In August, I was once again invited back to Maine's state prison in the city of Windham.  I did two shows, first one on a men's pod, then one for a women's pod.  The chaplain, Sister Marian, has been so kind bringing me back to the jail around my school vacation schedule.  

The men's pod was packed with guys as I did my first show.  Unfortunately, I didn't have time to set up the illusion for "The Thief on the Cross" which is my typical closing for men's prison and jail audiences.  It takes a while to set up, and we were short on time when we arrived on the pod.  I replaced it with "Excuses", an old routine that needs nothng more than a rope, which I had. (Ironically, the rope is one part of the thief on the cross illusion, which has several pieces that need to be set up ahead of time.)  I literally haven't done "Excuses" in years, and I actually forgot some of my patter.  I pulled it off, though, and I think it was a solid ending.  Several of the men approached Sister Marian about signing up for the weekly Bible studies, so I count that as a win!

After quickly packng up, we brought the props to a women's pod.  The audience was smaller as there are significantly fewer incarcerated women than men in Maine.  This time I was set up in plenty of time, and the show included "Woman at the Well" the closing routine I always use in women's prisons and jails.  As with the men, the juggling went great and the audience was terrific.  As I was wrapping things up, I talked to the ladies about seeking out the weeklt Bible studies if anything I said or did brought up questions.  Immediately, one of the young women blurted out, "I have a question.  Where in the Bible can I find that story about the woman at the well you just told?"

I froze.  I know the story well, but I couldn't recall the book, chapter and verse.  "It's in one of the Gospels," was the best I could do.  Then I looked at Sister Marian.

"John 4," she said.  I breathed a sigh of relief.  I had encouraged questions, and I froze when one was asked.  However, many of the women, like the men, approached Sister regarding when Bible studies were scheduled.  

Sister Marian once told me, "If I can get them to understand what Jesus meant when He said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life' I count it as a success."  If that's her goal, then I am very comfortable encouraging the audience to seek her out for further counsel and ministry.