The Truth Shall Make You Free
By Jody Griffin
Avery and Mitchell County
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
Prison walls cannot keep the Promise of God from those contained within them. COVID 19 nor any of the resulting variants can prevent God’s Word from being read, preached, and taught. The Chaplain has the privilege of procuring and distributing Bibles to offenders who request them and oh what a joy it is to do so! The Chaplain is also responsible for providing religious activities and support through corporate worship, Bible study, and spiritual growth opportunities. Admittedly, CoVid protocols have made such opportunities more challenging, BUT…
There are creative ways to bring God’s Word inside the walls of the prison without ever stepping foot inside the gates. One such way is through the efforts of Rock of Ages Ministries, who like all volunteers who have been unable to visit inside the prisons went to God in prayer, asking the Lord to make a way for them to bless those inside.
The result…God’s Miraculous Provision of His Word through radio broadcasts available to those inside via a limited frequency! These men have faithfully preached via this technique from a remote location, making it possible for men in prison to listen on their own radios to hear the magnificent message of God’s Mercy and Grace given as a free gift to all willing to repent and receive it! God has used this ministry to encourage, challenge to restore, renew, and revive the hearts of men!
Other ministries like Kairos and Yokefellows have made posters of encouragement for men to lift the spirits of those who are cut off from contact with their families and provided on occasion a token of blessing in the form of a small treat to every man housed here.
Men serving sentences here are reporting how thankful they are “that God cannot be stopped” and that “there are people out there who care so much that they will find a way to serve us!”
The determined efforts of those who will not be deterred in ministering/caring/serving the incarcerated are a testimony to the relentless pursuit of God for every person. In the face of obstacles and challenges, these servants of the Living God are set on delivering the Word of God through written, spoken, and demonstrated means.
So, do NOT be fooled by what many say is impossible! The Living Word of God has found and will continue to find a way into the hearts of humanity and no barrier or boundary will ever be able to stop it! As long as there are people who hear God’s call to serve and then will let nothing stop them from fulfilling that call, the Word of God will be available. The Truth will be known! The Truth will set you free! Thanks, Be to God!
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Jody Griffin is pastor of Central Baptist Church in Spruce Pine and Community Funded Chaplin at Avery-Mitchell Correctional Institution. If you would like more information contact him at joseph.griffin@ncdps.gov.
Read more good Christian news from Jody HERE.
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