Not Your Everyday Story

This morning, I was in prison teaching “The Word-Centred Life” as part of CIRCP. At testimony time, an inmate stood up, said nervously this was his first time sharing, and asked for permission to take a bit longer as he was going to recite Psalm 119 from memory! ALL 176 VERSES!

He closed his eyes and began to recite. His eyes remained closed throughout the recitation. As he went on, verse after verse, my team of counsellors couldn’t hold back our tears of joy. When he struggled to remember, which was all of five times, he nodded his head knowingly, eyes still closed, as if he were receiving the verses from God. It was a sight to behold!

Another shared that he could hardly memorise a single line from worship songs. But during CIRCP, God gave him the gift of recall and now he can memorise entire worship songs and bible verses. These are men with only a basic primary education! It was immensely encouraging to them as we’ve emphasised being anchored in the Word as the best weapon to weather the storms of life and the wiles of the devil especially upon their release which they anticipate with trepidation.

We stood in awe of our mighty God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. May we be encouraged in and reminded of the God-given privilege and life-transforming work He has called us to. Have a blessed week, fellow workers in His service!

This was written by Lorinne Kon, PFS volunteer and board member to record a beautiful exchange between volunteers and inmates at a session of PFS’ Christian Intensive Religious Counselling Programme (CIRCP),  a 9-month intensive course in prison granted to inmates who desire to learn more about God and the Christian faith.