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Watch this inspirational video from Zimbabwean The Prisoner’s Journey graduates singing and dancing with prison officials and Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe staff in Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Prison Fellowship Costa Rica shared this image of a graduate with his graduation Bible after completing The Prisoner’s Journey.
A graduate of The Prisoner’s Journey shared his testimony during a graduation ceremony facilitated by Prison Fellowship Namibia.
Female participants of The Listener’s Way were recently celebrated at a graduation ceremony hosted by Prison Fellowship Puerto Rico.
In response to a rise in the number of cases of HIV in Rwanda, especially in adolescents, Prison Fellowship Rwanda has proactively partnered with local health organizations to provide education to The Child’s Journey beneficiaries on the causes and prevention of HIV. Caseworkers are also engaging beneficiaries in discussion regarding these topics during their home visits in an effort to ensure the children remain healthy and safe, two of the program’s key result areas.
The Prisoner’s Journey graduations provide excellent opportunity to promote PromisePath. In Burkina Faso, these events bring together prisoners, chaplains, representatives of the various religious denominations (Catholic and Muslim), representatives of the prison administration and other guests – providing a wonderful opportunity to promote PromisePath. Hear from a recent TPJ graduate about his gratitude for the program.
“I am in my fourth year of incarceration and like any parent, I was worried about the schooling of my three daughters. In December 2022, I participated in a TPJ event as a representative of the Muslim community in the large building. At the end of the program, we learned that the Prison Fellowship Burkina Faso has an educational program for children of prisoners. After the event, I met one of the managers to understand more about the program but was pessimistic because I am not a Christian. At the end of our interview, he let me know that Jesus accepts everyone and that my children can benefit from support even if they are Muslim. I am relieved because all my children received school kits and school uniforms and they were also invited to the Christmas party (Angel Tree) where they all received Christmas presents. My wife is also happy because it is the first time in our life that we have received such love from strangers. I still can’t get over it and now I have another image of Jesus.” – Diandé, Prisoner
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Prison Fellowship Argentina recently hosted a graduation ceremony for graduates of The Prisoner’s Journey in Prison Unit 35.
Prison Fellowship Côte d’Ivoire recently held a graduation ceremony for The Prisoner’s Journey.
Prison Fellowship Dominican Republic hosted The Prisoner’s Journey course sessions.
A graduate of The Prisoner’s Journey shared his testimony during a graduation ceremony facilitated by Prison Fellowship Namibia.
This graduate of The Prisoner’s Journey was awarded a certificate of completion from Prison Fellowship Rwanda.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia recently held a graduation ceremony for The Listener’s Way.
Mentoring is an essential part of both The Child’s Journey and PromisePath. Volunteer mentors are recruited from local churches who support the programs. These Christian mentors not only share the Gospel with children and their families but also speak into their lives. They encourage them to stay in school, excel academically and address problems while encouraging and giving them hope. They also provide connection to the local church which serves as another source of support for families.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia mentors share the Gospel through donated Scripture resources during mentoring session.
Each quarter, The Child’s Journey beneficiaries receive a home visit from their Christian caseworker. Home visits are vital to monitoring children and families who are enrolled in the program. During the home visits, caseworkers assess family needs, deliver services and provide much needed support. Home visits ensure the children and families receive all the love, support and care they need.
Caregiver support groups through Prison Fellowship Rwanda are very active. The groups provide much-needed support to the participants by ensuring that caregivers know they are not alone and have support from their peers who are on a similar journey.
Prison Fellowship Benin staff members were hard at work putting together school kits for enrolled children at their Back-to-School event.
Children enrolled in PromisePath through Prison Fellowship Philippines are given the opportunity to join a mentoring group to engage with their peers and learn from local Christian mentors.
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Prison Fellowship Romania held their first graduation for The Prisoner’s Journey!
Prison Fellowship Uruguay recently held a graduation ceremony for The Prisoner’s Journey.
Prison Fellowship Costa Rica recently held a graduation ceremony for The Prisoner’s Journey.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia recently held a graduation ceremony for The Listener’s Way.
Prison Fellowship Uruguay recently held a graduation ceremony for Sycamore Tree Project.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria has increased their reach and have started ministering in Correctional and Custodial Centers in Lagos. They use local church members, like those pictured here from The Apostolic Faith, to minister to prisoners around the country.
Thanks to their Onesimus After-Care Program, Prison Fellowship Eswatini’s supported a prisoner who has been incarcerated for 32 years by donating 30 bags of cement to his parent’s home.
Listen in to a story about someone who was recently released from prison who had attended a Sycamore Tree course through Prison Fellowship Scotland and how the course significantly changed their life.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia not only supports prisoners during their incarceration, but also during their re-entry and reintegration to society. They recently shared images of individuals who have both have successfully reintegrated into their community after a few years. They both have established small businesses and achieved stable incomes to support their families.
The incarceration of parents has a profound effect on their children, something Prison Fellowship Czech Republic has long known thanks to their many years of work with children of imprisoned parents. Now, this has been confirmed by a three-year research study on parenting behind bars, with partners at Masaryk University. The results, along with training and other materials, were shared with social workers to better communicate with children. Learn more.
