Recently Mrs. Hsi, a friend who belongs to a national organization that ministers to prison inmates, invited me to accompany her on one of her monthly visits to a large women’s prison in southern Taiwan.

After passing through four sets of security gates, we arrived at the last one. A warden opened the steel door, and we saw about 45 women squatting in the narrow hallway outside their cells. Most of them were drug offenders. Some were young, but quite a few were middle-aged or older.

Their living conditions are shocking. Each tiny cell sleeps seven people. In the middle of each room is a toilet, and on one wall is a wire for their towels, cups and toothbrushes.

When I saw the women squatting there in that hot and stuffy hallway, I nearly burst out in tears. Jesus, help them to find You this day, I prayed in my heart.

We sang some songs, and then I told them a few inspirational stories about the transforming power of God’s love. The inmates were starved for reassurance and love, and their eager response helped me get over my nervousness. When I offered to lead them in a salvation prayer, they all prayed fervently to receive Jesus into their hearts. Some of them were crying.

In the midst of all this, one of the women was trying to comfort her two-month-old baby, who had been born in prison. The baby was fussy because of the heat, but the guards wouldn’t allow the mother to stand up and walk around. I asked if I could hold the baby, and the guard agreed. As I took the baby from her teary-eyed mother, I couldn’t help but think of my twin babies at home. How blessed we are!

My heart was broken that day for those needy and forgotten souls. I will be returning each month with Mrs. Hsi to shed a little light in this dark corner. Please keep our ministry in your prayers!