Did you know, we’re now working in 11 prisons across the UK, giving us the chance to tell over 8,800 men, women and young people about Jesus?
Each week, our Message in Prisons team lead Bible studies, Peacemaker courses, Alpha and chapel services, whilst also building relationships and supporting those they work with. We caught up with Emma to hear about what God’s been doing in prisons in South Wales.
‘Three weeks ago, I was chatting with Elis who told me that he felt completely hopeless and was considering ending his life. It was obvious that he’d hit rock bottom. As we talked, I got to share with him about the hope and peace Jesus offers, and that despite how he felt he wasn’t alone. He then let me pray with him.
‘When I saw him next, he was a totally different person. I asked what had changed and he said that since he’d heard about Jesus, he’d started praying and reading his Bible! He shared that he’d found a new joy and was more peaceful than he’d been in a long time. It was amazing to see.
‘Another day I was running a Christianity Explored session on forgiveness. One of the guys there was Marc. I could tell he was taking in everything I shared. At the end, he came up to me and asked, ‘Emma, what happens if I do something wrong, ask God to forgive me, and then do something else wrong? Will God forgive me again?’
‘These great questions opened up a chat about God’s grace and what Jesus did for us on the cross. I got to explain that we can be forgiven over and over again for the mistakes we make. Marc was completely amazed. His face totally lit up and he exclaimed, ‘It’s like a weight has been removed from my shoulders!’
‘It’s such a joy for me to journey with people as they discover how loved they are by Jesus and the hope he offers. I can’t wait to see what God’s going to do next.’
Find out more about our prisons work at message.org.uk/prisons
