The Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, LA is home to about 5000 inmates. Not only is it our nation’s largest prison, it has historically been one of the most brutal and violent. With 90% of its men slated to die within its confines, and without the possibility of parole, hopelessness ran high, as did murder and suicide.
But that was before Warden Burl Cain was installed. Cain has brought the gospel of Jesus Christ and its hope to the inmates, and violence has sharply decreased. As John Piper describes:
There is a local extension of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in the prison and about 140 prisoners are enrolled. There are six churches in the prison and they train their own pastors. They send trained “missionaries” to other prisons to plant churches. They do this without using any tax money. But O the money—and lives—it saves!
Piper goes on to share how he was able to minister to a man on death row (a man who has since received the death penalty) and to preach to the prisoners last November.
The Desiring God team has made a film about the inmates, their experience, John’s visit, and the hope of Christ that permeates their prison. It is available now for pre-order for only $10. Here’s the trailer: