The Denver Diaries: Inmates

On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, I had a wild day at work.

A month into my job as a U.S. Missionary has shown me many things, and one of those things is that every day is a new adventure, nothing stays the same at this job!

Here's what happened!

We had been planning a day with the guys from the halfway house down the road to come volunteer with us for a while, as their staff was going to be out doing a training day. For those of you who don't know, we are heavily involved in the halfway houses and correctional facilities in Denver. They are part of our main demographic, especially as they transition back into "normal" civilian life.

That being said, they already knew us from our weekly bible studies and other services that we do to humanize the transition of where they've been to a redemptive hope of a New Life in Christ as they get second chances, learning and growing to be more positive characters of their communities.

So, we were getting ready the day before, when we got a call. Yep, one of those. It was a heart sinker too.

The day before we were supposed to, well essentially baby sit, 48 grown men transitioning out of the halfway house, we heard news that all six of the halfway houses in Denver were shutting down. (You can read more here: https://www.denverpost.com/2019/08/07/denver-council-geo-corecivic-contract-immigration/)

Why does this matter? Like, why is this even important, right?

Well, these guys are in housing that is giving them a step out from the walls of prison. The halfway house is an alternative for them, and helps them begin to transition out of prison mentalities- they can have ownership over more things again, start working jobs, etc. Often times, men and women coming out of incarceration are looked at less favorably when trying to get housing in apartments because of their record- which makes sense! But it also puts a real pressure on their reality of being unable to find a place to live, and thus have a permanent address which most jobs require. See the dilemma? The halfway house is a place where they can be put in systems that support them to make better decisions to stay on track, and provides an affordable place for them to live until they are off parole.

So as you can imagine, grown men or not, the news that this factor of stability in their life could all slip out from under their feet shook them.

As the men came in, they didn't have their usual excitement for being out of the facility. Many were downcast and as my team sent a group for me to manage volunteer oversight Pastor B and I got a chance to talk and connect with them. They shared that they were scared. Some would be potentially released sooner, as their sentence was nearly up anyway. Others were terrified they'd have to go back behind bars. They were so excited to see their son, daughter, wife, girlfriend, etc, and the thought of not getting to connect with people they loved because of some legislation put a heavy brick on their chest. My heart went out to them! They are human too. I hope I never forget that.

Though some were very discouraged at the beginning of the day, some were hopeful to God that He would pull through and if anything, he would be with them no matter what happened. How's that for perspective?! Such faith!

They worked hard and helped us clean, move things, organize and sort. Before lunchtime, we sat them down and Pastor B took some time to speak to them. His message was real and spoke to them right where they were. At the end, a guy in the back raised his hand and just said, "Thank you, we are so grateful for you all caring about us and for us today. Thank you for helping us when we need it, and for being consistent with us all because we can sure be a pain in the *** sometimes but you guys love us anyway and it makes a difference."

After we all shared a moment and reminded them of resources and other organizations beside us that can help them regardless of the situation, we packed up a truck and headed to a park. We drove over and brought our ball bags, chips and hot dogs. It was like a family reunion! The guys were out there playing football and basketball and laughing and dancing to the music. Some sat under a tree and took a nap, finally looking peaceful for the day. Others asked if they could help us set up the lunch, putting out plates and chips and the water we'd brung. My friend Megan and I grilled hot dogs and then we all served them, talking about life and learning about their stories and families.

I am increasingly convinced that it is about the spaces between us (and no, not just because that's also one of my favorite One Direction songs), but truly, the spaces between us, when we share moments together during hard times or under a tree with hot dogs and some Lay's, that God mends our souls. There is a sweetness and a rejuvenation that comes when we commune together, and share sunshines and smiles. I learned so much that day.

People are people are people.
Love them all.
Serve them.
Give them honor, before they ask for it.
And ask someone their story, pray for people, and truly, deeply care. It goes a dang long way.

I hope this stirs you like it did for me. It reminded me of my own calling, and reminded me that family is a privilege, freedom is good, and sitting out in a park is good- but better with an unexpected friend!

This is a reminder too, for my younger readers, to use discernment. Know that kindness is powerful, but without wisdom, there is still real danger in the world. If you are compelled to reach out to others (especially strangers), go in a group, know self-defense, and make sure you tell someone where you are! It never hurts to be wise. I had a big group and people familiar with the guys from the halfway house that know them and how to step in if anything should happen. I am also versed in protocol! But it was definitely worth it. God used my presence to remind some of the dads there of their little girls, and to know that I was serving the Lord with my life gave them hope for their own kids who have been through so much. Gosh! I have tears thinking about some of the conversations!

One more story!

One of the men was being released/graduating from the program that night, and he feels called to pastor guys in prison. HELLO REDEMPTION! I reminded him of his youngest daughter (my hair haha, won't God use anything)! He shared part of his journey and I shared part of mine, how I came to the Denver Dream Center, and was able to share some Bible verses with him and how they impacted my life and how I've come to make decisions. Really, it was one of those radical conversations that I pray and long for. Something really kingdom-building about it, truly.

Again, it was one of those not normal yet kind-of normal days at work! Below is a picture of some of my newest friends in Denver! Pray for them! (Pray for me too.) It was a great day, watching God keep his promises that those who look to Him are Radiant. We serve an incredibly redemptive, wholly restoring, grace-filled, honor-bestowing, second/third/thirty-thousand chance-giving God. Come to him, all you who are weary, and He will give you rest. For those looking for Hope, look no further than the Cross of Christ, for it has all that you need. For those needing forgiveness, He has that too, and enough to cover, completely cover you and all the hurt you may have been carrying. You are not alone, you are not in darkness anymore- a new life awaits.

Love and Life full of adventure,
Melissa M. XOXO

P.S. There have been some updates about the halfway houses- it's looking up in terms of housing availability for these dudes, which you can read more about here: https://www.denverpost.com/2019/08/08/denver-council-halfway-house-agreement/

Regardless of the overall outcome, I look forward to serving and loving God's people wherever and whatever that looks like.