Visitor: Mr. HisHop
Accompanied by: Kathleen Hill, Head Chaplain
Organization: Straight Ahead Ministries
Purpose: Bible study session on the topic “Coming Clean”
Introduction:
On Apr 19th, Mr. HisHop, accompanied by Kathleen Hill from Straight Ahead Ministries, visited the Juvenile Detention Center for a Bible study session with 11 incarcerated young individuals. The chosen topic for the night was "Coming Clean," aimed at exploring the concept of repentance and accountability through biblical teachings.
Icebreaker and Introductions:
The session commenced with an icebreaker activity where each participant introduced themselves and shared something interesting about themselves. This served as an opportunity to establish rapport and create a comfortable atmosphere conducive to open discussion.
Bible Study Session:
Following introductions, the group delved into the heart of the session with a prayer, seeking guidance and enlightenment. Mr. HisHop initiated the discussion by posing a thought-provoking question: "If you were to steal something from someone and later return it, would you consider that coming clean?" This question sparked a lively debate among the participants, with various perspectives emerging.
Challenges and Responses:
Many responses reflected a hardened perspective, with individuals justifying theft based on perceived entitlement or necessity. Instead of confronting these responses head-on, Mr. HisHop chose to let the Word of God guide the discussion. Throughout the session, relevant scriptures, including Luke Chapter 19, Verses 1 through 9, were explored, providing biblical context and wisdom on the topic.
Transformation:
As the session progressed, the transformative power of God's Word became evident. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, hearts began to soften, and perspectives shifted. Participants started to acknowledge the wrongdoing in their initial responses, expressing a newfound understanding of the importance of honesty and integrity.
Conclusion:
Mr. HisHop concludes the report by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness the transformative impact of God's Word and the Holy Spirit on the lives of the incarcerated youth. Despite the initial challenges, the session proved to be a testament to the power of faith and the potential for positive change, even in challenging circumstances.