Footballer preaches in prison

Nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson and his Grammy-winning wife Ciara recently spread the love of God with people who desperately needed some.

The couple left social media followers in tears after videos emerged of them ministering to inmates at a maximum security prison.

A quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson is a devout Christian who frequently speaks about his faith. He and wife – acclaimed singer Ciara, made the special visit to the Everglades Correctional Institution, encouraging the inmates.

The star US footballer partnered with an organisation, God Behind Bars, to fellowship with the 300 incarcerated men at the maximum security prison.

Wilson first reached out to God Behind Bars, after seeing one of their videos on social media.

“They came out and it was an amazing event,” God Behind Bars founder and CEO Jake Bodine told USA TODAY Sports. “I know it forever marked the men that are in that facility. Russell and his wife Ciara were amazing as they poured out their love and God’s love on these men for the few hours we were in that facility.”

Wilson shared a personal testimony and Ciara sang for the prisoners.

Around 300 inmates gathered to hear the couple, with 27 eventually “giving their lives to Jesus.”

The athlete’s messages was based on Isaiah, and his wife sang the popular worship hit Waymaker, alongside a band made up of prisoners.

“Lord, there’s nothing better than you. Over 300 maximum prison inmates worshipping Jesus. His grace and spirit are overwhelming in the midst of mistakes. He still loves and forgives. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’ – John‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬” the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback captioned his post on Instagram.

Wilson and Ciara loved spending time with the inmates who are repenting their choices and looking for a connection with Jesus. The R&B singer-songwriter preached, and sang and danced, while Russell took the microphone whenever he had the chance.

In an Instagram post by God Behind Bars, volunteers described feeling “the atmosphere in the room change” as the rendition of Jireh, by Maverick City and Elevation Worship, began.

As they continued to worship, Russell brought a prisoner forward to sing, handing him the microphone and leaving the rest of the inmates “in shock”.

“As the band began to sing Jireh, he began to sing…The whole room of 300 inmates were in shock when they heard his voice. You could feel the environment of the room change. The presence of God filled this prison chapel as these incarcerated men Praised, Worshipped, and cheered. We will never be the same after this moment. God is working behind prison walls. Jesus still has a purpose and plan for each and every man in that room!” 

The inmates couldn’t control their tears as Ciara sang ‘Waymaker’. Everyone sobbed uncontrollably. Wilson’s wife couldn’t hold back the tears either.

This isn’t the first time the Broncos No. 3 has tried to make a change and impact the community. During his Super Bowl-winning days, the quarterback was a regular visitor at the Seattle Children’s Hospital and even helped donate over a million dollars to their ‘Strong Against Cancer’ program through the couple’s ‘Why Not You’ foundation.

Russell and Ciara generously provided over a million meals to those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Apart from their philanthropic actions, Wilson has actively contributed to sports development, intending to steer young individuals away from crime. The 34-year-old quarterback has facilitated the establishment of several football camps across America.

(Picture Courtesy: Instagram)