Preaching To The Inmates

This morning was really rainy and after preaching at the market, a sister in our group suggested that as a brother, I try preaching to the inmates at the local jail.  I had never done anything like this before but it seemed like a great option, especially after walking in mud all morning.  After entering the front, a new Bible student (who happens to be studying everyday and attending the meetings) was chit chatting with the police at their desk.  After explaining why we were there and asking for permission to leave Bible information with the inmates, he quickly offered his support telling the police who we are and how wonderful Jehovah's Witnesses are.  Even though visiting hours happen to be later on in the day, they gave us permission and I quickly tried to think of an approach.  The section where inmates are housed is really cramped, dirty and generally cold feeling.  I told them the purpose of the visit was to provide them with Bible information and no matter what we've done in our past, it's possible to change.  We also talked about Jehovah's wonderful qualities such as love and patience and how thanks to these qualities, we are afforded time to learn his principles and make needed changes.  During these discussions more and more inmates came up to the bars and by the end, all in the jail were listening.  I ended up placing all of my Bible Teach books with them and they also would like to have Bibles.  Before leaving they were all asking when we would be back to start studying with them.  It was a new experience but it turned out good.  Based on their current circumstances I'm hopeful that most of them will have had a chance to read a good portion of the book by the time I go back next week.  We never know who will listen and be our future brother.