One Saturday I was pulled over by the traffic police for a routine check. To my chagrin, I had carelessly let some of my paperwork expire. I was taken directly to jail. Since it was Saturday afternoon, nothing could be done until Monday. What a way to spend my weekend, I thought. The Lord, however, had other ideas. He was about to make good use of my mistake.

I shared a cell with four men who were all in jail for more serious crimes. Realizing the dim futures they faced quickly chased away my self-pity. I decided to tell my cellmates about the forgiveness and hope they could find in Jesus. The youngest prisoner, a 27-year-old charged with homicide, was the first to pray with me to receive the Lord. Upon seeing this, the three others offered me some of their food and a bed (there weren't enough beds to go around). We began talking, and I continued to explain more about God's great love for them.

On Monday I was taken before a judge, fined, and released. Before leaving, I promised my cellmates that I would visit them soon, and asked for authorization to do so.

I was taken directly to jail.

The next Sunday I went back to jail, this time under happier circumstances. The tracts and small gifts I took the men--sugar, tea, and bread--were met with heartfelt thanks. The four men I had shared a cell with then helped pass out tracts to the other inmates and visitors.

My wife and I continue to visit and minister to the men in this jail. We are thrilled to see peace and happiness replace despair in the lives of those who are getting to know Jesus as their best Friend and constant Companion. They are now reading Activated magazines and other faith-building publications from The Family, and they continue to help their fellow inmates learn about the Lord as well.

God works in mysterious ways, and sometimes He even uses our mistakes--like my failure to renew my car papers--to help accomplish His purposes.