Rehab for Addicts & Missionaries too!

April during the 9th through the 12th our team was given the opportunity to minister at a mens rehab center in the city of Ouro Branco. I must confess that I personally was not too well. I had been going through some personal battles. So as we loaded the bus I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact of how empty and unsettled I felt inside. I was tired from the struggle.

I was surprised at how quickly things changed as I stepped out of the bus once we arrived at the center called “Casa do Oleiro” (this means “The Potters House” in Portuguese). It seemed like the atmosphere was thickly presented by a quieting peace; indeed God’s presence is richly felt there.

We were there to minister purity workshops. Pastor Joshua wisely tailored the ministrations based on the rehabs director, Luisiano, instructions- “Speak on identity”. So we used the dramas combined with short sermons with Pastor Joshua tying the loose ends with a word. As the Holy Spirit ministered through us you could see it in the men’s eyes; words of hope, healing and encouragement flooding into the soils of their thirsty souls. That’s not to puff us up. God was simply using us to be the “long awaited rain” as Luisiano later told us. I was so humbled to be a part of that. God used us those four days to be his embrace. Very, very humbling, who are we, that God would love so eloquently and powerfully through us.

Besides ministry I must make a note on the relational aspect of this trip. We flowed together like family even from day one. I mean the team and the men at the house. It was so beautiful to experience. No fear, no prejudice, perhaps some shy cautiousness in the beginning but Gods love drew us together so strongly and smoothly. We were all victims of its power that weekend; even us girls, Adriana, Daniella and me. I thought for sure it would be a bit hard and awkward for us being the only females there. But we were treated with such honor and respect. Conversations flowed so easily if the initiative was taken to begin one. The men were almost always open and frank. Something told me not to be afraid to ask the hard questions. It was like talking to long lost brothers, even sometimes fathers and grandfathers. It was like family.

Though we went to minister, like always, we were ministered to. Witnessing the transformation occurring there and that had already occurred in most men’s lives was radical for me. It’s just like a wakeup call for me- HELLO! GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE! Crack addicts, alcoholics, all types of addictions broken and being broken by the power of Jesus Christ. Amazing! Personally, the combination of natural beauty (Ouro Branco is BEAUTIFUL) and Gods presence and peace over that place brought a lot of rest and relief for me. I came empty and left brimming. It was a delightful experience; everyday gazing out over the horizon covered in mountains, farm land and a crisp blue sky. It seemed as if time slowed down. It brought so much peace to my heart. I felt like a child wrapped in warm blankets held gently in its mothers arms. You see, whether you are an addict or just plain out tired from the struggles in this life, God wants to take you to a place of restoration… Indeed, he leads me beside still waters and restores my soul. God is so merciful and good. Praise him!

Jesus Behind Bars

Before I knew it, the day came that we would be ministering at a women’s penitentiary. I was asked to give my testimony. I remember sitting and wondering how that would sound to these women. Any testimony, no matter how simple is a miracle so I wasn’t so worried about mine being so. But I couldn’t help but wonder… what they would think, would they be able to relate.

Everything was new for me because I’d never gone to a jail before. As we entered the building I felt a sort of foreboding. The high walls with coils of barbwire and watchtower made it obvious what the facility was for. Not the place was dank, dark and horrid. It was pleasant enough inside, with aqua blue walls, large court yards with benches, and the nursing rooms for the women (the penitentiary is for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth). But as I walked through the corridors I had this eerie feeling of what it would be like to be imprisoned. No liberty to go where you wanted or see the ones you love.

As the women filed into the terrace we would be meeting in we greeted them and spent some time talking with them and cooing over their baby’s. Then I went up and shared. I can’t really describe to you what I saw as I looked into the eyes of these women. Some were glazed, but not with tears, but with a sort of weary sorrow. Sidney spoke and his sister sang. Some of the girls from our home church danced and it was powerful but what I really want to share was what happened at the very end. It was so simple and yet so beautiful and moving. I was holding a little girl in my arms and I began to look down at her little feet and little arms and hands. I was suddenly filled with sadness; these little arms would grow and the possibilities of all the hurt, harm and sin that this child would experience in her lifetime made my spirit sink. Was it possible that I was holding a little life in my arms that could even someday pass away into an eternity without God? I looked around at all the baby’s in the room. What about them? What about these women? All of a sudden the realization dawned on me and with clarity; do what Jesus did- lay hands on the children and bless them. It was simple but it went a long way. Tears streamed down the faces of the women as I prayed blessing over their individual child. It brought us together. I felt such closeness to these women. It was a wonderful moment of God’s love flowing and connecting us.

As we drove back home I reflected on the moment. I was pondering how love works. All it takes to reach out to someone (no matter who that someone is; prisoner, street child, gangster, relative or friend) is to love them. Just love. When I got down and spoke personally with each woman, prayed for them and their children one on one, and embraced them without holding back, I knew lives were being touched… all through the simple yet profound love of Christ.

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matt 25:39-40