Wayne's Story: A Story of Redemption from Behind the Wire

     It's a cliche that everyone in prison claims to be is innocent. That has not been my experience, though, with the men in our Miami International Seminary (MINTS) classes in Dade Correctional Institution. I think that as they appreciate the wonder of the forgiveness and redemption they have in Christ that enables them to admit, face, and deal with their crimes. And, that further frees then to grow and change as they walk with Christ in sanctification.There is one man in our classes, though, who insists that he did not do the crimes for which he was sent to prison.

     Wayne was convicted in 1991 for two counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted murder and once count of murder. The prosecution sought the death penalty but he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Wayne swears that he is innocent.

     In our Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering class the students are giving presentations from Philip Yancey's book Where is God When it Hurts. Wayne gave his presentation yesterday.

     He described some of what it's been like for the past 25 years: the beatings and stabbings he's witnessed, watching a 16-year-old boy stabbed to death in front of him, seeing inmates attack officers and then being beaten nearly to death in return. He talked about the time he was attacked by an inmate and nearly lost his eye. He told us about being kept locked up in a cell for 23 hours a day for months and months and months. But worst of all for Wayne has been knowing that he is, according to him, locked up unjustly - and no one cares. He has no family working for his release. There are no Innocence Project people coming to his aid. He is alone. 

     For many years these experiences left him either deeply depressed and hopeless, planning his suicide, or he was full of anger and bitterness toward everyone and everything.

     Then he met Jesus.

     Since meeting Jesus the rage has subsided. He has begun to have hope, not hope that he will ever be exonerated, but hope that in the end, there is a day coming when Jesus will make all things right.

     Wayne said that through this class on pain and suffering he has "learned the power of forgiveness and unconditional love that conquerors all things. It drew me closer to God and gave me a clear, sharp understanding of Romans 8:28 which states in part 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.'"

     Wayne said that he has learned that though his affliction can, at times, seem unbearable he is able to rely on and trust that God, through this experience, will touch him and others and use all of this for good. "I have learned," said Wayne, "as Paul said, for me to live is Christ."

     Prison ministry can be hard. But it can also be rewarding. Yesterday was a rewarding day.

     Thanks for for prayers and financial support that makes it possible for us to be there.

     If you would like to support the Miami International Seminary In-Prison Study Center Program email mints.kendall@gmail.com and ask to be added to our prayer list. Donations can made out to MINTS and mailed to 19931 Eagle Nest Rd, Cutler Bay, Florida 33157. MINTS is a 501(c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible.

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