One Hour in a Bogota Prison
We waited outside the barbed wire, preparing for what lay ahead. Some of us helped pack care packages with toilet paper and toothbrushes, while others helped secure our worldly goods on the bus. Our team had just arrived at one of Bogota's maximum security prisons.After admission, we divided into smaller teams and walked down a long road, further into the barbed wire jungle, to a small doorway in a large gate. The guards finger-printed us, patted us down, and took our passports. There was no way out now.As my team approached our prison block, an intricate maze of bars and locks, we had our first glimpse of the men inside. They stared back in hopeless, lifeless apathy. All except two. Their faces were bright, full of anticipation, and welcoming. One was an incarcerated prisoner now serving as teacher and pastor for the few Christians held there; the other was one of his congregants.
The two of them escorted us through the courtyard, where more stares awaited the gringos. Some were skeptical, others uncaring, still others, hateful. We trotted up some steps in the corner of the courtyard to a meeting room a level above. Everything was different there. The windows still had bars. The men there were also prisoners. But they were Christians. They were warm, friendly, welcoming, and grateful.Our time with them was brief. We greeted them, shared with them, and said "God bless you," as best we could in our broken Spanish. They hugged, kissed, and thanked us in return. I don't know that I ever felt more welcome in any place I have visited.As we walked back through the tangled maze 
of bars and razor wire, I could not help but think about how terrible it must be to be held captive in a place like that. Even knowing they were criminals, my heart still longed to take those Christians out of that place with me. In a place where armed guards walk the walls surrounding you, it's easy to think that way. All you want is out.Yet, how many people around us every day do we encounter who are in spiritual bondage, held captive by sin? Somehow we dress it up, make it look nice, and at times forget it exists, but we encounter prisoners in every aspect of our lives. Do we see through the frills to the barbed wire enchaining their souls? Do we take the time to help them see their true state? Is there anything we do to help them escape their dark world?The highlight of my trip to Bogota was the privilege of visiting my Colombian brothers held prisoner and sharing the love of Christ with them. It has left me with one thought which is upon my mind day and night.
Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives. Do I?--Krystal Heath, Colombia 2009 team member and missionary for Jesus ChristFor more pictures and reports from the Colombia team, check out their blog.