Prison Fellowship Uruguay got into the Christmas spirit with their Angel Tree program to support children of prisoners!
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Prison Fellowship Uruguay invited prisoners to The Prisoner’s Journey program.
Prison Fellowship Italy is preparing something special! Through the Other Kitchen Project, they make and distribute Christmas Lunches in prisons with the help of star chefs, celebrities and volunteers who come together to create moments of joy and hope.
Prison Fellowship Suriname had a blessed end of the year with the men in the Inrichting Duisburg Penitentiary as they had a day full of spontaneous worship, encouragement and fellowship with delicious food and drinks.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria recently held a registration for children of prisoners to sign up for PromisePath. PFN is currently serving over 500 children in 16 regions across the country. One of their chapter recently held a Back-to-School event for children where they received school kits containing school supplies they need for the new school year.
Prison Fellowship Philippines PromisePath volunteers conduct mentoring sessions with child beneficiaries as representatives from the prison look on and listen intently.
Prison Fellowship Burkina Faso hosted an Angel Tree event for PromisePath beneficiaries where they each received a gift. PFB Executive Director Jean Eudes Ouedraogo smiles with the precious children who received a gift.
Prison Fellowship Liberia hosted an Angel Tree event where children received gift bags.
Children of prisoners in Romania were gifted Christmas presents this year thanks to Prison Fellowship Romania’s Angel Network. Each year, they serve more and more children with a total of over 15,000 children served this year!
Teams from Prison Fellowship Singapore and Singapore Youth for Christ brought children from PFS’ Care Club to Adventure Cove Waterpark! This partnership includes mentoring and tutoring initiatives that add to a child’s holistic well-being.
Locally known as Yayasan Indonesia Bangkit dan Bersinar (Rise and Shine Ministry), Prison Fellowship Indonesia has just chartered and become the newest national ministry in the family! Currently serving 5,000 of the country’s 270,000 prisoners in 20% of the prisons, this organization has also established pathways for prisoners to participate in theological studies and developed church service for ex-offenders and their families. PF Indonesia was interested in joining the family because they want to increase their organizational reputation with government and church partners while drawing from learnings of other NMs.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria held an end-of-year strategic meeting in order to recap what has happened over the past year and plan for the next.
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The Prisoner’s Journey program participants gather to discuss what they have learned about who Jesus is and what He wants for their lives with Prison Fellowship Argentina facilitators.
Baylor University’s study of The Prisoner’s Journey found evidence that the faith-based courses transform prisoners and leads to culture change in prisons. NMs who are running The Prisoner’s Journey, like Prison Fellowship Australia, are leveraging these materials and findings in fundraising collateral and promotional materials like this video and this video. Run TPJ and interested in doing the same? Contact marcom@pfi.org to get study materials.
Collaboration with prison chaplains is essential to national ministry work. Chaplain Aleš Kocián at Světlá nad Sázavou Prison in Czech Republic talks with incarcerated women, not only about spiritual matters, but also about their lives, family or crime. He also leads The Prisoner’s Journey course. Hear his story:
The Prisoner’s Journey graduates proudly display their program graduation certificates, courtesy of Prison Fellowship Malawi.
Prison Fellowship Papua New Guinea celebrated graduates of The Prisoner’s Journey.
The Prisoner’s Journey program graduates in Rwanda pose with their course completion certificates and gifted Bible. The Prison Fellowship Rwanda Program Coordinator said, “A smile on their faces means they are happy about the program and its positive impact on their life.”
The Prisoner’s Journey program graduates in Uganda wait to receive their new Bible in their native language of Swahili.
Prisoners who completed The Listener’s Way course in Cambodia receive their certificates of graduation.
Prisoners in Malawi enrolled in The Listener’s Way watch a Gospel film in their native language of Chichewa.
For the past three months, Prison Fellowship Nigeria has been offering counseling services at a female correctional facility. The celebration for the final day included testimonies of releases and case dismissals with many prisoners rededicating their lives to Christ.
Prison Fellowship Singapore hosted a makeup session for their Women’s Support Group. An experienced makeup artist taught the ladies some basic skills. The women were so excited and joyful for this time of learning!
Prisoners serving life sentences, representatives of the church and prison staff participated in a table tennis tournament. The event was a success as participants demonstrated a high level of training, planned game strategy, and the ability to track balls and calculate shots. A prison administrator took home first place while prisoners won second and third!
Donated Bible and Scripture resources enable children of prisoners to read the Gospel in their own language. Prison Fellowship Cambodia recently shared this video of a child enrolled in The Child’s Journey reading from her newly donated Bible.
When sponsored through The Child’s Journey, children have the opportunity to communicate with their sponsor through letter writing. PF Cambodia shared this sweet video of a child reading a letter from her sponsor.
Through PF Cambodia’s Livelihoods program, families are given the opportunity to share their experiences and best practices in chicken rearing to one another.
Cristian is a child who, for a long time, had poor academic performance. He failed two years in school and his behavior was entirely inappropriate at home and school. His extended family who he lived with no longer wanted him in the house. But, because of his enrollment in TCJ, these issues were discovered and addressed. Prison Fellowship Colombia intervened on Cristian’s behalf and now, he has turned his life around and is doing well. He is very grateful for the program and loves to give back by volunteering, as he knows how much TCJ changed his life.
