How Linda got to prison in the first place....
People often ask how the prison ministry began. Thirty years ago Dallas and I conducted our first in-prison seminar. It was a day for couples at Fox Lake Correctional in Wisconsin. Our shared lives provided a relational bridge that Jesus began to walk across from our hearts to theirs. Our passion grew as we experienced the reality of Psalms 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit. God rescued us and He was healing us. This reality gave us courage to share freely about our weaknesses and His power. Some of those from the outside wanted to join us as prison doors were open across the country.
Then in 1986 Dallas was invited to prison in Gatesville, Texas. He came home rejoicing and we both knew that God was opening new doors. I felt a deep longing to experience the harvest that was taking place in the Texas Prison system. But I waited for the invitation and the next year I was invited to conduct a seminar at Mountain View Unit. It was there I met Karla Faye Tucker and saw the peace of our Lord on those with a death sentence. More people joined us and volunteers from around the country came together. Karla described this God happening in one of her letters to us.
Then in 1986 Dallas was invited to prison in Gatesville, Texas. He came home rejoicing and we both knew that God was opening new doors. I felt a deep longing to experience the harvest that was taking place in the Texas Prison system. But I waited for the invitation and the next year I was invited to conduct a seminar at Mountain View Unit. It was there I met Karla Faye Tucker and saw the peace of our Lord on those with a death sentence. More people joined us and volunteers from around the country came together. Karla described this God happening in one of her letters to us.
"If you only knew how much of a blessing you are to us! The excitement and anticipation that falls over this unit when we know you are coming is incredible. I know that while you are here God is going to break the yoke of bondage in many, many, lives. What touches the depths of my heart is how you have become family! You come in here and you embrace us, not just as part of the body of Christ, but also as family, as one of the team. You have a way of letting us know that our prayers for you are just as important as your prayers for us. You embrace us as one of you! And that makes more of a difference than you'll ever know."It's been twelve years since that letter was written but the story continues. Captives are being released and prisoners are dancing in the streets. Look around… The harvest is white. If you haven't joined the party, you are invited. What joy!!!