Joy for Children of Prisoners!

Though one of our fellow church leaders remains unjustly imprisoned, the Lord continues to use him to minister not only to the Tlaxcala prisoners but also to their families.  With Osbaldo as our contact, we planned an “Operation Christmas Child” event for the

prisoners´ children!

 

Osbaldo, inside the prison, made a list of all the children of his prisonmates, and then delivered invitations to the families during visitor hours. 

 

The struggle for the event was: where to hold a children´s event outside a state prison?  We asked surrounding neighbors about empty, abandoned lots in front of the entrance.  Unfortunately, we were denied

use of the closest lot when the owners discovered we were Christians and were planning an event to proclaim Jesus!  However, the Lord gave us favor and opened a neighboring lot for our use.

 

Even with limited decorations and no electrical access for either microphone or music in our abandoned lot, the event was a huge hit!  32 children and their families arrived, and enjoyed games, face-painting, songs, a clown show, and the message of Christ´s love and

sacrifice for our salvation.  Each family received a bag lunch, a New Testament, and the offer of prayers and church contact for anyone interested in learning more about Jesus.

 

The families were so grateful

for the love shown to them and their children. They seemed worn-down after visiting their family members at the jail.  One small boy was especially tearful; his mom explained he always acted like that after saying goodbye to his father at prison.  However, at the end of the event, he was happily

participating with the rest of the group!  May the Lord continue to speak to and strengthen these families in their need through His Word!