Part of The Child’s Journey includes two school visits per year for each child. During these visits, caseworkers meet and speak with children about their academic progress, and have the opportunity to speak with teachers and administrators about the program. These connections ensure that school officials will cooperate with NM representatives when they need to gather educational information and help to ensure that school officials will reach out to NMs in the future when children face issues at school. The caseworkers in Malawi below, and across all TCJ program partners, work hard to conduct all school visits.
Prison Fellowship Rwanda has been busy over the past month, from Home Harvest home gardens and child/caregiver trainings to prison visits and mental health awareness events.
This quarter, TCJ NMs worked with strategic partners to provide goods and services to enrolled children. These partners make it possible for NMs to meet some of the families’ very specific needs. Recently, Prison Fellowship Zambia provided families with beds and bedding, which were made possible through a donation from Crossroads Foundation in Hong Kong.
Prison Fellowship Canada attended Celebrate Recovery’s Kelowna Rally to represent Angel Tree and shared about the positive impact the program has on families of prisoners.
Prison Fellowship Singapore shared this letter they collected during last year’s Angel Tree Project. For the past 18 years, these letters have brought the hearts of inmates and their families together in the spirit of Christmas!
For the past three Saturdays, Prison Fellowship Zimbabwe has been conducting Angel Tree events for children enrolled in PromisePath which were attended by 533 children, 233 caregivers and 108 mentors. At each event, children received gifts and scripture resources from Biblica, engaged in mentoring sessions, played games, sang songs and worshipped the Lord.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia hosted friends from Alpha Cambodia to discuss the plan for running the Alpha program inside prisons. They also visited a course session of the program that is already being hosted in one of the correctional centers.
Representatives of the Ankarstiftelsen visited Prison Fellowship Colombia to recognize Michael Per-Olof Allerth for his outstanding work and management. His commitment has been fundamental for the success of the PF Colombia programs.
PF Colombia representatives attended the International Congress on Practices and Restorative Justice, an event that featured national and international speakers. PF Colombia’s shared testimonies of several adolescents who experienced the restorative process through their Juvenile Restorative Justice Program, along with handing out program resources.
Representatives from Prison Fellowship Colombia, Prison Fellowship International, Pepperdine University, the Colombian Senate and the Colombian National Penitentiary and Prison Institute shared about the ongoing research collaboration in Colombia. Missed the event? Find a summary here.
Prison Fellowship Czech Republic hosted their annual concert and event, attended by the government officials, families and children of prisoners, prison directors, prison psychologists and other non-profit organizations. Guests from Prison Fellowship Germany and the Netherlands spoke about prison practices and Executive Director Gabriela Kabátová brought a surprise cake to commemorate the Czech Prison Service’s 30th anniversary.
PF Czech Republic volunteers helped collect food donations to distribute to their beneficiaries who are in financial distress. Thanks to generous individuals, 27 banana boxes of food and goods were collected, along with a range of other non-perishable items.
Ron Nikkel, President Emeritus of Prison Fellowship International, spoke at PF Czech Republic’s APAC International Conference via video broadcast. He said that he sees the current prison system as permanently ineffective, as it only deepens the social alienation of former prisoners from the rest of society. He believes that the APAC method is revolutionary, courageous and has had very positive results. Listen to his full message here.
Members of Prison Fellowship Eswatini, the Chosen Generation Evangelistic Christian Movement and other security officers joined in fellowship at the Annual National Prayer Fellowship. It was a wonderful day of networking and connecting with rehabilitation and security stakeholders.
Sheet Street donated new household materials to PF Eswatini. These items will be used as incentives for good behavior during re-integration and to meet household needs.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria held its 2023 Southwest Zone conference in Ekiti with the theme of “Glory to Glory.”
Prison Fellowship Puerto Rico received a visit from Dorastela Medina, Prison Fellowship International’s Latin America and Caribbean Regional Director.
Prison Fellowship Spain hosted their third annual National Meeting of Volunteers with the theme of “Bringing legal closer to just.”
Doortje Aarts serves as an intern for Prison Fellowship Suriname. An international social work major, she is already fully involved in ministry activities. She is exploring a new area by working with prisoners and their families, but she has embraced the challenge! Doortje said, “I am looking forward to getting acquainted with this work! I myself am not very familiar with guiding prisoners and have never worked in this sector before, so it is going to be very instructive for me!”
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The Prisoner’s Journey participants complete a course session and a graduate receives his certificate of completion in Unidad 16, thanks to Prison Fellowship Uruguay.
Graduates of The Prisoner’s Journey are celebrated with certificates of completion from Prison Fellowship Albania.
This year, The Prisoner’s Journey launched for Prison Fellowship Ukraine. Two courses have already been held and have graduated prisoners. At Drohobych Correctional Colony, 30 prisoners participated in the program. Last month, 21 successful program graduates were celebrated, receiving certificates of course completion and gifts from their mentors. In Korosten Penitentiary #71, 14 graduates received certificates of completion and gifts. The 200 people present at the graduation also witnessed a concert from Gennady Nikutin, a Christian singer.
