I said that the Lord had sent me with His words, that the kingdom of God was available to them—now. I explained clearly about being born again and the power of the cross of Christ to make men’s lives new.
I encouraged them with the story of Prem Predhan, whose imprisonment God used to spread Christianity throughout Nepal. The Lord truly uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
Officials astonishingly allowed me to take photos—an act that is expressly forbidden—first of the dancers, and then later at the women’s quarters, in the hope that I might find help for the inmates subsisting in the deplorable conditions.
Many of the children were born here. It is the only life they have ever known. I was not allowed to see the men’s quarters. It is much worse. Little food is provided. Only some beans and flour they cook for themselves. If you give them rice and salt, it makes a feast. No soap. No blankets or clothing. No medical care.
To afford these bare necessities, women weave baskets to be sold at the market. The men have a carpentry project and craft brass jewelry. The ring and bracelet given to me in appreciation for my visit are treasures I will always cherish.
I waded through the heartache and despair to a bright spot—a flickering flame of hope in the midst of the gloom. A group of Christians had formed a small church inside the compound. Prison pastor, Wilson, was unjustly accused of theft by the pastor of a local church planted by foreigners.
Without his imprisonment, there would be no church in the prison. After hearing the story of Prem Pradhan, he told me: "Now I know why I’m in prison, and I will gladly stay here as long as the Lord wants."