Joseph Harp Correctional Facility

Yesterday afternoon Sheila and I made a drive we've made many times before. We left Tulsa about 4:30 and drove (too fast) the 150 mile, 2.5 hour trip to Joseph Harp Correctional Facility near Lexington, Oklahoma. I've been going down there for 9 years, most of that time for a once a month Chapel service. Sheila has been going with me for almost 7 years. About a year ago, because of time constraints and the high price of gas, we cut back from once a month to once a quarter.

Over that time, we have ministered in other prisons, doing bigger events and to more people and every once in a while even had a church or organization at least cover our costs, but there is something really special about Joseph Harp!

Prison ministry is an amazing thing. I will readily admit that there are many times, when we are trying to get away from our jobs and rushing to get to the prison on time and trying to figure out what to do with kids that we don't have a very good attitude as we are heading out. We are both so incredibly busy with our jobs and family and other ministry, that as we prepare to head out to Joe Harp, it sometimes seems like a pretty big burden.

Even though we often leave Tulsa out of almost grudging obligation, once we walk into that prison, God does something amazing (because that is just the way He is!) While we have gone to Joe Harp hoping to bless the men who are incarcerated there, to encourage them in some way, God uses the services there, the men there, to bless and encourage Sheila and I far, far more than we ever bless them. We have so many times walked into that prison beaten down, discouraged, worn out and heavily burdened and we walk out refreshed, renewed, revived, encouraged and with a reminder of how greatly God has blessed us in calling us to ministry.

God has blessed both Sheila and I in allowing us the opportunity to minister to congregations of hundreds of people and I am thankful for that. There is a certain synergy in large crowds of people and it is always humbling to me to see large numbers of people coming to the alters at the end of a service in response to the way God has spoken through me. And, I'll admit that there was a time in my life when I would have said "I'd a lot rather preach to 500 or 5,000 or even 50,000 than to preach to 50." And, I hope and pray that God is gracious enough to use me to preach to hundreds of thousands of people, that many people are healed and many souls saved.

But, God and I settled that numbers thing a few years ago - and there is nothing quite like being with those 30 or 40 or 50 men who pack themselves into that little Chapel at Joseph Harp. You see, as odd as it may seem, I think that God uses Sheila and I more effectively in that little prison Chapel then He does anywhere else. And, a large part of it is those men. Sheila and I show up just in time for the service and the men are already packed into the Chapel just waiting on us and they are there with an expectation and an excitement. They are there ready and anxious to worship and to hear God's word. They are expecting to be encouraged, touched and changed. When those men worship, it is genuine and it is passionate. They respond to God's word in true repentance and humbleness. Our service there starts at 7:00 and we are supposed to be off the prison yard by 8:50, but we never make it because I'm still trying to pray with men who have responded to the invitation. The prison officials used to threaten to not let us come anymore, if we wouldn't leave on time, but God has been gracious and, I think, they've just kind of accepted it.

Sheila told me last night that actually about a year ago when the guy that is kind of in charge of our services told us that they had moved the time up that we had to be off the yard from 9:00 to 8:50 (allegedly because of us!) that I said "No problem! We'll just make sure we are leaving the Chapel no later than a quarter after nine." And, that he and she just looked at each other in disbelief and it has been a standing joke ever since. I don't think that could possibly be true, but she claims it is! They would probably ask you to pray that those in charge at the prison continue to be understanding (or at least tolerant), because I think they've both given up on me conforming to the time constraints.

Seriously, I do want you to pray for our ministry at Joseph Harp, as well as the other prison ministry we do from time to time. We go to Joseph Harp every time there is a 5th Tuesday in a month, so mark it on your calendar and keep us in mind as we drive down and back (5 hours total) and from 7:00 till 9:00 p.m. while we are in service there.

I also ask that you pray for four men specifically.

One is named Patrick. It is not important for you to know why Patrick is in prison, but I do want you to know that he is a new man in Christ Jesus. He is the reason we started going to Joe Harp and one of the main reasons we continue to go. Patrick may be the finest Christian man, friend and brother-in-Christ that I've every known. He is an encourager to so many, and not in the least to Sheila and I. Please pray that God would encourage and strengthen Patrick and his wife, Amy. Please pray fervently that God would make a way for his release. Patrick has been used greatly over these last 10 years and he has been so faithful and such an example of the joy we can have in Christ no matter our circumstances, but I believe it is time for the next chapter of his life and for physical as well as spiritual freedom.

Also, pray for John and Robert. They are the leaders of a Christian Club (or organization) in the prison called The Brotherhood of Jesus Christ. It is the oldest and largest such group or club in the prison and they do such wonderful work and are so effective in their ministry within and even outside the prison, but they have been informed that they must take the name of Jesus Christ out of the name of their organization and that they must take all reference of ministry and of Jesus from their bylaws. I'm not sure of all the whys, but they seem to believe, at least at this point, that they will still be allowed to continue the club and the ministry they do, and that they will just have to call the club and the work they do by some other name. Both of these men really need Godly wisdom, direction and strength as these changes are made and other men look to them for leadership.

Finally, pray for Chaplain Ron Grant. Ron is a good man and I know that he is doing all he can for the cause of Christ within the constraints of the system. Ask God to bestow upon Ron strength and wisdom and as much freedom to do his job as is possible.

Thank you for your prayers in these matters!

Love in Christ Jesus!

Jim