A good example

If you're involved in prison ministry you expect to be disappointed. One of the verses in the Bible which I think is very applicable is the exhortation to be as "shrewd as snakes and as harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). We work, we hope, we pray, we show love but we're not naive; we go in with our eyes open to the challenges but we keep trying. It's especially hard when a Bible study regular is released only to be taken back to prison after a couple of months. The temptations and difficulties of the outside world prove too much.

That's why it was such a pleasure to visit Edward at Beth Uriel house in Cape Town this week. I've mentioned him before as a man once sentenced to life in prison but who's now humbly living for God and is now acting as an "uncle" to the young men at Beth Uriel, providing wise advice as one who's acknowledged his mistakes and wants to help them build better lives.

In his quiet way he's making a difference, not least in the healthy crop of vegetables growing on what was waste ground at the back of the car park (could be a metaphor there). However, it's not just in the lives of vulnerable young men that he's having an impact. 

Last month he was summoned to the parole office unexpectedly. That was worrying, what had he done wrong? When he arrived he found a whole roomful of parole officers waiting for him. It was two years since he'd been released and they wanted to celebrate him. Instead of trouble there was a chocolate cake; instead of accusations there were questions about how he'd managed to make a success of his life when so many others had failed.

Edward had no family to go out to, though now he has over two dozen "children" at Beth Uriel. He lacked a lot of support, he only had God to rely on. Only. He told the parole officers that was the vital ingredient - wait upon God, do things his way in his time. If you pray to have a role in preventing others making the same mistakes you did then recognise when that prayer is answered and don't go chasing after salaried work instead. If you ask God for a place to live and employment then appreciate what he provides, look at all you have and not at what you don't.

Edward's current house

Edward told me that he would like to work for a wage (at the moment he gets board and lodging) but more important is to be where God wants him to be, making a difference. He'd like to redevelop a wooden hut next to the one he currently lives in, freeing that for others and giving himself more room. He's praying for the resources to do that.

Perhaps this life isn't what most long-termers dream of whilst awaiting release but it's by far the most secure for Edward. When a person has nothing but God they actually have everything.