Winter 2014 Jottings – Chaplain Lil

“Then the King will say to those on his right, Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom it has been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room,  I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.  Then those sheep are going to say, Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you? Then the King will say, “I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:34-40)
In studying these verses in Matthew, I can’t help but reflect on the women inmates at Chester County Prison. Many of the women have been hungry, homeless and have been in prison numerous times. Especially now with the holiday season quickly approaching. They are at a constant struggle with missing family and their children. I find it difficult sometimes to understand what they are going through. Yet, God has given me the strength to minister to the women at this time.
There are 108 women in total at Chester County Prison at this time. On Mondays, I meet with minimum and medium security women for Bible study. I have been reading through Joyce Myers’, “You Can Begin Again.” Many of the women have been thinking about their own lives and the changes that need to happen, not only will they benefit, but hopefully their families can benefit from these changes. On Tuesday’s I meet with maximum security women and read through the same book listed above. Praise the Lord for these types of books that open many hearts and minds to what the Lord will use to help us understand what he wants to do in our lives.
I would ask that you pray for the women of CCP as they go through the holidays incarcerated. May God bless you through the holidays and thank you for your prayers and support.