Two passages come to mind when thinking about our work in jails in the Philippines.
The first comes from the second chapter of Mark. “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)
Jesus in this passage notes “their” faith. Jesus responds to the man's friends' faith. They did what they could to get their friend the help he needed. This is advocacy. Doing what you can to get your friend the care they need.
This was likely not the first time these friends tried to get the necessary help for the man. I’m sure they visited him, talked to him, and kept him company in his time of need. It was probably those very times that deepened their relationship. When the opportunity arose to get help from Jesus, his friends did whatever it took to get him the help he deserved.
Every week, Rina and her team of Tahanan volunteers and G.O.D. personnel deliver a fresh, nutritious meal to one entire ward of prisoners. The team makes the meal themselves.
Rina and Clark Miller, G.O.D. South East Asia cooperatives, have been those faith-filled friends. They show up every week. They teach the Bible, share meals, educate. They don't only spend time with those in prison; they visit their families and go to their trials. They provide a good meal every week. They hold health seminars, social experiences and games, even a spa day. They transform prison into a place people can live. Many prisoners have remarked that when Rina and her team show up, they forget they are in prison.
Many of those released from prison make their first stop at Tahanan Community Center, to see Rina. They continue to frequent Tahanan, attending Bible studies and enjoying meals together. They even volunteer to help minister to those still in jail. These visits display the kind of faith Jesus responds too, just like he did with the paralyzed man (Mk. 2). Their faith makes the way for forgiveness and restoration for those in jail. They're helping them get up and walk again.
The second passage reads: “Remember my chains.” (Colossians 4:18b)
Our ministry at Tacloban City Jail began in the women’s ward. Based on its success, they invited us to visit the male quarters as well. Clark Miller now heads up weekly ministry to mail inmates.
This is the sign off that Paul the Apostle writes in his letter to the Colossian community. It is a call to remember where he is, his plight, and what brought him there (nothing worthy of imprisonment). Remembering someone’s chains brings a proper perspective to those who don’t have chains. Rina and Clark Miller refuse to forget people they love who are in chains. They do not just do this work, they do it consistently, never forgetting. The prison warden, the guards and the inmates recognize the specialness of their care. When our team says we will come back, they know we will.
Acting in faith on behalf of a friend and remembering those in chains. These practices have resulted in hundreds of inmates being lifted up. They have been able to learn about a God who can help them overcome and see beyond their circumstances. On a weekly basis, worship songs and laughter can be heard coming from the women’s ward. The environment is so full of life, visitors say it doesn't feel like prison.
Ate Tess is one woman who was released at the beginning of this year. She was so touched by our care that she now continues ministering to prisoners on a neighboring island.
Tess can relate to their situation. But she has also been empowered to know how to care for them, because of the example she saw in us. She was so proud to tell us that she feels lifted up to help inmates, knowing the plight they deal with. She is experiencing a life filled by meaning and purpose connected to our work in the jail.
Please join us in not just reading these Bible passages, but living them out. Be a friend to those who don't have any, or at least any with the power to do anything for them. Remember those in chains. It will change you for the better.
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