Women’s Prison Ministry

Written by Warren |Posted on December 11, 2008 | Comments

This morning (8AM) I went to the prison ministry again with Bro.Norman. I used my bike to travel from our home to the prison ward. While traveling, I listened to GTY podcast on my ipod. It was good exercise as well. I barely got inside the ward because I was wearing shorts. Upon entering the area, Bro.Norman asked a fellow in-mate to tour me inside the men’s prison building. The interiors were narrow about 2 meters wide and crowded. As I walk the inside of the building on my left are the prison cells that occupies at least 15 people. The prisoners were smiling and greeted me “goodmorning pastor.” Though I’m not a pastor yet, but all I could think of is to get out as early as possible so I didn’t bother. But I greeted them anyway. While inside I would hope of not stepping on a toe or a shoe or a favorite toy or bump into something that would cause trouble. Since the hallway is too narrow they could easily push me around with no one noticing a riot because its hard to tell the difference when you’re inside because of the crowd.

After the tour we went to the next building, the womens ward. I entered a rather big prison cell that can occupy 30-40 people. This cell was used for the womens gathering for religious activities such as Bro.Norman’s ministry. I sat down and got to know a few women. Its surprising to see that most of them looked decent, clean, and educated. They didn’t looked harmful as compared to men. After a minute, the service began. Everybody sang together Christian songs (the contemporary ones) and some are in English. One thing that surprised me is that all of them memorized the lyrics of what they were singing. They held no programs or song books. All they had was one notebook wherein they wrote the lyrics of their favorite Christian songs.

After singing 3 songs, it was time for them to do some sharing wherein they get the chance to stand in the pulpit and just share what they want to share. 3 women shared their concerns. And all 3 gave out a wonderful testimony about their thankfulness in being in the prison. According to them, had they not been in prison, they wouldn’t have grown spiritually or know Christ. During their testimonials, I was thinking of St.Paul. Who also was a prisoner but still found ways to give thanks to God. After their testimonial sharing, the elder (I think 50yr old) asked me if I could share as well. Me being the ever shy boy took the risk anyway. So I shared my thoughts and said that their testimonies reminded me of one man: the Apostle Paul. I then expressed to them that all Christians will go thru trials for the purpose of depending more on God. And that is why it is said “My grace is sufficient for you” even in times of troubles. I was hearing “amens” all around. After I gave out my brief thoughts, the elder sister came to the pulpit while I was sitting down and said “Bro.Warren reminded me of my eldest son who is now 28yrs old. How old are you Bro. Warren?” I then replied “30yrs old”, she then expressed “I knew you were that young.” She can tell probably by what I’m wearing, shorts and rubber shoes and a backpack for kids where my give-away Bibles were kept. She then said “While I was looking at Bro.Warren, I’m thinking: when will my son be able to speak like that? It’s Christmas, and I barely get visits from my son because of the financial crisis. So I don’t know what’s going on with him. But if ever I found out that he is in the ministry like Bro.Warren here, I’d be so proud of him.” She then turned facing me saying “Your folks must’ve been really proud of you for doing service to the Lord at such a young age.” And everybody went “amens”. In my mind I was thinking, “well I hope my mom values the things that are eternal” I felt sad that I couldn’t express to my mom how God has been so good to me.

After the sharings ended, Bro.Norman took the floor and started preaching. It was my first time to hear him preached and I thought it was a beautiful sermon. While Bro.Norman was preaching I was praying that God may open their hearts and minds and to be able to know the Truth. After the service, I left several copies of New Testament Bibles (I only brought 6 copies, should’ve brought more.) and before I know it, nothing was left. It seemed to me that most were hungering for the Word of God.

Upon leaving, Bro.Norman expressed to me that there are different denominations that are coming and doing the same ministry from Monday to Friday. Bro.Norman had the Thursday morning for the women. So they’re hearing different views from different denominations (mostly cults such as Jehovah’s Witnesses,etc). So preaching to these people is not that easy because they’re hearing different views. Somehow I knew the idea that’s why when I shared to them I only shared what matters most to them: relationship with God. But so far I’m still enjoying sitting-in in such events. Being with a minister really taught me a lot more than books.