Yesterday, I had the wonderful honor to speak three times at this facility outside of Youngstown, Ohio.

Through the efforts of our Jail/Prison team and Chaplain Robin Raider, we, along with two ministers with Joyce Meyer Ministries, ministered to the men on death row and lifers.  In all my years, this was my first occasion in such a setting where the men where constrained and behind bars as we sang “He Touched Me” and “How Great Thou Art”.  The men were so open and so accepting.  At times, they would turn their head toward the wall away from me and the others and weep tears. They worshipped and raised their hands to God and I was so moved to know that even in this maximum security facility where most will not ever leave, there is freedom.  As a matter of fact, God rules in the facility and His presence filled each cell block where I was ushered in to speak to the men.  In each of the three sessions, my message was:

• Mercy is God’s gift to those who ask for it sincerely
• Grace is God’s gift to those who need help to be the person God wants us to be
• Manna falls every day just like God promised and it is enough

My heartfelt thanks to Raymond Wolf, Joe and Lee Ann Kelly and to John who accompanied me and made this come to pass.

My life will never be the same.