Recently I visited California State Prison at Solano for an evangelistic yard event organized by Prison Fellowship. As I mingled with the inmates, one young man told me that he had been playing the drums for most of his life. He pointed out another inmate who was a great singer. It struck me – so many inmates have such special gifts from God, but no way to use them to advance His kingdom. They are just sitting on their gifts!
It was arranged that the drummer and the singer – who could also play the keyboard – would come onstage and perform before I spoke. They were so excited! Performing in front of their peers was a huge thing for them. The young singer sang a song he had written while in prison. It was beautiful and inspiring.
In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul exhorts Timothy to “stir up the gift of God which is in you.” God has given great gifts to inmates. Some are entrepreneurs, writers, artists, singers, or preachers. At Prison Fellowship, it’s our calling and commitment to help inmates use their gifts even while they are still incarcerated, so their time is productive and they are better prepared for release. That’s why reentry programs like the InnerChange Freedom Initiative teach business skill to inmates, and that’s why Prison Fellowship has partnered with World Impact to offer advanced Christian leadership training in prisons through The Urban Ministry Institute.
What about you? Have you received gifts from God that until now you have kept on the sidelines? Ask God how the talents you have received from Him can be used to minister to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. God gave you gifts for a purpose; don’t sit on them any longer.