Last month, I got to go to Lansing Prison for the first time with Victor, one of the Associates we are working with in Topeka, KS. Victor leads the Spanish Call-Out, which is the weekly church service in the prison. On this particular Saturday morning, 23 guys showed up for an amazing Spirit-filled service. The English Call-Out is in the room next door and is a larger group, but there are three English-speaking inmates who have chosen to join the Spanish Call-Out. The Spirit is moving in such a way that they want to be a part of it!
One of the Spanish-speaking brothers translated the service for the four of us. After the service ended, I had a few minutes to speak with a brother named Mark. Mark told me a brief history of the last few years of his life and what eventually landed him in prison. He then told me about how he would be getting out in five years and that he felt the Lord was calling him to be a missionary when he gets out.
Then, Mark asked me a question that hit me like a ton of bricks. Mark looked me in the eyes and asked me if I thought an ex-con could be a missionary. You see, Mark was a youth pastor at a church before he came to prison. Mark knew what it took to be a leader in most church settings. He also knew how he would be viewed once he stepped outside the walls of Lansing Prison.
I encouraged him, telling him that he is not alone. Not only does God use everyone who is willing, but there are also believers who want to stand with him. At World Impact, we want to equip and empower men and women – even ex-cons – to be leaders in their local church bodies. He wanted all the information I could give him, because for the first time since being in prison, Mark saw an opportunity to flesh out his call after prison life. I pray that Mark left that service with much joy and hope.
I love that God is still in the redeeming business. Mark is just one example of many other men and women with whom we are developing relationships in the hope that one day we can equip, empower, and then encourage them as they go and fulfill the call that God has placed on their lives. What an honor to play such a small part in Mark’s amazing story. Please pray for Mark and many others as they continue to grow in Christ and help us make a World Impact!
Andrew Medlen is a World Impact Midwest missionary, living and serving in Kansas.
