Monday, June 09, 2008

”I am a thief”- the challenge of bringing identity to those in prison.

"Write down on the piece of paper we are giving you your strengths and your weaknesses". These were the instructions Fabiano, in his broad Brazilian accent, gave to the 20 some inmates of the youth prison. Imagine his shock when the vast majority, with a mixture of bravado, embarrassement, and bewilderment, showed that they don't know how to read and write. The majority of these boys are not street kids, but kids from different spheres of society. Those who express themselves with clarity need Fabiano's help to write. One of them says of his strengths: "killing", and of his weaknesses: "I steal". Another one says: "I am a thief". There were two thieves crucified with Christ- one a thief, the other hanged for stealing. Both died that day, one however, was saved.

The team in the prison prays and seeks God to know how we can expand this ministry to help the inmates discover their God-given purpose, and to be able to accompany them when they are released. We desparately need workers- it is a mammoth task!

Pray for strength and clarity for the prison team.
Pray that God would raise up more workers.

No comments: