Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake Youth Prison. MWC photo by Chris Conley
CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Today, I’d like to ask for your prayers for something new.
My church, The Cross on Grand Avenue in Schofield, is starting a new bible study at the Lincoln Hills youth prison in Lincoln County. The Cross already does jailhouse bible study at the Marathon County jail; separate sessions for the male and female inmates.
The Lincoln Hills bible study has been a long time coming. An employee at Lincoln Hills attends our church. She’s inquired about whether such a bible study was possible. Yes, but there are protocols. And it’s taken months to set down the rules and guideline, and that has finally been accomplished.
I attended a career day event at Lincoln Hills many years ago. My memories were this: everyone there seems very, very young. The students I met with were respectful and pleasant – I almost had to keep reminding myself that each one of them did something awful to be sent there. The students in their culinary arts program prepared and served an excellent meal for lunch.
The bible study is something different. I’d image it’s completely voluntary. Perhaps there are some young people who will attend just because it’s something new, and something is more interesting than nothing. Others may come with a completely open mind. For at least some, studying God’s word will be life changing.
Everyone at Lincoln Hills has something in common. They’ll all be getting out when they reach adulthood. What a blessing for them if they learn of God’s love for them, and that turning to Him can literally change their lives. And what a blessing for everyone else, people like you and me, if these youth – who will someday walk among us – are set on a different path.
The Lincoln Hills bible study reminds me that no lives are beyond redemption. I pray that those who attend will come to learn that God loves them, and that the stories of their lives have yet to be written.
Chris Conley
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