Christmas in the Youth Prison

Written by Jon and Carly Brown

Every Friday our team goes to a Youth Prison called Fortaleza to love on kids and bring the hope and love of Jesus. We usually pass our time with them watching a movie and sharing testimonies and encouraging them in the Lord. Some of them know Jesus and some do not. We have been going to this prison for over 2 years and it has been such an honor to see God move in the hearts of the youths there. Recently we were able to Celebrate our 3rd Christmas with the Boys. Thanks to some amazing donors we gifted all 38 boys their own cleats as well as some football (Soccer) uniforms and socks. They were all really excited about this, because almost all Bolivian boys grow up playing soccer seven days a week from about 5 years old on up. Our normal group with about 8 extra team members shared their testimonies and how much God loves each of these precious boys. The presence of God in the room was so palpabl. A few of the boys wept, overcome by the Love of God, and asked what the feeling was that they were experiencing. The team was able to share with them that it was God’s presence and His love for them….We worshiped together and these boys who are normally quiet sang and wept. After worship we shared the gospel as we normally do on Christmas and a few of the boys decided to give their lives to Jesus. It’s beautiful to see God move and bring light into the dark. Only He can change hearts. He is moving and all we have to do is obey and be His hands and feet. What an honor. All days are not like this day, but this day makes all the days worth it. Jesus you are so worthy.