We were allowed to teach English, as well as have a small-group discussion with the prisoners. I had the honor of sharing about forgiveness and about the journey God took me through to forgive someone who had really hurt me. I was so thankful that I had experienced how to forgive fully through truly understanding the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.
I asked the women questions about their lives and if they had ever experienced betrayal or hurt from others. Two women were quick to point out that their husbands had left them in the prison. One woman’s husband even sent her a letter of divorce when she discovered she was pregnant. There were single moms in the prison. One particular woman was disowned by her family because protection of a family’s honor is huge here. Another woman had tears rolling down her face. She explained that she was so hurt and abandoned, and she said she could never forgive her husband. This experience was so heartbreaking, but it was wonderful at the same time, because we were able to share good news with these prisoners.
Sarah, a student from the University of Texas, is serving with Go Now Missions in Southeast Asia this summer. Her last name is withheld for security reasons.
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