Once ranked the most dangerous city in the world, Medellin is home to cocaine cartels, armed gangs and guerrilla groups. It’s into dysfunctional cities like this that Prison Fellowship Colombia (PFC) ministers.
With young, energetic staff and volunteers, PFC (part of Prison Fellowship International) engages in a broad range of prisoner outreach programmes including truth and reconciliation initiatives, support for prisoners’ families and restorative justice for victims. But crucially, it recognises that prisoners’ spiritual needs are paramount.
Rebranded as The Prisoner’s Journey, the familiar and successful Christianity Explored (CE ) material has been skilfully adapted for use within the prison context.
Notorious jail
My visit coincided with a graduation ceremony for a group of prisoners who had completed CE in Medellin’s Bellavista Prison – a notorious jail with a history of extreme violence and homicide amongst prisoners.
For many inmates incarcerated in this bewil-deringly overcrowded and run-down facility, the love shown by PFC’s teams is the first they’ve ever encountered. Thus an invitation to meet Jesus of Nazareth – a prisoner himself – is one that many enthusiastically accept.
On graduation day the prison chapel was full to overflowing. 130 graduates were joined by friends, CE group leaders and senior prison officials. Onlookers squeezed themselves onto stairs and window ledges whilst curious faces peered in through the windows. Speeches, prayers and fervent praise were followed by the presentation of a Bible and a certificate to each graduating prisoner. Hugs, photographs and requests by the prisoners for the team’s autographs followed.
For one brief but joyful hour the prison had been transformed into a church. But what of the long-term legacy? Born-again prisoners now are eagerly inviting other CE inmates to attend the courses. Discipleship is happening. Relationships with family members are being restored. More than that, the atmosphere in the prison is being transformed.
