Angels of Angola

" Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers......."

Hebrews 13:2

Just this past week I was driving four young German men to the airport after they had been on a two week Harley-Davidson ride around our south land. They had rented their bikes from our EagleRider rental business as many from around the world do. As is my practice, I make a point of asking our customers - after their ride - what was their favorite place or experience. I have become accustomed to hearing New Orleans or The Tail of the Dragon mentioned along with the Smokey Mountains.  On this occasion however, these men could not hide their enthusiasm as they started to tell of a place quite different from the popular riding destinations.

At first I thought I was having hearing difficulties. Their English was broken, but what they were trying to tell me, well it did not make sense.  I asked, "A prison?"  Peter, the one with the best command of the English language said something like "Inglo Prison Rodeo".  It took me a few more queries before I realized they were trying to name a prison north of New Orleans.  So Peter began to describe about this festival atmosphere that included an arts and crafts exposition and a full blown rodeo. I made them spell the name for me -ANGOLA.

I am thinking to myself- how in the world did you learn about this place half way around the world in Germany? Before I could ask they said that back home they saw a television story about this prison and decided that they should go see it.  Then they began to tell me about the crafts show and the amazing wood creations put forth by the inmates.   

These German men could not hide their astonishment about what they had experienced at this the largest maximum security prison in the United States.  The Louisiana State Prison had opened it's doors to the public who had mingled with the inmate population who had welcomed them in with gracious hospitality.  The prisoners were the stars of the rodeo.  They were the artist vendors displaying their crafts for the buying public.  Our Harley renters were glad they bought advanced tickets to the rodeo because the tickets were sold out on site!

Looking at the history of this penitentiary can cause one to shudder. The name Angola designates the African territory the original slaves of this southern state were transported from. It is a secluded place for only the most hardened criminals.  An Arts and Crafts fair at a maximum security prison seems an extreme juxtaposition and even more so when the vendors are wearing stripes!  Then I started seeing the expressions on these men's faces.  My German friends said that the gates of Angola were open for this event and the inmates as well as their guests were free to roam and mingle together.  These men for a day were free. They were free to live life to the brim.  I cannot help but believe that for one day - in this unique celebratory environment - these artists and rough rider men were guests not hosts.  It was these four young German men and attending public showing the hospitality to angels.

Amen Brothers

Bradford Bosworth
October, 2015