The secured iron gates closed behind us as we made our way into the segregation unit of the prison. The corridor was lined with cinder block walls and dimly lit, with a row of barred cells along one side. As we walked down the hallway, we encountered a man we had met the day before in a “round-table” Bible study. He had been transferred to segregation the previous night in preparation for his execution, which was scheduled for two days later.
He greeted each of us as we made our way to a small room with a table next to his cell. His presence was peaceful as he expressed gratitude for our visit. Seating himself at the table, we gathered around him as he quietly opened his Bible. He began walking us through the Scriptures he wanted to share, ministering to us as he spoke about his hope as he faced execution. His words reflected a deep trust in the Lord:
“In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:1–3).
I do not know the details of his crime or the pain and loss he caused the victim and loved ones. This suffering is real and difficult to comprehend. Also, the emotional and spiritual toll on prison staff who carry out executions should not be overlooked. The men in every other prison unit we visited knew what was to come in two days.
Sitting before us was a man condemned by society, deemed worthy of death for his actions. This same man placed his hope in Jesus. He embraced the mercy and grace freely given to him and shared that truth with us (Hebrews 4:16). Though society gave him no way out, he held on to a greater truth.
“The disciples were even more amazed and said to each other, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God'” (Mark 10:26–27).
Jesus’ blood, which dripped from the nails in His hands, covers the sins of even those we consider the worst (Ephesians 1:7). Our hope is in Jesus (1 Peter 1:3), and He is our only path to salvation (John 14:6). With God, all can seek rescue and refuge.
My tendency is to suppress hard memories, but I pray I do not push this one down. As we sang and laid hands upon the condemned, we knew he was already claimed by God. What is impossible for man is possible for God, as His mercy had the final word.
—
If this story touched your heart, consider signing up as a Crossroads mentor and writing a letter of encouragement to one of our students each week. Your words can bring hope where it’s needed most.
Join us in sharing mercy and grace—because with God, all things are possible.