Jail Visits

Thank you for praying. I should have logged an update earlier. You know how you keep waiting for something definite to happen and it doesn't so you wait a little longer.

Wednesday we managed to find out there was another hearing that afternoon so Beth went to the courthouse and was able to meet the prosecuting and defense attorneys. The two of them went into the judges chambers to discuss the case with the judge so now we wait until the next hearing on June 9th. The defense lawyer told Beth part of the delay is because the prosecution has to decide whether it will accept her doctor's report or require one of their own.

Each week we visit Gideon on Monday and Thursday evenings for half an hour. Last night was the best visit yet. Six weeks ago, when we first started visiting, he was very discouraged and unresponsive. He showed almost no interest in taking any initiative.

Not trusting our own abilities to encourage him, we have been praying that God will oversee and make each visit profitable. We are truely grateful that with each visit we see significant improvment. These last couple visits he has been much more animated, even smiling, and has started to share some hopes and wishes that go beyond the jail walls.

Last night he shared what it is like to be standing at the door waiting to be picked up for the visit. Inmates that are to be released wait in the same place, so it is natural for someone to ask which you are waiting for. Last night one of those standing with him asked if he was waiting to be released or waiting for a visit. He answered sadly, "For a visit". But as he told us he quickly added, "Not that I don't like visits, I do. But, to realize it is only a visit is hard."

So we talked a bit about what he would like to do when he gets out. The aim has been to trigger hope and desire that will motivate him to make the effort to make it happen. Last night he was also more responsive to our encouragement to make the most of the limited opportunities in that sterile environment. He might be at the point where he can consider and attempt to cooperate with what God may be trying to accomplish by allowing him to be in jail.

Like riding the city buses, we are finding jail visits put us next to people who are walking emotionally and spiritually in a very different place from standard middle class Americans who are too busy with the fast-track to some good life they don't ponder the implications of eternity. How this exposure comes together with our work with our Arabic speaking friends, our video/TV work and my IT background is a mystery. So we are not at all clear how to set time and giving priorities.

Again, thank you for praying,
Paul and Beth