Prison Fellowship Rwanda completed the first quarter of its ninth program year for The Prisoner’s Journey. Check out these images from the field!
Check out some recent pictures from graduation ceremonies for The Prisoner’s Journey held by Prison Fellowship Brazil.
At Windhoek Correctional Facility, some graduates of The Prisoner’s Journey have formed a band and started writing songs about the course and the gospel of Mark. Click here or the image below to hear their songs.
Prison Fellowship Romania volunteers from The Prisoner’s Journey participated in a training offered by Romeo Popan, the TPJ project coordinator.
Sycamore Tree Project facilitators from Prison Fellowship Uruguay recently held course sessions in Unidad 4 and 5.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia has begun offering vocational training, specifically in tailoring, for female prisoners at Correctional Centre 2.
Partnering with Giving University, PF Cambodia visited prisoners in CC2 and provided them with food and basic needs packs.
Ahead of the International Day of Peace, Prison Fellowship Italy organized a soccer tournament that brought together artists, athletes, prisoners and prison workers at the women’s section of the Roman prison. The event aimed to symbolize global peace through sports and solidarity, involving various sports associations and clubs, with awards for the winning teams and a celebration after the matches.
After release, many former prisoners find it hard to go certain places, like restaurants. They may not have the finances, suitable clothes or confidence to do so. Prison Fellowship Czech Republic’s 2 Fish Club, a program to encourage the well-being and reintegration into society of released offenders, celebrated the end of summer with a well-enjoyed restaurant visit.
Prison Fellowship Ministries (USA) donated Life Recovery Bibles to Mbabane, Big Bend, Matsapha and Mankayane Correctional Facilities in Eswatini for inmates undergoing rehabilitation process. Prison Fellowship Eswatini had the opportunity to share the Word of God in different cell blocks across the prisons.
Recently, National Ministries distributed age-appropriate scripture resources to children and caregivers who participate in The Child’s Journey.
Developed as a new initiative within The Child’s Journey, Home Harvest is a livelihood effort for families of prisoners to establishing gardens that increase access to nutritious food for years to come. Prison Fellowship Zambia planted sack gardens during their recent training. Less than 90 days later, the gardens are flourishing with spinach, kale, garlic, and onions (see image below on right)! Prison Fellowship Rwanda and PF Zambia are currently in the process of selecting and training The Child’s Journey families who will be participating. 150 out of 250 planned families have been enrolled and trained, with 20 already establishing gardens. The remaining families will be trained over the next weeks.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia provides food distribution services to children and families of prisoners in The Child’s Journey!
At Prison Fellowship Burkina Faso’s PromisePath Back-to-School event, children received a backpack filled with school supplies and age-appropriate scripture resources provided by Prison Fellowship International’s strategic partner, Biblica.
Prison Fellowship Singapore prepared Sheng Shiong vouchers, a local supermarket, for families served through Angel Tree.
Introducing the newest member of the Prison Fellowship Czech Republic team, Chuck! Named for Prison Fellowship International’s founder, Charles “Chuck” Colson, this fluffy friend will now be present at their children’s events. With huge wings, Chuck hug and share the love with several children at once! ️
At a recent A Day with a Child event, PF Czech Republic brought together incarcerated fathers with their children for a day of games, music, laughter and joy. One father shared that it was the best day in his six-year sentence, while another was able to see his children again after two years. These events serve as motivation and hope for the families and the convicts for the days to come. Learn more.
The most recent guest at PF Czech Republic’s Dream Academy was video game designer Michal Jirásek. He shared with the girls about how he used to escape into computer games and as his love for them has stayed, he now works as their creator.
Prison Fellowship Burkina Faso launched a new program called The Food Program. Aimed to support women with incarcerated husbands, the program provides small credit for income-generating activities.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia’s Livelihoods program provides families of prisoners with the opportunity to start chicken rearing. Check out this recent picture of a family’s flock of chickens.
Prison Fellowship Trinidad and Tobago has launched Angel Tree for the 19th year. 200 children will be reunited with their parents in prisons across the country during December.
Prison Fellowship Côte d’Ivoire handed out 500 school kits across two cities. These kits will help the children of destitute families in conflict with the law, as well as the children of prisoners, to return to school.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia’s Executive Director, Sabun Ou, served as a visiting expert and conducted a lecture titled “Fostering Collaboration: Private Sector’s Role in Promoting Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Cambodia’s Criminal Justice System” at the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders in Tokyo, Japan.
Prison Fellowship Scotland’s Annual Gathering was a time to gather in fellowship and share the work they have done over the past year. The event was filled with an inspiring speech from Charles Maaz, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Mission, worship and meaningful discussions.
“In Silence, a Light Breeze – The Whisper of Hope” was the theme of the 38th National Convention of the Italian Association for Pastoral Health Care. The event was filled with prestigious speakers over four days, with Prison Fellowship Italy’s Executive Director joining the Inspector General of Italian Prison Chaplains for a session on “Pastoral Care in Prisons.”
