Prison Ministry

Freedom Within

May 23, 2012

We finally went to the maximum security prison in Barberton on the 22^nd of May and we delivered personally to the prisoners the Freedom Within books we had. Sara was advised to not go in because she will be the only woman among 1200 men.

After a very special permission, accompanied by the prison chaplain and other pastor we pass through many secured gates until we crossed the patio to a big hall where there were about 50 prisoners attending the meeting that was about to start.

After some announcements and prayers, Carlos spoke to the prisoners, let him say in his own words: “I had many things to tell them but didn’t know what to say, but the minute I got up and was in front of them, the words came out easily and I told them my personal testimony and about the freedom from guilt, bitterness and fear that Jesus Christ brings. They heard attentively and were sucking every word of it. It was a great experience for me too, because I almost felt that they gave more to me than I to them. Many of them receive Jesus afterwards when the pastor guided them in prayer. It was obvious that God was as much present in the prison than outside. Then I distributed the books I had to the Christian leaders amongst the prisoners. After the service we fellowshipped with some of the prisoners and they were very thankful for the visit. We would love to share some pictures with you but we were not allowed to keep any.”

June 14, 2012

We were invited to Youth Correctional Services in Barberton for an event held for the first time inside the prison to celebrate the Youth Day. It was an opportunity for offenders to present their public apology of the crimes they committed and an opportunity for victims of crimes to talk and publicly express their forgiveness. It was a deep outcry from the heart and not just a superficial display of words to please the audience. Something that it was not easy to do. There were also happy moments like dances performed by prisoners and the testimony and singing of a former prisoner (still on parole) that let Jesus transform his life and just produced a CD of gospel songs. He was quite happy and positive in his attitude and songs like Syabonga Jesu (Thank You Jesus) were beautiful and touching!

 We also made a strong connection with a very prominent lady, mother of a young man present that we presume was a prisoner just recently released on parole. We gave them a copy of Freedom Within to each one as well as other selected victims and former prisoners. All in all we could feel the presence of a thankful attitude so difficult to see anywhere else. 

And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stopped. (Numbers 16:4)

April 14, 2013

After almost one year after our first visit to the High Security prison we distributed a total of 190 Freedom Within booklets and about 20 other booklets. Each of this booklet was given personally to interested prisoners. We spent time personally with them and each visit was very intense. Entering the high security prison requires a very special permission attached to a lot of security rules. We have no pictures to document these events. We are making arragements for future regular visits. We appreciate your SUPPORT and PRAYERS for this ministry! THANK YOU SO MUCH.

 We want to thank all of you that contributed with your prayers and with donations for the sponsorship of the books. The door is open for future visits and the chaplain in charge talked about the 3000 prisoners in the area that also need the Word. If you can and feel called to send donations for us to buy more Freedom Within books to distributed to more prisoners please see details of bank account below.

Bank: ABSA
Name: M F Ferreira Rodrigues
Account No. 922 414 9758
Branch Code: 632005, Barberton

Reference: "Your name" & Freedom Within

"Freedom Within" has been a blessing to many prisoners (in OR out of the jail).

Words to strenghten your spirit,
from the One who knows you 
like no one else does.
This book is full of words of comfort and advice
that can see you through all of these problems and more.
Its author is Jesus. Find out just how much He loves you! 
Learn from the Master the secret to success in life and with others.

   If there is one thing that prisoners love to do is READ. They have so much time on their hands, they have to have pastimes to keep their sanity, and one of the most common is reading. So it's a great opportunity to feed them the right spiritual food.

   To receive a free sample in your email inbox of the e-book version of Freedom Within, kindly fill up the form below and click "Sign Up Now", after this you will receive an email in your inbox asking you to "click on the link below" that's just to make sure that your email is correct. 
When you click on that link then you will receive your e-book  in your email. 
Hope this is not too complicated but indeed makes things easier for us.