Report on course No 16, October 2012.
The team of Christians, from lots of different denominations, converged on Mobilong Prison on the 16th of October. They went back each day until the 19th, in which time they presented the well documented ‘short course’. The basic Christian message is explained through the personal experience of team members, and at the same time the guests (prisoners) are shown real care and kindness as a demonstration of the no judgement stand that we Christians take. The team of 36 – some going in, and some outside preparing food etc, worked with 24 guests. One was transferred to another prison, and one dropped out, so 22 guys went right through, most of whom gave some sort of a testimony at Friday’s closing ceremony, attended by 150 Christians from around the state. Among our guests were two Moslems and one atheist. Some of our guests knew of Jesus through an early childhood engagement, but it always surprises us just how many know absolutely nothing about Jesus.
More than four days:
The team roster themselves, so that a group go back every Tuesday afternoon to what we call ‘Journey’ and it is really over the next few months where we see those who really commit to changing their lives. Mobilong has chaplains, and is visited by Prison Fellowship, so there are other avenues to use.
Our aim:
Our aim is for the prisoners to establish Christian sharing groups within Mobilong – ie a blokes’ church. For the last few years they have run a Church in the Gym every Sunday morning. We hope that many of these new ‘graduates’ will choose to join that Church.
Church of Christ involvement:
This Church is the base camp, as it is equipped with a commercial kitchen, and the congregation allow the chaos it creates. There were 5 of our church members on team, and the team from Adelaide were billeted by Church members.
Involvement of other churches:
All team members encourage the making of biscuits by their church (7,500 this course) which are distributed throughout the prison as our act of love to all. All team members encourage letter writing and engagement on the 24/7 prayer vigil. ˄SB