Ministry News Roundup – January 2023
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Africa
Children Reunited with Parents After Lengthy COVID Restrictions
For the first time since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions locked down access to prisons across the world, Prison Fellowship Rwanda (PFR) was finally able to bring children enrolled in The Child’s Journey (TCJ) program to visit their incarcerated parent.
PFR shared: “When a father sees his 14-year-old for the first time or when a daughter jumps in the hands of her father after seven years, then you know why prison visits are one of the highest impact areas within TCJ.”
Providing Opportunities for Released Prisoners to Thrive in Trade
Prison Fellowship Malawi (PFM) graduated 52 residents from their six-month vocational skills training. The residents have been serving their remaining six months sentence at PFM’s Halfway House while being trained in carpentry, joinery, welding, electrical installation and tailoring. Each student received start-up tools and capital for their trade.
The graduates were encouraged to use their newly obtained skills as a source of income after their release and reintegration. Government officials, civil society organization leaders, religious leaders, community leaders and the media were all present for the occasion.
Asia Pacific
Bringing the Hope of God to Prisoners During Christmas Celebration
Prison Fellowship Malaysia (PFM) donated fruit, pastries, water and hygiene products to Miri Central Prison. These gifts were distributed to prisoners during the celebration on Christmas day. Mr. Loh Lin Kwong, Chairman of Prison Fellowship Malaysia – Miri Division presented the gifts to Mr. Muhammad Khalid Bin Muhammad, Deputy Director of Miri Central Prison.
Ministry Recognized by Government Agency for Fair and Progressive Employer Practices
Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) was recognized by Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices as a progressive employer in five areas: work-life harmony, unpaid caregiving leave, grievance handling, flexible work arrangements and age-friendly workplaces. Learn more about the Tripartite Standard adopted by PFS to be a fair and progressive employer.
Europe and Central Asia
Angel Tree® and Christmas Blessings Return to Children of Prisoners
After a seven-year pause, Prison Fellowship Kazakhstan revived its Angel Tree® program this Christmas! God has begun to open doors for the children of prisoners in this country thanks to the big hearts and efforts from the PFKZ team.
Magical, Musical Trip for Daughters of Prisoners helps Realize Dreams
Prison Fellowship Czech Republic (PFCZ) knows that children with incarcerated parents often lack familial motivation, money to support their interests and perspective when choosing their occupation. Through Dream Academy, children of prisoners visit professionals from various fields to learn about their life stories, obstacles and complications, providing the courage to gain self-confidence, worth and acceptance.
Recently, girls from Dream Academy visited musician and producer Tereza Mat Matjková’s recording studio, allowing them to learn more about her life and career path. Many of the girls joined in the musical fun! Listen to the song that Tereza wrote for PFCZ’s Angel Camp.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Christmas Celebrations Across the Region
Prison Fellowship Peru brought gifts and treats to the women incarcerated at Santa Monica Penitentiary. The children and their mothers also enjoyed a singing performance by some of the prisoners.
Smiles were brought to the faces of many children of prisoners through Prison Fellowship Colombia’s Angel Tree® Christmas event that included sharing gifts and doing creative activities with the children.
The families of prisoners celebrated Christmas through numerous Angel Tree® celebrations held by Prison Fellowship Brazil that included delicious food, a visit from Santa, fun games (and a bouncy house!), photo opportunities and plays depicting Bible stories.
From Beneficiary to Facilitator: Firsthand Account of Sycamore Tree Project: Justice and Peace®: Justice and Peace Impact
Click here or the image above to watch the powerful video of Prison Fellowship Colombia’s Sycamore Tree Project: Justice and Peace®: Justice and Peace program facilitator Diana Giraldo’s testimony about the impact of the program on her life.
Middle East and North Africa
Christmas Service Unites Christian Denominations in Egypt
PF Egypt hosted a service to celebrate Christmas, inviting leaders from all Christian denominations present in Egypt, home to the largest Christian population in the region. Historically, this service has also been a TPJ graduation, providing a bigger audience to celebrate the graduating prisoners. With infrequent communication across denominations in Egypt, this celebration serves as a bridge builder for prisoners and the entire community across the varied Christian traditions.