Members of Hillsong United received a letter from an inmate in Folsom Prison in California – USA. The inmate’s letter detailed how he had come to learn about Christ’s love and mercy through Hillsong’s Music, which greatly encouraged the band.
To return the favor, they showed up at the prison to visit and worship with the prisoners there.
According to servingcalifornia.org, Lothar Preston had accepted Christ several years before but it was during his time at Folsom Prison that the band music brought a message that helped transform his understanding of God’s love and mercy.
“One day in my cell I heard the Miami concert and the music in that concert touched me in such a way that I’ll never be the same.” Church leaders (dot) com quoted Preston on Monday.
The band contacted an organization called God Behind Bars letting them know that they were touring in California and wondered if it would be possible to meet with Preston and perhaps perform for some of the inmates.
In turn, Raeanne Hance of God Behind Bars contacted Serving California to help make the appeal to Folsom Prison’s administration.
Serving California’s Northern California Program Director Dave Wesley worked with one Folsom Chaplain Community Resource Manager to gain needed approvals. Since the request was received a mere week before the band was coming to town, Officials recommended that Hillsong United simply come as the worship band for Sunday service.
At the beginning of the service, Serving California reports how band member, Jonathon Douglass shared how they hoped to reach people who are not reachable through social media.
Through their Hillsong channel, God was able to do just that.
In addition to meeting the inmate who wrote the letter, the band spent time with the rest of the prisoners worshipping and fellowshipping.
“I never dreamed that I would see you,” Preston told band members Jonathon Douglass, Taya Smith and Matt Crocker. “It’s unbelievable.”
male@ugchristiannews.com