Prison Fellowship Singapore hosted Mr. Lee Kok Hwee, Board Chairperson of Prison Fellowship Malaysia, at their office. It was a wonderful time of exchange, with conversations about exploring possible collaboration and mutual support.
Along with seven other southern Middle Eastern countries, Prison Fellowship Lebanon’s Board Chair, Executive Director and Rehabilitation Coordinator visited Italy to learn about therapeutic communities and drug addiction treatment services on Italian soil. The goal was to disseminate the Italian model of recovery from addiction, exchange knowledge and good practices, and promote capacity building. During the meeting, Board Chair Father Marwan Ghanem spoke about the increase in Lebanese drug users due to refugees and the economic crisis.
Prison Fellowship Argentina held a training on the treatment and approach to addictions in the framework of the “The Truth Will Set You Free” program that takes place both inside and outside prisons.
Prison Fellowship Germany has been awarded €5,000 from the VNG Foundation’s 2023 Commitment Prize in the category Climate and Nature. With the prize money, local residents and incarcerated men will plant ~100 m² of bird protection hedge at Lake Hainer and create ~500 m² of flowering meadow. This initiative will provide more habitat and diversity for animals and plants, along with more recreational space for the people in the region. Learn more.
Prison Fellowship Colombia hosted Dr. Sung Joon Jang and Dr. Byron Johnson from Pepperdine University for a training on ethics and human subjects in the survey process. This training is for the upcoming study to measure the transformative effects on a range of PF Colombia programs. Learn more about the partnership.
Prison Fellowship England and Wales’ CEO, Peter Holloway, recently spoke with Amy Follett at TWR UK about the daily struggles of people in prison and how PF E&W supports them in light of staff shortages. Click here or on the image below to listen in!
Prison Fellowship Czech Republic, in partnership with the Czech Prison System and Czech Ministry of Justice, organized an international conference in Prague focusing on the APAC methodology. Originated in Brazil, this methodology is based on the principles of restorative justice and Christianity. Now, it is spreading to other countries and Prison Fellowship International representatives from Europe will share their experience at the conference. Watch day one and day two if you missed it!
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Prison Fellowship Eswatini (PFE) volunteers visited both the Criminal Asylum and Vulamasango Boys Hostel to share the Gospel with the prisoners at both locations.
PFE staff toured His Majesty’s Correctional Service’s stand at this year’s Eswatini international Trade Fair. Notably, the Rehabilitation and Developmental Section mentioned their fruitful partnership with PFE in their brochure.
PFE’s local partner, Sheet Street Stores, donated bed covers and pillow cases to provide to inmates in need or recently released inmates. PFE also receives generous donations from Mr. Price Stores. Both of these partnerships help curb recidivism and improve the welfare of those reintegrating into society by acting as a support system to their rehabilitation process.
Prison Fellowship Malawi’s Halfway House program held a workshop titled Voice and Agency Building Among Inadequately Served Populations Through Identification of Advocacy Champions to equip individuals with program knowledge and empower them to be advocacy champions. Workshop participants included government representatives, members of civil society organizations, church representatives, community members, PFM staff, HWH graduates and Malawi prison service staff.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria recently celebrated The Prisoner’s Journey graduates at Mandala Correctional Facility and Jos Correctional Center.
Prison Fellowship Rwanda (PFR) received a donation of 24 laptops thanks to DOT Rwanda and GIZ Rwanda that will empower digital career counselors helping refugees in camps across the country to access jobs, scholarships and vital civil documents.
PFR ensures children enrolled in The Child’s Journey are safe and cared for by conducting home visits. Recently, they distributed shoes to the children through these visits.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia (PFC) shared a video of a child enrolled in The Child’s Journey reciting a Bible verse from John.
The Cambodia Prisons Alliance, including PFC, the Cambodian Office of Vocational and Career Training and Cambodian Office of Reformed Education and Rehabilitation met to discuss project implementation updates, achievements, challenges and future enhancements.
Prison Fellowship Nepal (PFN) distributed school bags and other goods at a recent event organized through its kinship care program designed to ensure safety and roots in family and community for children of prisoners, Child’s Hope.
As part of its prison library upgrade initiative, PFN is upgrading Bardiya Prison’s library by providing 300 additional books. Having already established libraries in all 75 Nepalese prisons, including Bardiya in 2006, they are now working to upgrade each library.
PFN celebrated its 35th anniversary!
Prison Fellowship Papua New Guinea held a facilitator training for The Prisoner’s Journey at a local church.
Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) hosted a gala dinner to commemorate its 70th anniversary with ministry pioneers, volunteers, partners, supporters and former staff members. Guests were treated to an exhibition that traced the history of national prison ministry, good food, a special commemorative video, the launch of a commemorative book titled ‘Forgiven not Forsaken’ penned by PFS’ immediate past chairman and a cake cutting ceremony. Female prisoners made leather cardholders as door gifts for all guests.
Prison Fellowship Sri Lanka organized a prisoner art competition at Colombo Public Library in partnership with the Sri Lankan Prison Department and Prisoners Welfare Department. Many individuals came to view and purchase paintings from the exhibit.
PFSL held a cricket tournament at Welikada Prison for prison officers and police judiciary in Colombo, Borella and Demadagoda. This event provided an opportunity to build meaningful contacts with prison officials for future connections.
