January 28, 2008

AGWM Personnel in Belgium, Ken Barickman has served for many years as a prison chaplain there.  He relates the following exciting experience.

"Freedom!  What a wonderful word!  I was in the prison cell of a young Christian man, had just greeted him and his cellmate and was about to take a seat to talk, when for the first time in my over 12 years as a prison chaplain in Brussels, I experienced just a part of the most sensational aspect of prison life…

...The cell door opens and the ominous presence of the guard for that floor fills the doorway, opens his mouth and states with a loud and authoritative voice, 'Monsieur Tricama, Libéré!  Préparez vos biens pour votre départ.'  (Mr. Tricama, you are free to go!  Prepare your belongings to leave.)  This was said to the Christian prisoner's cellmate, but both rejoiced, and he turned to the Christian young man, asking him to pray for him.  Then he turned away as the realization hit him that his long months, weeks, and eternal days of waiting for freedom were now over.  He was free to leave the prison walls and rejoin his family, home, and friends.  He put his hand to his eyes and wept.  I knew my visit was over for then and left the cell.

That was a moment I will never forget, as it reminded me of when I was set free by Christ Jesus from all my sins...free to live for and to serve Him, the Lord of Lords.  The joy of salvation is incomparable, but it is good now and then to be reminded of the power of that truth, 'If the Son therefore shall set you free, you shall be free indeed!' John 8:36.  It also reminded me of the real reason why I am a prison chaplain…to see one more soul delivered from sin and set free in Christ.  There’s nothin’ like it!"