Reflections on a cop in a gang prison!

Greetings from Guatemala...Amanda & I are doing well and really enjoying the challenges that the Lord has placed in front of us this week. Sorry it took so long for me to blog, but our schedule has been full as we are trying to be used by God alot during this vision trip. I would like to share the experiance of visiting the gang prison on Friday morning. Prior to the trip I wanted nothing to do with it as I truly feared that I could be facing a serious threat to my life as the police down here are very cruel to the gang members, and the police are their enemies as well. Yet through Joel´s contacts and Ignacio, who does the prison visits and ministry, I was comvimced that I should go into the prison and even speak to them. As Joel introduced me to the gang members as a police officer from the U.S., I saw their faces change some, and I became quite uncertain for their response. Prior to that the conversations with them was very cordial and I really enjoyed hearing their stories´; and came to realize that in so many ways we were the same, and that as someone once said, ¨everyone you meet is someone that God loves unconditionally¨ I began to apologize for the many police officers who may have treated them poorly, which is so common in Guatemala and other Latin American countries. I thanked them for allowing me to be a guest in their house, because they did in fact welcome me into their homes. Then the realization that only by God´s wonderful grace was I where I was in life, and they were where they were in life: it was then very hard to speak as the tears flowed down my cheeks. At that moment the Lord spoke loudly into my heart and reminded me that I too have not always been the loving servant to the least, the last and the lost! It was an amazing experiance where the Lord had me right where he wanted me to be, even though I did not want to be there. I pray that I will always remember that experiance and remember that the Lord wants me to open my eyes to the least, last, and lost in Lynden. Thanks so much for all your prayers and support to this ministry. Mom (New Jersey mom), thanks for being such an awesome prayer warrior for our group. God is answering your prayers! God bless and see you back in Lynden soon!
Stuart (& Amanda!)
P.S. To my wonderful bride Karen, and awesome sons Adam & Nicholas-we miss you alot and love you even more!