Prison Fellowship Albania was able to provide 370 children with new back packs and school supplies for the upcoming school year through the Secured Childhood program.
Thanks to Prison Fellowship Czech Republic’s (PFCZ) Day With a Child project, 24 children across 12 families were able to see their fathers incarcerated at Belušice Prison. The families experienced a precious day full of playing, creating, competing, eating and having private moments with their fathers. One mother shared that she cried through the day as she admired the beauty of seeing her family reunited. Through this program, family bonds are strengthened and prisoners are motivated to return to their family.
PFCZ is bringing prisoners a different perspective on their lives and an opportunity to reflect and understand what they have done wrong in it through The Prisoner’s Journey. Gabriela Kabátová, PFCZ Executive Director and Founder, shares about this program in a new video.
Prison Fellowship England & Wales’ Communications Officer is running the London 10K race and he is committed to running an additional 1K for every £10 he raises! Check out his progress here.
Prison Fellowship Israel celebrated its 41-year anniversary! Here’s to many more years of ministry.
Listen in to this short song performed by Kornelia Nel Kijak shared by Prison Fellowship Poland. This short film is about former prisoner Paweł Cwynar’s relationship with the artist, as she played an extremely important role in his life after leaving the prison walls.
Prison Fellowship Romania received a new shipment from Barnmissionen, one of its long-lasting partners dedicated to serving people in vulnerable communities.
Each month, Prison Fellowship Ukraine (PFU) leads prayers and a Bible reading for the State Criminal Enforcement Service (DKVS). This month, attendees included the priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and DKVS workers. After reading from the Gospel of Luke, and praying for the country and the punishment system, the group enjoyed morning coffee and fellowship.
Prison Fellowship Colombia (PFC) held a training and psychosocial care session focused on providing emotional and psychosocial support to the family. This was done through training in psychological first aid for guardians, individual psychosocial care for children and adolescents, and personalized, need-based guidance for guardians.
In partnership with Hope61 and OneMission, PFC participated in a human trafficking prevention workshop with church leaders, Prison Fellowship staff and the general public. The event increased awareness and collaboration to combat human trafficking, sexual exploitation, organ trafficking, labor exploitation and recruitment of child activists. Read more here.
Prison Fellowship Paraguay held a course leader training for The Prisoner’s Journey program at Cereso and Emboscada Vieja prisons. These trainings were conducted for both external volunteers and internal volunteers (incarcerated individuals who already graduated from the course).
Prison Fellowship Uruguay shared pictures of course sessions and graduations for The Prisoner’s Journey and Sycamore Tree Project.
Prison Fellowship Lebanon has started a Drawing Art Academy every Saturday before noon for children of all ages. Take a look at some of the beautiful drawings and paintings they have produced.
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With international missionary Mike Morley from Home Leone, Prison Fellowship Sierra Leone visited male and female inmates in correctional facilities in Freetown and Bo to distribute clothing and reading materials for the prisoners and their children. They also met with numerous correctional chaplains to maintain a positive relationship with the prison system. During these visits, the Word of God is shared with both officers and inmates.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria and The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival recently hosted a ceremony to honor The Prisoner’s Journey graduates at Ikoyi Correctional Facility.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN) inaugurated a new chapter in Anambra State, fostering collaboration between PFN, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) and Nigerian Parole Board. The Command Controller of Corrections praised PFN’s continued partnership, expecting enhancements to collaboration between ministries in local custodial centers. The Parole Board Chair emphasized the effectiveness of community corrections and restorative justice as a tool of NCS’ key pillars: reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration. PFN’s Executive Director remarked that no single denomination can offer all support, so synergy of all faith-based organizations is imperative. The meeting included a Q&A session, a unanimous deciding vote, presentation of chapter interim leaders and prayers for the new chapter.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria’s Niger State Chapter held a summer camp for children of prisoners enrolled in PromisePath. This year’s theme was “Precious to God.”
Prison Fellowship Cambodia’s Livelihoods program supports families of prisoners to raise chickens in order to focus on income generation. Watch this video to see a program participant demonstrate how to make chicken or poultry feed.
The Child’s Journey program provides care and opportunities for children of prisoners to equip them to live a life of full potential. This includes providing medical support, safe shelter, education and nutritious food. Check out the food stock that Prison Fellowship Cambodia is ready to deliver to program participants!
125 male prisoners in the Pasay City Jail, Philippines were recently recognized for their graduation from The Prisoner’s Journey program. Lead by Pasay City Jail wardens and Prison Fellowship Philippines, graduates received certificates of recognition, packaged meals and bowls of champorado, a sweet chocolate rice porridge, at the event.
Prison Fellowship Sri Lanka recently held a pre-prison program in Chenkalady.
Staff and beneficiaries of Prison Fellowship Singapore’s (PFS) Women Support Group, a female-only fellowship providing a safe space for ex-offenders to make connections and establish friendships, attended a volunteer-led make-up session. PFS programs equip ex-offenders with practical skills in order to add value to their lives and contribute to their wholistic well-being.
