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The Holy Spirit is present when hope is awakened

(Originally published in the February 2012 Newsletter)

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” He will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Seven years ago I was one of a handful of parishioners who began serving at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility (MCCF) where 700 men and 100 women are incarcerated. Over the years I have made weekly trips to MCCF to meet with male and female inmates, offering Bibles, spiritual reading material and prayer. I led a weekly healing service and mentored women in an after-care program. Other parishioners have served inmates in the re-entry unit, helping them write résumés and providing employment readiness classes—mentoring, life skills and assistance with family and societal reintegration. Over the past summer I began spending one day a week at the D.C. Jail, and I ‘d like to share my recent experiences.

The jail was first opened in 1976. Located on the old D.C. General Hospital campus, the facility currently houses approximately 2,150 men awaiting trials or transfer as sentenced
misdemeanants or convicted felons. The jail is a depressing environment—rundown and overcrowded with no ventilation. The lack of funding for programming is evident, and inmates have little or no access to educational resources, including library books. Some religious material is available, but the supply of Bibles for those interested in the Christian faith is limited.

Inmates can, however, submit a request to the chaplain for prayer and spiritual counseling with a religious volunteer or request the assistance of the Visitors’ Service Center (VCS), a non-profit organization that provides assistance to inmates while they are incarcerated, as well as in the early time after their release. The hope is to create, maintain and strengthen family and community ties so former inmates are better prepared for a successful transition back into the community. Services include providing information on job training, shelters and housing options. I meet individually with inmates who have requested a session with a religious volunteer or who would like assistance from the VCS.

As we sit down to talk, the contrast in our appearance and life experience is obvious to both of us. I am 53 years old, Caucasian and female, while they are typically black men, often undereducated, between their 20s and 50s. And yet, the differences seem not to matter. The connection is deeper than the labels that describe and define us in the broader society and there is an openness and trust that unfolds.

While I seek to meet each individual right where he is—just as Jesus meets me right where I am—it is the Holy Spirit that guides our encounter. Inmates discuss with me the status of their cases. But even more profound is what they share about themselves, their families and their spiritual journeys. I always conclude with prayer and the offer of a paperback Bible and/or The Book of Common Prayer.

A 30-year-old in jail for a probation violation told me that both of his parents are addicts and his mother currently lives on the street. He was shuffled from one foster home to another and the memories of what took place in those “homes” continue to haunt him. During the course of our conversation, I was able to convey God’s love for him. He, like other inmates, needed to be reminded that God is always with him. Even though his path forward is uncertain, he realized that he is not alone. His countenance changed and in that moment of grace, hope was awakened.

In a similar experience, a 54-year-old inmate said to me, “No one has ever told me I mattered.” The Holy Spirit is present and at work when hope is awakened.

I am blessed to witness what God does for those in need as I attempt to live out the promises made at baptism to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”

There are a variety of opportunities to serve individuals who are incarcerated. MCCF holds regular orientation sessions for interested individuals, and the VCS also has volunteer opportunities. I urge you to clean off your bookshelf by donating used spiritual books to inmates at MCCF and the D.C. Jail. Books can be placed in the marked collection box near the Welcome table.

As always, please hold in your prayers men, women and youth who are incarcerated and their families.
 

Julie Petersmeyer