STORIES OF FAITH From a HISTORIC PRISON

Immigrant Inmates Find Hope

In the early 1980's, those of us preaching in the Atlanta penitentiary enjoyed the privilege of assisting many immigrant prisoners. Some of the transformations were extraordinary.

Raoul started out as a truly dangerous inmate. He and a friend were careen criminals serving time for murder.   They were particularly violent, according to elders who helped them. Raoul had mortal enemies. One man had vowed  to do the same to him. Raoul was terrified when his archenemy was transferred to Atlanta.  It seemed only a matter of time before these two  longtime foes would cross paths in the yard, the cafeteria, or the cell block. However, after studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, Raoul made a dramatic change in his thinking, manner, and appearance.  When the two men finally did pass each other in the prison yard, Raoul's archenemy did not even recognize him!  The bloody confrontation  that had seemed inevitable never materialized.

When Raoul decided to symbolize his dedication to God by baptism, a suitable water container had to be found.  The prison chaplain came to the rescue, providing a black coffin as a baptismal tank.  The coffin was filled to the brim with water.  but Raoul seemed larger than the coffin. So two elders had to work together   to ensure that Raoul was entirely immersed, as the Bible requires.  (Luke 3:21) Today Raoul is a free man and continues to serve as a zealous Christian minister.

In 1987 a ruling to deport many immigrant inmates led to a destructive and fiery rampage in the prison that made international news. Hostages were taken. What few people know, however, are the stories  of courageous immigrant prisoners who put their lives on the line by refusing to join in the explosive and violent revolt. The were students of our Bible study classes.  These men, who were once quick to fight to the death, remained neutral-no part of the violence and vandalism. What an eloquent testimony to the Bible's power to transform even brutal criminals into peace-loving Christians! -Hebrews 4:12. 

Next time: STORIES OF FAITH From a HISTORIC PRISON/Finding Forgiveness

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