When I go to the Somerset County Jail, I never know until I'm there if I'll be asked to do one, two or three shows. It depends on a variety of factors, including inmate interest, if certain groups can be combined or not, and if certain 'pods' have privleges or not. On this most recent trip to SCJ, I was told to I'd be doing three shows. I don't mind three in a morning, but as I age, it is harder to do theat many shows in a row. Also, on this particular day, I had a commitment back in the southern end of the state that evening at our church's food panty, which my wife runs.
Once I was set up, I waited.
And waited.
And waited.
I never found out why exactly, why things were so late, although they were short staffed that day. In fact this was the first time I would do my show in the chapel with no staff present, just a radio if there was a problem!
My first show started 45 minutes late. It was for the women's 'pod'. I always love performing for the women in jails and prisons. I'm not sure why that is, exactly. Perhaps it's because I raised three daughters, and, as Phil Ochs sings, "There but for fortune goes you or I". Right? In a different environment, genetics, influences, these could be my girls. Anyway, the show (service?) went well, and they were a warm, attentive audience.
After they left, there was another 30 minute delay. It became clear that I would not have time for the third group. Eventually my second audience came in, this time it was minimum security men. They were also a superb audience. What I found funny was that two of the biggest, burliest, tattooedest men were afraid to pet the rabbit when I brought him around after the show. Everyone has their things.
As always, I used the opportunity to do a bit of a promo for the Bible studies that are held there on an ongoing basis. My I never think I am so self-important that I think I am the one who has to do all the ministry. I'm only there a couple times a year, others are in weekly. As Paul said, "Some plant, others water, but the Lord provides the harvest."