Regional representative for Prison Fellowship International Aklilu Tadesse says that his organization is taking an holistic approach to prison ministry, affecting not only those behind bars, but also those outside of the walls.{{more}}

Tadesse, speaking at a press conference held by the local prison Fellowship organisation, said that their mission is to help not only the prisoners, but also family members, the victims, prison officers, the neighbourhood and the community as well.

“Our ministry includes programs like evangelism, compassionate service, justice reforms, and Angel Tree, which caters to the children of the inmates who suffer not because of their crimes, but because of the crimes that their mothers and fathers have committed.”

“We have a special program known as Sycamore Tree Project, rooted in the Bible from Luke 19, where Jesus Christ visits Zacchaeus and asks him to make amends.”

The Washington, U.S based representative, indicated that Prison Fellowship, although it is interdenominational in character, it is not one church, but it is a whole body of Christ that should unite on the side of government to address the social needs of current and past prisoners in an effort to help them to come to terms with themselves, accept the responsibility for what they have done and make a commitment not to go back.

He said that reconciliation is at the centre of what is done in Prison Fellowship, and a huge challenge to changed prisoners is re-entry into society.

“Once these Prisoners have been reformed, there is nobody to help them to integrate back into the family and community as citizens. We would like to bring all the church and community together to effectively work side by side through the government to give these people a second chance, to get involved and become productive citizens.

“We will have communities of restoration and projects that promote transformation, reconciliation restoration of people that are hurt through crime and imprisonment.”

Prison Fellowship international, to which the local organization is hoping to be chartered in June, is found in 120 countries, including 13 in the region.

It is also affiliated to the United Nations, CARICOM, the Association of Heads of Corrections and Prison Services, along with a number of other regional and international bodies.(JJ)