God orchestrates divine appointments in our lives. The endpoint? To display His endless love and glory.
San Fernando Christian Community is blessed to be connected to links which open doors of opportunity for sharing His love. One such opportunity is the Jail Missions every Monday. Willing and enthusiastic volunteers gather at the center to prepare and pray before embarking on the mission.
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| Everything begins with a prayer. Willing volunteers pray before embarking on the jail mission. |
There are various activities such as ice breakers (which the inmates absolutely love), worship, film viewing, breakout sessions, group discussions, prayer, and free merienda during fellowship.
The usual human response in punishing a wrongdoer is to eliminate him from society by isolating them. This is to prevent them from causing more harm to others. As believers and followers of Christ, we are challenged to operate on the gospel of grace and offer the Good News to all sinners—that there is forgiveness, acceptance instead of condemnation, and restoration. Jesus said, “I was in prison and you visited me.” To which his hearers responded, “When was it that we saw you in prison and visited you?” And Jesus replied, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me”
(Matthew 25: 36–40 NRSV).Everyone is called to continue what Jesus has started. It is a privilege to do so.
Jhessa, one of the volunteers, was hesitant at first. “Nung una po, ung idea pa lang ng pagpunta sa jail, takot na ang na-feel ko. Hesitant akong maki-join kasi mga preso. Feeling ko hindi sila receptive at hindi kami tatanggapin lalo na pag magsasalita kami about God. Feeling ko ku-question-in kami at sisisihin Siya sa sinapit nila. Pero nagulat naman ako nung may small group discussion na. Yung mga nakasama ko talagang sila pa yung ganadong mag-discuss tungkol kay God. I was so overwhelmed at natuwa. Hindi nila sinisisi si God sa nangyari. They look at it in a positive way na habang nakakulong daw sila, opportunity daw yun na mapalapit kay God. May purpose daw kung bakit nandoon sila.
Janine Urbi shares that she saw how the inmates longed to be back in the arms of their families and to freely move in the outside world again. ” I realized that I am blessed and have taken my freedom for granted. I know now that the best way to enjoy freedom is to move according to His will.”
The inmates also revealed that they enjoy having someone visit them during their stay. They view the SFCC visits as their opportunity to reflect on their lives and to realign their focus. They look forward to the day that they would be free again physically. But for now, they are contented to be be free in their spirits—free from anger, free from self-condemnation, and free from their past.
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Viewing short films usually geared toward moral recovery.
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| Breakout sessions. After the film viewing, the inmates are given a voice to freely discuss their opinions. |
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| Spiritually free |