie and Lolo Jesse have recognized the open door from the LORD to minister to others in the need of Christ and have developed a fruitful ministry. So on this year's visit you would think I'd be excited to fellowship and see what the LORD has and is doing...you would think.
Ahhhhh how I wish I would have the compassion and be bonded with the prisoners as described in Hebrews 13:3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-those who are mistreated-since you yourselves are in the body also. But I just don't. And the sad thing is why? Why do I think this way? Because they are so bad and have committed crimes? Is it that my sins are so much more acceptable than theirs? Because they got caught and I didn't? So rather than build relations, I stand in the back and take pictures. To further illustrate my callous heart...I mounted a 70-200mm lens (jargon I know) but it allows me to stand at a distance and still get close shots, errrr GILBERT!
I continued in this state until we met the women. First off how they allow men with backpacks and cameras into prison for women is just insane. Immediately GOD stepped in and crushed my pride. The joy, not happiness--shear joy of the LORD that these women possess is just insane. They are locked up!!! But they are learning to be content in whatever state the LORD has them. They are relishing the grace bestowed upon them. They are understanding that they are sinners saved by HIM and the work done on the cross...a lesson I need to learn and hopefully will knock me off my Pharisaical podium.
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