The North Central Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections (Calico Rock Prison)-
We were so moved by our last service at the Prison that we decided to devote this newsletter to let you know what it’s like.
During the 9 months that we have been going to the Prison things have changed dramatically. Our first visit was nothing short of frightening. 7 a.m. Metal detectors, walking down hallways and being required to keep in the narrow painted runway against the walls, heavy metal double doors with electric locking mechanisms controlled by guards stationed behind barred windows. A very cold environment with nothing to cover the concrete walls and nothing to muffle the heavy clang of doors being shut except white paint and men wearing white baggy work clothes mopping the floors. Alton and Jeannie Harrison seemed at ease with this scene out of the movies but Kathleen and I were definitely not.
Several more metal doors and we were ushered into a room filled with about 40 chairs, a pulpit and about 5 inmates. Jeannie led us to the front row of chairs and we sat waiting expectantly for whatever would happen next. At 7:45 a procession of about 40 inmates, all wearing the same baggy, white uniforms with a large array of tattoos covering arms and necks, began filling the room. Alton’s quiet professionalism in the midst of all of this was expected but Jeannie’s warm greetings and obvious ‘at home’ attitude seemed totally out of place and did a lot to quiet Kathleen’s and my nervousness. This was definitely not like being at the Baptist church where we had signed the previous week.
There were 2 services one for each of the two barracks. We signed 4 songs during each service including a duet of Why Me Lord? and Kathleen’s, very emotional, Amazing Grace. We preceded each song with scripture and short testimonies. The response was overwhelming. The inmates responded with standing ovations and an attitude that openly showed their appreciation for our ministry and the fact that we had taken the time to venture into their environment. After each service we stood in a line with Jeannie and were thanked by each inmate as they left to return to their cells. Afterwards, during the drive back to Mountain Home, Kathleen spoke of the nervousness leaving her during the first song and the peace of God filling her as never before. She knew that the Lord wanted us to be there to bless others and to be blessed.
So much has changed from that 1st visit. We have come a long way from the time Alton had asked us to try going to Calico Rock once and if we decided not to return he would understand. We no longer have the nervousness and fear. Now we sincerely look forward to the services. We have made friends there! The groups have grown to 60+ per service and they now have their own 3-piece band and we were surprised by the newest addition- a 30-member choir of inmates and all showing unbelievable enthusiasm and enjoyment of the time that they spend worshipping. We’re greeted with great warmth and you can feel the love in the air as Jeannie sings or Kathleen signs.
During the last visit Alton asked for testimonies from any inmates who wanted to share. The 1st man to begin talking lasted about 2 minutes before he started sobbing with emotion and tears. He told of his conviction as a murderer, his early years in prison doing drugs and being in gangs. He told of his acceptance of Christ as his Savior and the peace that he had found- a far cry from the torment of his first 10 years.
The next man had recently converted from Muslim and had found a peace now that he had never expected. He talked of the prayer circle that he was a part of that openly prayed in the barracks and spread the Word to the other inmates.
One after another these men gave their testimonies. They were all different but they were all the same in that they had all found salvation, forgiveness and peace within the prison walls and within the arms of a Savior who generously showers us with His grace and mercy. Each man who spoke became emotional and tears flowed openly from both speakers and listeners as one after another they quoted scripture after scripture.
Each session lasted far longer than the normal one-hour and the 9:30 departure stretched to almost 11:00.
Kathleen and I were silent during the ½ hour drive back to Mountain Home. Each of us with our own thoughts about the morning. Then, later, over coffee, we talked about the day. We thanked God that we could be a part of it all. To witness so many who had truly found that the love of our Lord stretched so far and so deeply. We thanked God for the Harrison’s of the world who spend so much time and energy so far from the normalcy of our world to counsel and love these outcasts from a society that has mostly turned its back on them. It is truly what it means to be Christian. To love one another in spite of the sins of a lifetime filled with crime and hate.
Yes, we ‘signed’ at a couple of churches this past month. We signed and witnessed to more than 45 at the Lions Club luncheon. And these were very meaningful to us and our ministry. But our time amongst the inmates is very special to us because God has allowed us to serve Him in this very unique way and to see so many find the peace that surpasses all understanding.
We thank all of you for your continuing prayers of support.