As a Christian missionary bringing God's word to a Polish prison, I was sure of, and comforted by a number of truths.

Luke 1:37 - "Nothing is impossible with God" - This has been an important foundation of my faith for years.
Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them" - I have believed and experienced this on many occasions.
Psalm 37:4 - "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires" - I have always been sure of this fact - that God will make my godly desires a reality

But... if I WAS really convinced of all this, then why was I so surprised when God clearly moved in the hearts of the prisoners? Why did I not fully expect to feel the presence of God in that fellowship? Why was it such a learning curve, a lesson in faith for me that God answered our prayers for the salvation of inmates?

It was because despite my relationship with God, and my efforts to pray, I was still under the ridiculous impression that the success of the day was up to me. I did not forsee the amazing thing about the ministry that is at work in those prisons; that it is totally reliant on and totally fueled by God. As a result, it works.

And that is the lasting impression that the prison ministries left me with - one of a God-centered, God-fueled, God-glorifying fellowship, and it has truly opened my eyes to the power of God to change lives, and the grace of God in that he sees us all equally.

Whether or not we are criminals in the world's eyes, God loves us, and desires relationship with us all.

Simon Kennedy