“Lord, Send Me to Prison: How the Lord Answered Two Men’s Prayers
BY TOM STANCZAK
In our 26 years of ministry in Poland, we have held evangelistic Bible studies with many people—whether very educated, illiterate, orphaned, homeless, or well to do. God is no respecter of persons, so why should we be? Over the last 10 years, I have had a desire deep in my heart to take the Gospel into the prison too. So, one day, I began asking God to open the right doors.
During this time, He was also working in the heart of an inmate in Wrocław. After many years in prison, Sobek (name changed for privacy) started to open himself up to Jehovah’s Witnesses, but the Lord protected him. Later, his girlfriend recommended he read the Bible, and he got saved. He shared his newfound joy with everyone, so much so that the prison workers grew uncomfortable. “Quit talking about Jesus like that if you ever want to leave this prison,” they told him. Instead of being scared, Sobek prayed, with great determination, that someone from the outside would come to study the Bible with him.
This past summer, God answered our prayers! I got a call from a pastor who had learned of Sobek and wondered if I would be willing to help. I asked our assembly for prayer, and Lukasz, a new believer, immediately wanted to join me. After months of red tape, we received the required permission.
At our first meeting, in November 2023, only Sobek and one other man joined. But, the next week, nine attended, and soon after, 15–20 inmates were gathering every Saturday afternoon to study the Gospel of John. Over the last few months, we have regularly had up to 15 inmates, mostly seekers from Roman Catholic backgrounds.
The power of words
At each Bible study, we reserve time for prayer and testimonies. A man told us the following story: One week, his wife called to say she wanted a divorce. Shaken by the news, he smuggled in a sharp object and planned to end his life at midnight on the upcoming Friday. That evening, in his cell, he picked up his Bible and opened it to a random passage. What he read hit him hard: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:12–13) The man knew the Lord was speaking to him.
A few days after he had shared this testimony and we had prayed for him, his wife called—she had changed her mind about the divorce. We praise God for sparing this man’s life through the power of His Word!
Another time, the men had a surprise for Lukasz and me. One inmate, a transfer from an American prison, had taught the group “Amazing Grace” in English. What a joy it was to hear the men sing wholeheartedly and without accompaniment! (The prison prohibits instruments and devices.) Since then, singing has been a regular part of our meetings. It makes me think of how Paul and Silas, when they were in prison, sang hymns to God and He strengthened them.
Tools for further growth
Besides the weekly Bible studies, we promote the Emmaus correspondence courses so the work may continue even if we are not there. Three inmates have been working on their diplomas. Sobek is so convinced of the courses’ value that he has used his own money to purchase sets to distribute in the high-security ward.
Sobek may call me a couple of times per week for discipleship. Recently, he asked if I would officiate his wedding when he is released in about four years. He also wants to be baptized.
God’s faithful protection
We have had a few other interesting experiences. During our second or third time in the prison, the guards forgot to let us out, so we sat there for an extra two hours until they remembered. What an uncomfortable experience to be locked in that room with men we really didn’t know yet—some of whom had been convicted of murder.
Another time, a fight broke out after one man made fun of something another prisoner said. The offended inmate threw his hardcover Bible and pen at the other. Thankfully, we diffused the situation, and eventually, the men apologized to each other. Once, while letting us in, a guard said she didn’t understand why we would lock ourselves in a room with these men—she would be afraid. Actually, shortly before we began our meetings, an inmate murdered a visiting psychologist.
Although Anne, my wife, can’t visit the prison with us, she participates in this ministry by grading the Emmaus courses. She also made our songbooks. We are so thankful that the Lord has “sent us to prison” and that Lukasz is willing to serve too.
Thank you for praying and for your interest in our ministry and lives. Truly, through your prayers and valued partnership in the Gospel, God has sent us to a Polish prison together.
