December 2012 - Jail Ministry

It was always Father Thomas’s hope that we would be involved in all of the ministries Jesus mentions in Matthew 25:35-36, “...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” And for many years we have been able to help our brothers and sisters in all of those ways, thanks be to God and to all of you.

However, when the violence due to the drug wars erupted in the border towns of Mexico a few years ago, and Juarez become known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, the administrators of the jails that we visited each week asked us to stop coming, both for our safety and for theirs. Sadly, we had to discontinue what we had done for over 30 years —  bringing the Gospel message to the prisoners of 3 jails in Juarez and also bringing them something to eat and drink since many times they go hungry. It was a sad day when we could no longer do that.

But we are happy to report that as of last month we are able once again to go into the jails. Since things in the city have calmed down quite a bit, we phoned the people in charge and asked them if we could return. They were very glad we called and warmly invited us back. “When can you start?” they inquired.

So every Wednesday, as we had done for many years, our volunteers make dozens of sandwiches, prepare a drink, and our evangelists and prayer warriors load into the vans to go visit the Lord in prison. We are very glad to be able to bring some love and cheer to our brothers and sisters behind bars.

Thank you so much for making it possible for us to do this and all the other outreaches we are involved in. We pray that you and your loved ones be blessed this Christmas time with the joy and peace that Jesus came to bring.