The day before I was scheduled to fly back, I went through about 2 hours of trying to rebooking and trying to change flights. I was really in a tough dilemma.
Do I stay or do I go? Because there were prior commitments that I had. I was pondering on this question for 120 minutes of discomfort I finally decided to stay.
I had a flight from Cebu that was supposed to leave at noon. I received an invitation from the A.C.E.S (Athletes for Christ in Excellent Service) to join them in an outreach at the Cebu City Jail. It was right across from the world famous jail where the inmates perform the now-famous Thriller dance.
Talk about an experience. There were over 2,000 inmates at this Jail. I met a guy who murdered over 20 people for being a hitman for a particular gang.
I met a stud basketball player who really had chances of playing professional basketball who got put in jail because someone planted drugs at his house. From rapists, to murderers, drug users, to drug dushers to even former pastors in the jail.
This was my first time actually in a jail. And here we are a basketball team playing the Cebu City Jail All-Star selection basketball team.
This was my first time actually in a jail. And here we are a basketball team playing the Cebu City Jail All-Star selection basketball team.
How where they going to respond to us? Were they going to try and intimidate us? Were they planning on some type of jail break? Were these inmates up to something? A great time for a riot???
I had so many mixed emotions. There was definitely some fear and uncertainty, despite that, there was a confidence that I had knowing the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Lord Almighty was with me.
We had to go through all types of screenings before they allowed us to go into the jail. They wouldn’t allow me to bring my camera, but thank God we had favor.
We had to go through all types of screenings before they allowed us to go into the jail. They wouldn’t allow me to bring my camera, but thank God we had favor.
A police officer was assigned to use my camera and take pictures. When we finally got in all eyes were on us.
The hardcore inmates were staring at us. Then I heard some of them calling my name because they recognized me from the PBA. I then knew everything was going to be just fine.
We first went to place where they hold their church service there. We prayed and asked God to do a work in the hearts of the people.
We first went to place where they hold their church service there. We prayed and asked God to do a work in the hearts of the people.
Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. After prayer we were fired up ready to go.
We walked to the basketball court and it felt like the movie The Longest Yard. The place went crazy when we stepped on the court.
We walked to the basketball court and it felt like the movie The Longest Yard. The place went crazy when we stepped on the court.
We were having so much fun. I did a few of my “signature moves” to make them smile. The inmates were having so much fun. They were all smiling, laughing, it seemed like they were having the time of their life.
There was a guy on the team named Bow Wow who really amazed me. This guy was such a great player. He was a point guard and he scored 90% of the team’s points. He was slick with the ball. He could handle the ball a lot better than me that’s for sure. So much potential.
The barker was cracking me up so much. He was doing a play by play. One of the guys on the other team had a traveling violation, and he said the most memorable quote I have ever heard. Imagine with me for a minute. I am a Laker fan so let’s use this as an illustration. It went something like this.
Derrick Fisher passes to Kobe, Kobe drives and kicks out Odum, What a move by Odum, he kicks it out to Gasol…Gasol fakes makes a move…Traveling on Gasol…better yet, “GUILTY OF DRIBBLING THE BALL” -- that was pretty funny!
Well halftime came and this was the most exciting part because were going to be able to share the “Good News”. So we get up to introduce ourselves and guess what happens?
There was a guy on the team named Bow Wow who really amazed me. This guy was such a great player. He was a point guard and he scored 90% of the team’s points. He was slick with the ball. He could handle the ball a lot better than me that’s for sure. So much potential.
The barker was cracking me up so much. He was doing a play by play. One of the guys on the other team had a traveling violation, and he said the most memorable quote I have ever heard. Imagine with me for a minute. I am a Laker fan so let’s use this as an illustration. It went something like this.
Derrick Fisher passes to Kobe, Kobe drives and kicks out Odum, What a move by Odum, he kicks it out to Gasol…Gasol fakes makes a move…Traveling on Gasol…better yet, “GUILTY OF DRIBBLING THE BALL” -- that was pretty funny!
Well halftime came and this was the most exciting part because were going to be able to share the “Good News”. So we get up to introduce ourselves and guess what happens?
Our team starts to introduce themselves and each member trying to give a short encouragement. They had asked me to be the last guy so I would share the Gospel.
Then it starts raining and you see hundreds of inmates running back to their cells. The enemy was at work like he always is.
So I get on the microphone and gently tell them to come back, and some of them didn't but the majority went back. I guess the rain was like Kryptonite to them. I couldn’t believe what was going on.
Well I start to share how Jesus changed me and then I just get overwhelmed on how much God loves each one of them. I started to cry and I could see some of the inmates crying as well. I was struggling to speak Tagalog but I think they got the point.
I asked them if anyone wanted to have a second chance at life. Better yet, a third, fourth, and fifth, and so on because God gives us all those chances.
I shared to them the Gospel and asked them if anyone wanted to receive Jesus Christ. Hundreds of them raised their hands and accepted our precious Lord as their Lord and Savior.
We weren’t able to finish the game. But I know God’s spirit was there with us.
I pulled Bow Wow aside and encouraged him some more. Because he was one of the guys who raised his hands.
I gave him my favorite Nike shirt that says Believer. I told him that God loves him so much and has a great plan for his life. Bow Wow is scheduled for a hearing next year and hopefully in God's will, he gets released.
GOD IS SOOOOO GOOD!!! I am amazed on how He continues to use me here in this country. Always remember there is nothing that you can do that would make him love you more and there is nothing you can do that would make him love you any less. He loves you because of who you are.
GOD IS SOOOOO GOOD!!! I am amazed on how He continues to use me here in this country. Always remember there is nothing that you can do that would make him love you more and there is nothing you can do that would make him love you any less. He loves you because of who you are.
