Chapel B was filled with San Quentin residents as Hillsong Church visitors arrive for the first time.
Pastor Eric Nobles of Prison Ministry opened the service and welcomed the visitors to San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, then prayed in the service. Pastor Nobles invited Hillsong to attend a Father’s Day Saturday morning service.
“That it was nice to be able to fellowship with the residents of SQ prior to the service,” visitor Cole said. “It’s nice because we all have many different positions within the church, so we enjoy seeing things differently.”
Hillsong Church Pastor Brendan Brown arrived with 34 people from his congregation.
The chapel was filled with praise and worship music by the Hillsong Church worship leader and guitar player Nathan. They led the congregation in several spirit filled songs.
“What a day!? I’m still processing all the feelings and conversations with the inmates. The Holy Spirit’s presence touched my heart in a special way when we saw the men be vulnerable and ask for prayer,” said visitor Adriana. “I cried in the presence of God. It was powerful. Pastor Brown’s teaching was so touching, and could see how it helped the men.”
The Saturday morning message was given by Pastor Brown. He shared his testimony and how he has been in the ministry for 23 years.
“God is real! He can testify to grace. God is a God of first, second, third chances. He (God) can rewrite your story. Can’t change your past. God is always kind, and always there. He has set us free. All it takes is one moment to break the chains. From that point it will be the last time you ever do drugs or whatever has you bound.”
Pastor Brown shared, “When you hit rock bottom, remember, Jesus is the rock, He lifts you up and crowns you. Even when you have no hope, no plan, at your worst, Jesus is at his best. He is the Christ.
“God uses what we were to testify the glory of God. Often we rehearse our past. Jesus doesn’t – You’re not the same, you’re a new creation,” the pastor added.
Adriana said, “We were able to bridge a gap and minister Gods love and forgiveness. We love our brothers and sisters in Christ unconditionally.”
Pastor Brown expressed, “It was a day I will never forget. Such a beautiful and powerful morning with many coming to Christ, receiving forgiveness, healing and a new future. I was reminded of the wonderful words of Paul the apostle about freedom found in Jesus while he was in prison. Even though I am in chains, the word of God cannot be chained.”
As Pastor Brown closed out the services he noted that chains were broken and lives were helped that day.
“What an honor to serve the Lord and preach the gospel. I want to give a shutout to the amazing servant leaders who came out to help minister and Pastor Nobles and the team at Prison Fellowship, we are grateful for the ongoing work you guys are doing ,” said Pastor Brown.
