My time in the prison.

Philippines. I see a tropical, beautiful place with peaceful and servant hearted people. I see a diversity of a people group that have been colonized by Spain and US, all together for over 350 years. I see a forgiving people. And I see God, in His diversity, reflect in this country, in this people.

The other day we went to the prison, to do worship, a drama, share testimony and sermon. My part was to share my testimony. Now in this culture it is important how you dress especially if you are going to share in front of a crowd. It reflects how you value yourself and from that they value you and listen to you. I believe that my value is more than in my appearance and so in my forgetful mind I probably put on the worst possible. Ugly basketball shorts and a medium sized non-fitted t-shirt. Once there I realize my mistake. This almost lead me to not sharing but the beating of my heart was intense and only increasing. I felt that even though, I really should share and whole heartedly wanted to. I felt a bit ashamed and prayed that God would use my forgetfulness for something good.

The fence was seperating us from the men prisoners and the ladies sat neatly in front of us. We started of with some happy worship songs, which in my country would be considered kids songs and only be sung in a Sunday school setting. But the prisoners happily sang along and danced. So cool :)

As time came for me to share my voice was cracking as my heart was braking for the broken. My heart was braking for the murderers, thieves and liars. And I think I got a glimpse of how God sees them, as valuable and loved. 

At first ashamed of my appearance, I realized that I was just dressed like them. That I also am just like them, a broken sinner that Jesus thought was valuable enough to die for. 

God once said to me that the things I've gone through are not wounds. They are not hurting wounds, they are scars. Healed scars that show how He has truly healed me. I can show it, without shame, and share what Jesus has done. He took a broken girl and healed her. 

After sharing I noticed that I was not the only one that cried. But more importantly I realized that I am not the reason why people are touched. It is because of who God is, what He has done, how He redeemed me and made me into a new creation. 

And that's my prayer for them, to be touched by God and see how the Redeemer has also set them free. We've all been prisoners but I've learned that He can redeem any situation, everyone and everything.

Thanks to everyone who has been supporting and praying for us. It means a lot.