An unusual thing happened to me yesterday. During my time in prison (as a Chaplain) I was asked to be seen by one of the remand prisoners. After 10 minutes of discussion he confessed to having swallowed his entire weekly prescription of drugs. I told him I would have to alert the prison officers, he agreed. They whisked him away to suicide watch, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital, presumably to have his stomach pumped.
The actual event wasn't remarkable except that the timing was perfect. I happened to be late into prison yesterday and so my calls in the halls were delayed by ½ hour. Had I been on time, I would have missed the chap who asked to see me. As it was I believe he was saved from the drugs taking effect and causing him to kill himself.
God's leading and timing is perfect.
This chap was talking of taking his own life. His mind was full of 'voices', his life had been one of physical abuse, and he was "tired". He was certainly talking from the perspective of darkness.
I tried to minister, pray, listen to him. He couldn't see ahead. Life was so difficult for him.
I read last week that its such times the Lord wants us to be silent before him. 'in quietness and confidence shall be your strength' (Isaiah 30: 15) Not an easy thing to do in a crowed hall of prisoners. Not an easy thing to do for a Salvation Army Officer who is in demand from so many people, who request diverse questions.
"Speak to me Lord even through the dark circumstances of life."
The actual event wasn't remarkable except that the timing was perfect. I happened to be late into prison yesterday and so my calls in the halls were delayed by ½ hour. Had I been on time, I would have missed the chap who asked to see me. As it was I believe he was saved from the drugs taking effect and causing him to kill himself.
God's leading and timing is perfect.
This chap was talking of taking his own life. His mind was full of 'voices', his life had been one of physical abuse, and he was "tired". He was certainly talking from the perspective of darkness.
I tried to minister, pray, listen to him. He couldn't see ahead. Life was so difficult for him.
I read last week that its such times the Lord wants us to be silent before him. 'in quietness and confidence shall be your strength' (Isaiah 30: 15) Not an easy thing to do in a crowed hall of prisoners. Not an easy thing to do for a Salvation Army Officer who is in demand from so many people, who request diverse questions.
"Speak to me Lord even through the dark circumstances of life."
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