Editor’s Note: The following reflection was written by Michael Koch, one of our faithful Malachi Dads team leaders at the Memorial Unit.
Last Tuesday, a bunch of broken, grimy men put skin on Matthew 25:34–40.
Actually, we do it every week. But this week felt especially meaningful because we didn’t come alone. We brought 35 pizzas, 500 cookies, and 120 Chick-fil-A sandwiches.
Of course, any of us can run to Costco and pick up pizza and cookies whenever we want. We can swing by Chick-fil-A six days a week (they’re anointed enough to close on Sundays) and grab a sandwich. But we aren’t locked behind the walls of a maximum-security prison.
Many of us outside prison are imprisoned by things no one can see—selfishness, materialism, greed, pride, fear, or unforgiveness. The mighty men dressed in white may be behind bars, yet many are freer than those of us on the outside.
Yes, many are serving time for terrible crimes and may never leave these prison walls. But many have found new life in Christ and now live with a freedom that prison walls cannot take away.
Rolling a cart stacked high with pizza, cookies, and chicken sandwiches down a hallway that smells of sweat and desperation is a surreal experience. Every volunteer was excited, and our excitement only grew as we approached the chapel.
When the doors opened, we were stunned. Normally, a handful of men are waiting, and the rest drift in over the next 15 or 20 minutes. Not that night.
The room exploded in white.
Every table was already filled with the men we’ve grown to love over the last 15 weeks. They’re always happy to see us, but this time…they seemed really happy to see us.
The hugs started immediately. Then the back slaps. Then the laughter. The party was on.
I should probably explain why.
These men are part of a nine-month discipleship program called Malachi Dads. Together, in small groups led by volunteers, they study God’s Word and two discipleship books while learning to reconcile with God, their families, and one another.
This evening celebrated the completion of the first study, The Resolution for Men. This book challenges men to become godly men, godly husbands, and godly fathers.
As we laughed, sang, and ate, something beautiful happened. One after another, men stood up to share their hearts.
Fear of public speaking? Not when the Holy Spirit is moving.
Nearly 120 men filled that chapel, and they spoke openly about what God had been doing in their lives. They talked about reconnecting with children they hadn’t spoken to in years. They talked about getting married—yes, that’s possible in prison. Let that sink in. They talked about drawing closer to Christ, sharing their faith, and loving other inmates.
Then our volunteers shared what these men already mean to them.
And we’re only halfway through the year. If this was the midpoint celebration, I can hardly imagine what November graduation is going to be like.
One more detail. The chapel’s air conditioning had gone out earlier that week. It was hot. Actually, that’s an understatement.
But here’s what amazed me. No one wanted to leave. By then we were all soaked in what we jokingly called “holy sweat.” Yet we stayed an extra thirty minutes simply enjoying being together.
That was both beautiful and sobering.
These men live without so many things we take for granted—air conditioning, favorite foods, freedom to walk outside whenever they choose.
But many of them possess something even more precious that too many of us take for granted. A deep, abiding love for Jesus Christ.
So please pray for these men. Many of them walk more closely with God than I do.
And pray for all of us that the Holy Spirit will keep changing our hearts until, like the Apostle Paul, we learn to have joy in every circumstance.
Because that…
That is true freedom.
And for one unforgettable evening, we caught a glimpse of what Jesus meant when He said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” – Matthew 25:40
In Him
Michael Koch
Malachi Dads Team Leader – Memorial Unit
Serving Christ by serving others
Editor’s Note: What Mike shared is happening every week in the four other Houston prisons we serve. We’d love to have you join us or partner with us. It’s life-changing.