As I mentioned in my last email, I was unable to make this past trip because I was with my family celebrating my Father and Mother-in-law's 50th anniversary. It was a blessing to spend time with them and celebrate such a fun event.
One of our "rookies", AJ Salmon, wrote up a really good update about how the day went for him.
This past Saturday, we made the trip down to Taylorville Correctional Center, a low-security facility that the Saints have visited regularly in the past. We were protected on our travel to and from, and although there was rain in the forecast, the ground was kept dry for us to play. Thanks, Lord.
As we walked into the yard and took the field, we were immediately greeted by the largest group of inmates I have seen yet - somewhere between 150 and 200 prisoners. Watching their top "All star" team warm up, we realized that this would be the toughest competition we'd faced this season. We would have to be on our A game! It can be easy for me in a situation like this to forget the true reason we are there, to get lost in the mechanics and the grind of a softball game. The wind was strong in the outfield and we were dropping some fly balls (after which, every time, I could hear my Dad's voice saying "Fly balls get caught"), which added to my lack of focus. However, when we broke in the middle of the game to share the gospel and have conversations, God did not allow me to get lost in myself, but instead led me to several great interactions with our friends in the prison.
First, I met Alex - he goes by 'MailMan.' MailMan is a very boisterous, positive character that was clearly glad to be there with us. He has been in prison for 11 years, and his case is currently undergoing a claim of actual innocence based on new evidence that has been uncovered. However, this claim was filed almost a year ago, and he is still waiting to hear back on what his next steps may be. He has four children, aged 12-22, and a girlfriend back home. MailMan didn't play us in the first game, but in our second game he did, and as we began to play he had a mischievous grin on his face. He kept pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket, looking at us with a hint of cheekiness, and then putting it back in his pocket. What was this piece of paper? Well, he eventually revealed that this mysterious note was his 'scouting report' he had compiled while watching the previous game. He had notes on every player, like "Good Hitter," "Slow Runner," and "HR Hitter." MailMan was a joy to get to know and play with. I do not know what landed him in there - and I do not know if his claim of actual innocence is valid. I simply don't. But what I do know is that Alex gave us all a picture of what joy and contentment can look like in the face of suffering, even to the point of causing others around you to have joy and cheer as well. Alex requested that we would pray for him, his trial, and his family.
Secondly, I met a delightful inmate named Roberto. I had a great discussion with him wherein he was explaining to me the impact that the Saints ministry had on the rather miserable day-to-day life in prison. He said he was "not religious or spiritual" but that he appreciated the energy that we brought into the walls with us. Roberto had just heard the gospel clearly presented, and had heard it in years past, so I know he didn't need me to regurgitate it to him - but I did ask him to reconsider where the power of that so-called 'energy' really came from. We had more good conversation and I could tell he knew he was a sinner, but he was not ready to accept Christ. Please pray that he realizes that 'good energy', while a truly good thing for a time, will fade away and will not satisfy to the uttermost. I pray the preaching of the gospel planted a seed in his heart to help him realize his greatest need, a seed that only God can plant and water.
Lastly, two quick interactions with believers in the prison: one, called "Sparky," an older veteran who wanted to encourage us with the recitation of a scripture that God had written on his heart from 2 Corinthians. As he recited it, he was beaming with joy that I perceived to be joy from being in the presence of other believers. He encouraged me in my marriage and fatherhood to put God first and to teach the truths of God's word to our son from a young age. This was really sweet encouragement to me. Secondly, an inmate approached me as we were about to pack up and leave and asked if he could have another copy of the gospel (we give everyone a copy of the gospel of John to keep.) He wanted to give it to his roommate who was not able to be in the yard that day. This was encouraging because he sought me out, he knew the power that was contained in God's word, and wanted to make sure that his cellmate had the opportunity to get a copy. Sometimes I can overlook the simple power of God's word, but in reality it is much more powerful than anything I ever could say or do, more live-giving than anything you or I could offer. It is breathed out by God. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 ESV. It's very possible that the most important thing I did that day was hand that extra copy of God's word to my new friend. Please pray that God would use it.
The Saints' visit to Taylorville led to impactful encounters with inmates like MailMan, Roberto, and Sparky, showcasing the power of faith, joy, and God's word in a challenging environment. We came away with no losses, yet again extending our undefeated streak.
That's all for now. Thank you for your continued support and prayer, truly. It is such a joy for me to meet and converse with these men, to show them the love of Christ, pray for them, and be encouraged by them. Our next visit is on 7/20.
In Christ,
AJ Salmon
#27
Thank you for praying for our team this year! Our next visit was supposed to be on 7/20 to Graham CC. Unfortunately, Graham had to cancel the event...however...FCI Pekin is taking the date and we will be heading there on 7/20! Pekin will essentially be a home game!....almost....
Please pray for the men who made decisions in Taylorville and pray for the men that we will see in Pekin on 7/20!
