Paul
In 2015 or 2016 my friend Pastor Scott Jamieson (Founder of CAC) convinced me to join him in a church service he was giving in a jail.
At the time I thought that was weird, but I went along. It freaked me out the first time, though, when a big metal door crashed closed, and locked behind me. He said it would be safe, guards all around me, not to worry. I admit I was scared. It was totally different than I expected. It was in a room with desks, like a classroom. There would be anywhere from 10 -70 guys, who were mostly really hungry for some kind of spiritual gathering and comfort. Some of these folks had been in and out of church and/or jail all their lives. Some had read and knew the bible forwards and backwards- way better than me. Some could hardly read at all, some came because they had nothing else to do. As it happened, there wasn’t very much bible reading, except for a few verses to base a sermon on. There was mostly talking and singing. That was how we worshiped. I remember thinking, this is REAL church.
The guys shared their joys and concerns. Once one man stood up, plenty more followed to share their stories. There weren’t a lot of joys to be told, except if something good happened with a family member or friend on the outside. I came to realize also, a lot of these men had no family or friends- they had burned every bridge in coming to jail again and again.
There was joy sometimes, though. The men have fun, and are funny sometimes, but are respectful of the service. Of course, no one is happy to be locked up, but I think they are happy to see and meet some folks from the outside who want nothing from them, have no agenda but to share some good vibes and kindness. I think just showing up makes them feel cared for, and is a blessing for me as well as them.
When I first started going to CAC worship, I wasn’t sure how or why, but I figured I was doing something good for the men…points with the Man Upstairs. As it turns out, when I leave there I feel so grateful to have been there, and I feel closer to God.
