Trip to the Boy's Prison

This morning a group of 15 of us went to a Boy's Prison close by in Port Au Prince. Apparently this prison is for boys who are picked up in the street because they are homeless. They may or may not have actually done anything worse than annoy a street vendor, then again, who knows.

Regardless, it was pretty tough conditions. We looked at 4 cells that were about 12 x 12 feet. Each one held about 50 boys. The 4 cells each held a different age group and some were as young as 10 years old.

We were blessed in that upon arriving at the prison, Felix asked to speak to Prison Superintendent and identified himself as a Police officer from Miami. Suddenly, all the doors opened to us to minister. Whereas last year, the team was allowed to bring gifts, this year we were allowed INSIDE the prison right to the cell block. Pastor Nathan and John each took turns preaching while Pastor Brucely translated.

Felix and I met a young man who spoke Spanish. Apparently his father lives in Santo Domingo. Young Leopold translated for us with other young boys. We were able to speak to him about his relationship to Christ.

While there we gave out packages of toiletries that contained a gospel tract and the Book of John. Felix also brought some soccer balls which we left with the guards. They diligently logged the receipt of the balls so we are confident the boys will be allowed to play with them on occasion. I've attached a picture of Felix with the guards, and others of our trip to the prison.