In collaboration with the DGKI (Indonesian Council of Churches), the theological college in Medan, Indonesia offer their students the opportunity to be involved in a prison ministry. Sekolah Tinggi Teologi (STT) Abdi Sabda Seminary students are invited in their third and fourth year of study to undertake this ministry in two prisons. Nineteen students are […]

In collaboration with the DGKI (Indonesian Council of Churches), the theological college in Medan, Indonesia offer their students the opportunity to be involved in a prison ministry. Sekolah Tinggi Teologi (STT) Abdi Sabda Seminary students are invited in their third and fourth year of study to undertake this ministry in two prisons. Nineteen students are members of the current prison ministry team.

We prepare for the prison ministry by fasting together for one day per month and spend time sharing what we have learnt and experienced in the prison with local congregations, to invite them to pray for those living in prison and for their families. Before each visit, we prepare snacks, drinks, bibles, reading and writing books, toiletries, soap, and clothing to give to the inmates. If there is a birthday among the prisoners or students, a birthday cake is included. LCA International Mission supports the funding for these supplies. We also care for those people who do not have a home to live in or regular nourishing food to eat. We provide a meal for these people and in doing so, share the love of Jesus with them.

On the first Thursday of each month, the team visits LPK Anak Tanjung Gusta, a children’s prison for young men. On two Saturdays per month, we visit Rutan Tanjung Gusta, a prison holding 1,000 adult men. On those days from 9am until 11am, we spend time singing, praying, and sharing the Bible with those who are often marginalised because they have committed acts which have violated the law- murderers, rapists, drug dealers, thieves.

While the prisoners are contained by the barb wired walls, they are also bound by their sins, those they have caused and endured. Through the Holy Spirit’s presence among the regular visits and prayers from our team, prisoners are offered a safe space where they experience the unfathomable forgiveness and mercy given by their loving Heavenly Father, repent, and are being released from the chains of their past mistakes.

Most prisoners do not end up in prison because everything has gone well for them. What most surprises a lot of the team about the prisoners, therefore, is their joy and enthusiasm in worship. One student is involved in the prison ministry because his brother was a prisoner. Although the brother had been taught about Jesus since childhood, his experience from worship in prison led him to a closer relationship with the One who healed his brokenness and shame.

Because the consequences of their sins are so significant, the prisoner’s transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit is powerfully evident. Through this ministry, the prisoners learn and relearn the importance of recognising that God has the power to provide them with all they need to live lives of love in the present and the future.

We are mindful of the very real pain which these prisoners have caused in the lives of their victims and all who love them, and we do not dismiss or ignore this. But we also know that the sorrow we have caused in the lives of others varies only by degree. And we have learnt that no one’s value can be calculated just by the sum total of their worst moments. Through this ministry, we are reminded that even those who may have lives full of the most bafflingly painful moments, through God’s goodness, those same people can also have lives which are breathtakingly hope-filled.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Indonesia at www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/indonesia/