By Aristeo Sampablo, Staff Writer

At the end of the year, a small community inside San Quentin got together to celebrate spending time and a meal as one union under the same faith.

For San Quentin’s Chaplain David Lal, the event was more than just getting together with a group of incarcerated individuals. Lal has been coming into the prison for close to a decade and being of service alongside the men behind bars. He said his compassion for the men in San Quentin is what keeps him coming back year after year.

“My son got in trouble and went to jail. One day the Lord said ‘I have taken your son, but I give you 500,’” said Chaplain Lal. “The Lord changed my mind and helped me to not judge, but to love. I believe that God gave me so much that I have to share it.”

With the chapel filled to capacity, the joy of love and service was in the air. The church choir began by performing a number of songs such as “The Goodness of God,” “How Great Is Our God,” and “Jesus the Messiah.”

Chaplain Lal took the stage to share messages of hope and encouragement for the men and women present.

Chaplain Lal recalled his journey over the past decade and said that it had not been easy for him. He said that he has faced a number of challenges over the years of coming into the prison and preaching to residents in the San Quentin community.

“I want to see you men go home to be with your families. If what I do saves lives and brings families together, then I have done my job” said Chaplain Lal. “Because when they hurt, I hurt.”

Pastor Lal’s services have not gone unnoticed, say many grateful residents. One of those residents is Nehemias Vasquez.

Vasquez said that he was satisfied to be able to translate for the Spanish-speaking community during Pastor Lal’s sermon at Sunday’s service.

“For several years Pastor Lal has been a fundamental pillar for the Christian Church… Pastor Lal understands and relates to our loss, pain, and separation,” said Vasquez. “He also understands what our loved ones go through while we’re incarcerated.”

For countless years, San Quentin has continually counted on volunteers who have dedicated years to being of service to the incarcerated population. Pastor Lal is an example the type of person who doesn’t mind spending time out of his life to be of service.

“I have witnessed his passion, humility, humbleness, commitment, and love toward us, knowing he could be with his family on Sunday evenings, but he choose to be here with us,” said Vasquez. “That means a lot and we’re grateful.”