Prison Fellowship Scotland recently released their summer newsletter! Check out the latest edition for prayer requests from around Europe and Central Asia, to learn how PFS measures success and see the impact they have had on children of prisoners recently.
A recent article highlighted the alarming recent report from the Czech Helsinki Committee about the lack of accessibility to basic hygienic supplies (toilet paper, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, etc.) in Czech prisons due to financial difficulties. To combat this issue, Prison Fellowship Czech Republic launched a fundraiser to purchase these supplies to ensure that basic hygiene is a right, not a luxury, for prisoners.
Prison Fellowship Czech Republic’s Angel Camp was recently visited by CNN Prima’s New Day program to share a live broadcast from the camp. The journalist jumped right into the morning warm-up with the children! Watch the segment at the 21 minute-mark here.
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The second week of Prison Fellowship Ukraine’s children’s camp organized took place in the Dmitrivka, Kyiv region. 39 children were able to rest, turn away from the horrors of war and learn Christian principles of life. Packed with games, quests, food and stories about biblical heroes. the camp had an atmosphere that was so friendly that the children did not want to say goodbye.
Hosted by Prison Fellowship Italy, 14 prisoners at Lanusei Prison were celebrated with applause and excitement for their graduation from The Prisoner’s Journey program, marking their desire to continue toward a new life of change and hope!
Congratulations, Prison Fellowship Perú, for celebrating 40 years of ministry! Their unwavering dedication has brought hope and transformation to countless lives of prisoners and their families. Here’s to 40 more years of restoring lives and breaking the cycle of crime!
APAC Passo Fundo was visited by the Secretary of Criminal and Socio Education Systems and the Secretary of Justice, Citizenship and Human Rights. The committee of secretaries, along with other criminal justice councilors and leaders, were received with lunch and music by the APAC’s director, volunteers and prisoners. This productive meeting enabled the secretaries to get acquainted with the APAC modules already built and future expectations with expansion.
Prison Fellowship Brazil participated in an online meeting with students from the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP) in in Pennsylvania, USA. IIRP is the world’s premier postgraduate school specializing in the study of restorative practices, providing education, research and consulting services. This is the third year in a row that PFB has been invited to speak to students about the experience of APACs as a restorative justice program.
Prison Fellowship Germany Executive Director, Tobias Merckle, recently visited Prison Fellowship Colombia to strengthens the ties between the two nations and prison ministries. During his stay, Tobias participated in various program activities and shared his experience, knowledge and perspectives to enrich our practices, impact and collaboration.
As a program partner for The Prisoner’s Journey, Sycamore Tree Project and Prison Project Philip, Prison Fellowship Uruguay is always busy with course sessions and graduations. Check out some of the recent pictures from their many program activities and efforts!
Praxis Center of Costa Rica supports Prison Fellowship Costa Rica through student internships to build transformative alliances for a relationship of empowerment and mutual exchange of gifts. Students from the Center recently painted a mural at PFCR’s APAC Center for Restorative Justice and Social Inclusion in San Rafael de Alajuela. Learn more.
So far this year, Prison Fellowship Canada volunteers have received over 1,000 phone calls from 59 participating institutions through PFC by Phone. This program started during the pandemic as a way of offering support when in-prison programs weren’t possible. Despite their in-prison ministry running again, PFC by Phone continues to be an amazing way of connecting with prisoners for conversation, spiritual friendship, and prayer.
Emily Colson, daughter of Prison Fellowship International founder Chuck Colson, recently shared her father’s testimony as this year marks 50 years since he came to Christ. Read the powerful story below.
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Prison Fellowship Rwanda, in partnership with Interpeace and other governmental organizations, have led more than 800 community members through dialogues on events related to the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, with the goal of establishing the truth, promoting mutual healing, rebuilding trust, and where possible, seeking and granting forgiveness.
Read more here or watch one victim’s testimony above.
Prison Fellowship Nigeria recently held a graduation ceremony for Sycamore Tree Project® participants. Graduates were prisoners from the Maximum and Female Correctional facilities, both in Kirikiri. The event included graduates reading apology letters, testimonies and letters of covenants. Prison Fellowship Nigeria Lagos Chapter chairman, Chaplain Michael Adeyemo, shared at the ceremony, “This is always a program where some of the inmates do take responsibility for the actions that brought them to prison and make a vow with their creator, Almighty God, not to go back to crime if they were released from the prison.”
Thanks to donations Prison Fellowship Malta received, they were able to provide prisoners at Nanyuki Prison in Kenya with soap and other toiletries. With the growing number of prisoners in Kenya, overcoming challenges of cleanliness and finding volunteers and donors to support them are increasingly critical.
Prison Fellowship Malawi hosted children enrolled in The Child’s Journey® program to celebrate the annual TCJ Children’s Day. 125 children from around the country interacted with staff, mentors, caregivers and other children. This year’s theme was “Let the Little Children Come to Me (Matthew 19:24).”
Prison Fellowship Nepal volunteers distributed certificates of completion to inmates who participated in and completed The Listener’s Way program from Female Prison Kathmandu.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia helps families of prisoners begin raising chicken in their communities in order to generate extra income so they can support their families and send their children to school. One beneficiary, Mrs. Mey, said, “I received chicken rearing training and starter kits from [the] Livelihood Project of Prison Fellowship Cambodia. I got a very good results after a few months of raising chicken.”
