For the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19, I was able to get into the Windham, Maine correctional facility. For several years I would go in there to do my show a couple times a year,but three years had passed since the last time I was able to go due to the pandemic. Finally, the chaplain, Sister Marian, said the quarentine there was lifted!
For my return show, I went into one of the men's 'pods'; it is actually the largest unit, with 96 men at this time. Their rooms open up into a common area where they eat, lift weights, and watch TV. On Friday, watch a Gospel juggling program was added to this list. The men were alllocked down in their rooms while I set up, then those who wanted to come (at least 80 of the men) were allowed to come get their seats.
The men seemed to be just as pleased to have a special chapel program as I was to be back. The show went a full hour,and they were all engaged the whole time. I ended with the thief on the cross story/illusion, and you could hear a pin drp as I spoke about God's grace and Jesus' atoning death for our sin.
After the show, I brought my rabbit, Cotton, around to meet the men. It always amazes me what my little, white, lop-eared rabbit has on any audience. Even the biggest prisoners with skulls tattoos and gauged ears would snuggle the bunny and talk to him in baby talk! Of course there were the occaisional rabbit stew jokes, but for th most part, ddep down, these guys were marshmallows.
One of the guys shared with me that he was at the Somerset County Jail earlier this summer. He was disappointed that he was transferred to Windham the day before my shows there. He was so glad he could catch the show in his new setting. Better still, another gentleman told me of how he came to faith at the prison thanks to his cellmate, who he then introduced to me. I assured them I would pray for them to grow in their faith in this difficult setting, and all the more when they face the challenge upon release. This morning,in our little church in Naples, Maine, we did just that.