Cliff Rawley: In the same yard where prisoners rioted, some later found salvation
I was shocked to see the blood-stained chalk outlines of bodies on the cell house floor. These images remain seared in my memory. Three correctional officers were murdered when 1,000 inmates rioted. I walked the cell houses the day after the Pontiac, Illinois prison was stormed by gangs armed with homemade weapons on July 22, 1978. The smell of burned buildings was offensive.The state police fired tear gas to restore order and force the inmates back into their cells.
For an extended time the prison was in lockdown. The inmates were not allowed out for recreation or to go to meals. Food was delivered to them through a slot in the cell door. My duties as a chaplain included bringing prepared meals to the cells. There was a staff shortage as many had resigned after the carnage.
One of the heroes of the terrible day was a cell block officer. Being aware of the riot breaking out he knew the gangs would attempt to steal the keys to all the cells. His assisting officer was a young woman recently hired. He quickly took the cell house keys into his possession. He secured the young lady and himself into a cell and locked it from the inside. For many long hours until order was restored he kept her safe from rape and violent death.
This was my first prison ministry. I learned to minister in creative ways. No worship services were possible for a long period. The chapel and the recreational center were both burned down. Making my daily rounds I listened to many staff and inmates tell their story of the terror. They were thankful to be alive. Some inmates did not riot and tried to find safety by hiding in their cells. Sadly many were badly injured by the marauding gangs.
Every day I walked the ranges of the prison cells with a cart full of inspirational books, spiritual magazines, the Bible and religious books from other faiths. A large portion of the prisoners remained locked down indefinitely. A good number accepted a Bible Correspondence course offered on my cart. Each paperback volume finished was returned for mailing.
After many months I was permitted to offer worship services to small groups.
No large movement of prisoners was safe. These services resulted in inmates making a commitment to follow Christ in baptism. It was a joy to baptize seven men in a large horse watering tank supplied for the occasion. It was in the same yard where chaos and destruction happened before.
During this hard time I found strength in the victorious kingdom of Christ. My focus on serving His eternal kingdom kept me from quitting. The Kingdom of God is everlasting. The powers of evil will pass away. “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord.” Revelation 11:15. The resurrection of Jesus is a true witness that his Kingdom gives eternal life more powerful than the tragic chalk lines.
Cliff Rawley lives in Springfield.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Cliff Rawley: After deadly prison riot, some found salvation