Prison Fellowship Philippines has resumed its discussions and sessions of The Prisoner’s Journey® program! 24 college-educated prisoners participated in facilitator training … These trained, internal facilitators now serve as guides for their colleagues using the knowledge they have gained from the past courses. The training also aims to teach prisoners resiliency and mold them into better and changed individuals.
In June, the first week of children’s summer camp was held in the Kyiv region thanks to Prison Fellowship Ukraine. About 70 children from the local community had the opportunity to have a free vacation, attend Bible lessons, play fun games, learn through a variety of classes and enjoy delicious lunches and treats.
Between hugs, games and music, Prison Fellowship Italy‘s Parents Inside Out project brought together joyful families to spend time together, something once unimaginable inside a prison facility. Through this effort, many fathers gained awareness of their parental role, igniting the desire in their hearts to become better men and better parents.
Did you know that by being active, you can contribute to Prison Fellowship Czech Republic’s Angel Camp? Through a mobile app, movement recorded while completing a run, bike ride, walk or other activities will award users points. Then, points can be assigned to a specific project, which the ČEZ Foundation will financially support.
Prison Fellowship Spain volunteers and team members met in San Bartolomé de Murcia for a dynamic training presentation about getting involved in a conscious and reasonable way while avoiding emotional exhaustion that prevents work being carried out in an optimal way. While there, they also handed out thank you cards to each of the prisoner participants.
Prison Fellowship International, Prison Fellowship Colombia, Pepperdine University and the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute of Colombia recently partnered to conduct a study on the effectiveness of faith-based, prison programs evaluate their effectiveness in changing prisoner attitudes, beliefs and behavior. The longitudinal study will follow participants in 12 Prison Fellowship programs throughout eight prisons for five years or more. Initial participant cohorts will launch in October 2023 with thousands of prisoners and their families being studied over the course of the evaluation.
Read more here.
Prison Fellowship Mexico recently held a volunteer breakfast in Mexico City where they heard testimonies from several volunteers and from Xime, a first-generation APAC student. Volunteers were joined by representatives from REACH, an international humanitarian organization with whom Prison Fellowship Colombia is looking to partner with.
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Prison Fellowship Nigeria Executive Director Benson N Iwuagwu recently appeared on the Healing Justice Radio Show on Eko FM. He was joined by two coordinators from the Lagos State Restorative Justice Centre. Watch the full interview here.
Prison Fellowship Malawi celebrated The Day of The African Child on June 16, displaying the activities and services it provides through The Child’s Journey program. The theme of this year’s celebration was The Rights of The Child in The Digital Environment.
Much Needed Supplies for Guinean Prisoners
Prison Fellowship Guinea purchased and distributed fans and medicine to prisoners across the country.
Prison Fellowship Thailand’s Executive Director, Rev Dr. Yupho Mathusonsawan, recently met with Prison Fellowship International’s CEO and regional staff for an introduction team after their recent chartering.
Through faithful work, Prison Fellowship Nepal has established libraries in all 75 prisons around the country. Now, they are updating and upgrading the libraries to continue transforming and repairing the lives of prisoners.
Prison Fellowship Cambodia provides training and breeding of poultry to the families of prisoners through chicken rearing training and starter kits. These services allow for income generation for the families of prisoners so that they can stay at home to nurse and protect the children for their wellbeing.
Prison Fellowship Romania received a visit from one of their partners, Seehaus eV (Prison Fellowship Germany). Together, they visited the outer section of the Gherla penitentiary in Cluj-Napoca.
Television Discussion about Czech Prison Work
Prison Fellowship Czech Republic Executive Director Gabriela Kabátová, along with Simon Michailidis, Czech Republic Prison Service Director General, and Petr Novák, psychologist at Jiřice prison, were recently guests Round Table, a TV Noe discussion show. They spoke about how to work with prisoners, what role it plays in the life of convicted faith or guilt awareness, and families and children of prisoners. Watch the recording here.
Morning Meditation for Ukrainian Employees
Lead by Prison Fellowship Ukraine Executive Director Vyacheslav Kogut, State Criminal Enforcement Service employees started the day with coffee, goodies and spiritual communication. The nearly 30 attendees read the Gospel of Luke, shared their thoughts, and prayed for Ukraine’s victory and prosperity, along with the wounded and missing military. This will be a new monthly tradition!
In partnership with PUSH, Prison Fellowship Suriname trained a group on the basics of prison care with the hopes of building a movement of highly passionate workers. During this workshop, tools were provided to perform careful and correct work inside and outside prisons with more advanced training to come!
The Minister of the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court, Carmen Lucia, visited male and female APACs in Itaúna, along with the Prison Fellowship Brazil headquarters. The aim of the visit was to better understand the APAC Method and the facilities of the CRS – Social Reintegration Centers. Read the full story.
Prison Fellowship Argentina has begun conducting The Prisoner’s Journey program and shared photos of course sessions in Unit 35 of Magdalene Prison in Buenos Aires. They are working and training to break the cycle of crime through the love of Jesus.