They may be imprisoned because of the things that they have done in the past, but this is the truth: Jesus came to set everyone free!
“…The Lord sets prisoners free…”- Psalm 146:7
Because of the sin of this world, these prisoners may have done things that are unforgivable in human standards. Some may be murderers, some thieves, some may be molesters, and some may be abusive. No matter how tough they are on the outside, these inmates are just broken, just like you and me. Not only that, but the truth is Jesus loves them as deep as how he loves you and me. This is the reason why there is a need to preach the gospel even to prisoners.
“He’s (Jesus) is all over prison ministries because he cares so much about those who are broken, those who are lost, these are His kids just like we are,” said Ptr. Dave Barr of New Hope Windward
.”If we came up here and just one person got saved, it will be all worth it. But you know, in the past and throughout the years, we’ve seen thousands of people here in this prison come to the Lord,” said Ptr Roy Yamamoto of New Hope Prison Ministry. “There is no price tag on seeing them like this, give their lives to God and have their wonderful celebration of eternal life.”
If you come to think of it, we may not be murderers, or thieves, or molesters, or abusive, but we are all sinners. The reality is, no matter how righteous you think you are, or how good you make yourself like, you are still a sinner.
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”—Romans 3:23
And just like those inmates, we are also broken. We also need forgiveness. We also need love. We also need a Savior. No matter how good you think you are, you are a sinner to the core that badly needs a Savior. Our sins are the reason why Jesus needs to die on the cross. We do not earn that salvation, but we receive it by faith.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 6:23
What an amazing sight to see these prisoners, lifting their hands and receiving the salvation that Jesus won on the cross for everyone who believes in His name! Jesus came for sinners like you and me, and for sinners like them.
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17b
We are sinners saved by grace, and so those inmates who are willing to accept Jesus in their lives! And in reaching out to these prisoners, this ministry is also reaching out to their families, especially to their children who are growing up without a father. Indeed there is hope even for those people who in our perspective are hopeless.