Henry “Kiki” Amaya, me, and renowned comedian, Gilbert Esquivel
Well, I finally made it! Having been asked many times by our faithful Prison-ministry members to accompany them on one of their endeavors, I am so glad my scheduled allowed me the privilege to participate. Oh, man, what a blessing it was for me; an eye-opener and a greater appreciation for our very own prison ministry. The four-hour, one-way commute was worth the long haul.
It’s still staggering and mind-boggling to comprehend that America is the only nation in the entire world with over 2 million plus prisoners.
Most, if not all, of the prison-ministry members were former inmates themselves. Calvary Chapel Montebello, led by Henry and his wife, Maria Amaya, has developed a great reputation among the prison’s authorities and the inmate community..
Gilbert Esquivel was a total master-blaster. His comedic, unpredictable and witty repertoire had every inmate, including the guards, under a constant bombardment of laughter, hilarity and genuine, hygienic mirth.
While Gil was ministering in one unit, I was in another. Then we would switch sides; a perfect divine tag-team, for sure.
I was overwhelmed by the expressed, self-evident love for Jesus, His Word and for the people from Calvary Chapel Montebello, by the Centinela Prison Church.
“… for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Matthew 25:34-36
2 comments:
Great to hear encouraging words about prison ministry. I am a former federal prison camp inmate who also wants to be involved in prison ministry. I still have 8 months of supervised release before I can apply. Inmates relate better and respect someone who has been there because they understand.
Again, thanks for the encouragement.
I want to share this website with you all.
This is a Radio Program that I listen to www.thefreedomhour.com.
God bless.
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