 An inmate greeted us recently at a service in a local prison. He’d met us before at a chapel service in a different prison, and had been released soon after. He’d linked up with a good church and started off really well, but after a minor breach of a bail condition got sent back inside. Now he finds himself in a prison new to him, but he goes straight back to chapel services and knows he can come out of this OK because he is not the same man he was before he met Jesus whilst inside.
Another inmate talked about becoming a Christian: he said ‘I really feel different, more patient, able to forgive (someone had just stolen some of his things from his cell, but he said ‘it doesn’t matter, I forgive him.) He doesn’t blow up when he’s crossed and for the first time in his life he has the desire to learn to read and write. ‘I like the new me!’ he said.
Stories like these are told over and over again through the pages of prison chaplaincy departments who do a remarkable job providing Christian family and teaching in these hostile environments, and it’s our privilege to be able to support their work. For prison chaplains the work can be rewarding, but also exhausting, usually unrecognized and always underfunded. They value the support so many volunteers like us are able to give, and this month we would ask you to pray for all prison chaplaincy departments, particularly
The chaplain, Jo, is now leaving to become chaplain at HMP Whatton in Notts. Please pray for the part time chaplain, Brian, who will now have to do the work of 2 people; and pray for the appointment of a new chaplain.
Please pray for us on June 10th; we will be doing a final evangelistic concert there before Jo goes; pray for a good attendance and that inmates will come to know Jesus.
Pray for Tim, the head chaplain in this challenging prison, and Brian on his team who is regularly leading men to Jesus.
These Youth Offenders prisons are the saddest places to visit but at the same time the most hopeful for those who want to change. It’s the oddest feeling talking to these young men with life sentences; they can be the sweetest guys – nice, not your stereo-typical ‘hoodie’, and you ask yourself ‘how did they get into this mess’. Some of them just got involved with the wrong crowd; it could be your son or daughter. I asked one young man how come he knew all the words to the worship songs; it turned out he used to play drums in his church band; another young man used to play guitar and lead worship in his church. Many of these 15-21 year olds have had hard lives already and are familiar with rejection and loss and lack of love/parental care... often more sinned against than sinned.
 Pray for those lads who are trying to make a change for the better- things are so tough for them when they get out. A lot have to go into hostels which can be grim/drug ridden places. The potential for knock backs is huge.
There are so many prisons, so many stories, so many prayer requests – too many to mention here; but please remember prisons and those who work building the Kingdom of God in them.. every prayer is valuable.
Sally and I feel privileged to be ‘ambassadors for Christ’ in prisons. (2 cor 5 v17-21) and really value your prayers.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Pray for forthcoming events we are taking:
- June 7th Morning Service at High Down Prison
- June 10th Evangelistic concert at Coldingley Prison
Pray for the right words to say/songs to sing for each visit, and for us as we talk with inmates
There are many vacancies around the country for head Chaplains; pray that really good people will be found to fill the posts.
Pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for all who minister in prisons; inmates are often open to finding answers and the right words can prove very fruitful.
Pray for inmates who come to know Jesus to become strong disciples and good witnesses; they are Jesus eyes, ears, hands and feet on a daily basis but it’s never an easy place to be a Christian.
Pray for them to keep on walking with Jesus on their release. ‘Outside’ is usually a much harder place to be than inside for someone with a criminal record.
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