By Chaplain Paul Beliasov | York County Prison, York, PA
Routine – Devotionals
While each day in prison can bring about different situations and different conversations, there are a few weekly routines.
The first routine is delivering a devotional paper every Tuesday and Friday morning to inmates who sign up for it all around the jail. I have been writing these papers (7-800 words each) since COVID-19 and, until recently, have yet to repeat papers (although I am resending some series from a couple of years ago since we have high turnover in our jail).
Currently, around 67 inmates and one correctional officer receive the devotionals. I drop them off at the respective housing block, where the officers in charge pass them out later, except in the Hole.
The Hole
The Hole is the block where inmates are sent for discipline (or are under restrictions because of their crime) and are usually in solitary confinement. The officers there allow me to slide the inmates’ papers under their cell door, which usually gets their attention so we can talk. Many are looking for any encouragement, books I can send, or guidance on reading the Bible.
Many times, I have stood in front of those solid cell doors, praying for the men on the other side. I pray that the devotionals I leave with them will inspire them to look up even amid their distress. I believe that God can work in the darkest places.
Routine – Basketball
My second routine is to play basketball for one hour each week with the juvenile inmates in the prison. This activity helps me keep working on my shot, but it is even more beneficial when I spend time with the teen boys.
Our times have led to moments of prayer, many life questions asked, and opportunities later for Bible study in my office. We usually play a few games, but if some boys get in trouble and are unable to come, I teach the one or two who are left how to play better ball. When a boy has a ball in his hand, he opens his mouth to share and his heart to hear about the deeper things of life and God.
Please pray for one boy in particular. Let’s call him Tony. Tony told me that he would like to be a chaplain someday or at least someone who shares God’s Word with others where he is. Tony is living this out in his pod, and we can pray for God to use him even now in the other boy’s lives.
