Visiting in prison

Big Muddy … a nearly 2,000-man medium security prison in Ina, Illinois

On Saturday my wife, Jennifer, and I drove to Big Muddy Correctional Center in Ina, Illinois, (Southern Illinois) to visit a man who is serving 4 years.  I met him when he was locked up in the Champaign County Jail.  Saturday he talked non-stop for nearly 2 hours about how he works to serve Jesus in prison.  It is not easy.  Nor is it a place anyone would want to live.  He mentors other inmates, participates in daily prayer with other brothers and teaches a weekly class on emotional health.  We prayed for him, and he prayed for us.  After we got home, he called (I accept the charges) to make sure we got home safely. 

The next day (Sunday afternoon) I helped lead the church services in the Champaign County Jail.  I preached a message on the importance of being true to yourself.  I talked about the time Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God with everything you have and then love your neighbor as you love yourself.