Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of LoveWheaton, Elizabeth Ryder
Religion
Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of Love
Wheaton, Elizabeth Ryder
Evangelistic work; Prisons
Desiring to reach another stockade some miles distant I asked the
captain if he could not supply me with conveyance and a guide, but he
refused. I determined, however, to find the other prison and started
on foot alone. The prison women told me that it was very dangerous
because of fierce dogs and cross cattle in the mountains; but feeling
that God wanted me to go I knew no such thing as fail. After walking
some distance I sank down with exhaustion under a big tree and wept
out my heart to God for guidance, protection and success. I arose
feeling strengthened and comforted and soon came to a farm house and
asked a young man who stood in the garden if he could direct me to the
prison camp. "Yes, come in, lady, you look so tired and faint and my
mother will give you something to eat and we will show you the way,"
was the kind reply I received. I stopped and rested a while but would
neither eat nor drink as I had given myself to fasting and prayer that
my way might be opened for services in the camp to which I was going.
After a long walk we found the stockade and knowing the young man who
was with me, the officers gave their consent for me to hold a service.
After I had been singing and talking to the prisoners a while suddenly
my strength failed me. I had only time to say, "Will you sing?" Then
I saw and heard nothing more. I HAD FALLEN PROSTRATE among those
chained prisoners. When I came to myself I heard singing from inside
the walls, such singing as could only come from truly broken-hearted,
repentant souls. I had been carried outside and the poor prison women
were caring for me. A good old colored sister was holding me close to
her and pleading with God to restore me. I heard her say, "She's a
woman like we is--and she's given her life for us." They were doing
all they knew and were crying around me. I said, "Please carry me back
into the prison." When they had done so I asked, "How many of you
prisoners will kneel with me in prayer and give your hearts to God,
take Him as your Savior and start today for heaven? God loves you,
Jesus died for you! And if you will come to Him and confess your sins
He will save you." Every one knelt before God, and many with prayers
and broken sobs cried out their hearts to Him who is not willing that
any should perish, but that all should have eternal life. I expect to
meet many of them in heaven; for He is able to save to the uttermost
all that will come unto God by Him--and able also to keep them from
falling.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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