WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT PRISONERS?

The appeal to remember prisoners has been brought to the attention of those who have based their faith upon God and His Word, and it is important to consider the following two points to understand why we should care about prisoners.

1. The purpose of punishment

The main purpose of imprisonment is punishment. For centuries, a number of theories have been brought forth as to what the purpose of punishment should be. Philosophers like Kant and Hegel claimed that, because a criminal act has a tremendous negative impact upon the society, retribution should be in order. But because retribution was considered to be inhumane and cruel and would not rectify the harm that had been done, it was not favored. But, many stories in prisons testify that punishment does not deter or reform the criminals.

However, the most accepted theory is that the purpose of punishment is to make a criminal learn from his mistake and help him to be healed and to be a responsible citizen. That is why the Ethiopian Criminal Law and International Conventions also revolve around this theory.

The Bible has a solution for this: restorative justice, justice that heals relationships. This justice is not retributive in nature, but redemptive. Therefore, it brings healing to relationship with God and the community.

According to God's Word, Justice is not intended to give the offender what he deserved but to restore him through the power of love (refer to the story in John 8:8-11).

As a result, any criminal touched by the Lord Jesus will experience a radical change within his life. If this is so, to make criminals responsible, productive and peaceful citizens by the power of the Gospel is the best and lasting solution. The real solution to crime is ultimately not to be found through therapeutic intervention, or institutional regimes, or legislative reform, but spiritual renewal.

The story of Jesus and the criminal who was crucified next to Him is a life changing passage (Luke 23:43). The criminal was crucified for what he did. He said to his friend that we deserved the punishment. But Jesus saw the criminal’s heart and told him that he would in paradise. Even though he was a criminal Jesus set him free to be in the heavenly kingdom forever.

On the other hand, prisoners have a different opinion of themselves. Many of them feel guilty or shame before the eyes of God or the society because of what they have done. Professionals in this field also say that many of the prisoners are terrorized and are full of fear. These prisoners probably try to hide their feelings. But they are in great need of hope. The only remedy for the confusion they are in, the guilt they have, and for their crying soul is the Gospel of Jesus. Compared to people outside of prisons, prisoners more feel wretched. They do not have much choice in life, they do not have bright hopes for their lives and their families, and they search for reinforcement within themselves.

And this inner cry is more popular from those within prison walls than from who were those outside. Thus, because the kingdom of God is for prisoners too, the good news of the Gospel must be brought to them.

HOW SHOULD WE CARE FOR PRISONERS?

1. Meet their spiritual needs

Prisons are filled with people who are full of hatred, confusion, rebelliousness, cruelty, bitterness and hopelessness. As we have mentioned above, the only hope for these and other problems is Jesus Christ. Prisoners must be reached with the good news of Jesus Christ. Prison Fellowship Ethiopia was founded for the purpose of bringing together men and women from various denominations to share their faith and the love of God with prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families. Through this service, many criminals have been already benefited. But the work is just beginning.

2. Meet their material needs

If we want to reach prisoners with the Gospel, taking periodic trips to the prisons is mandatory. Developing friendship and careful treatment is important as well. Many of
them do not have visitors. As a result, they have great material and psychological needs, such as clothing, latrines and showers, medical care, leisure, education, etc. We have the responsibility of providing this. In Matthew 25:31-46, when Jesus appears in his glory for the last time he addresses his heirs, "... For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me" (v. 35-36). And for those who do not inherit his kingdom in verse 41-43, He accuses them of not doing the above.

This is why the author of Hebrews tells us that we should remember those who are in prison as if we were in there with them. To remember meant providing food and other necessities, paying money to secure their redemption, visiting and praying for the prisoners. The door is open for anyone who wants to provide materials of any sort. Please feel free to communicate as well. For further information of how and what to donate to Prison Fellowship Ethiopia, please contact us in the following address.