Prison ministry

Part of our work to help people in need is prison ministry; to reach the many people spending time in custodies (often for years), waiting for their trials. 

God loves everyone, so missionaries are needed to share the Good News with accused people and inmates to expand God's kingdom.

Locked cell door

Romans 10:14 (NLT):

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?

Therefore, we offer different programs in correctional facilities in Northern Namibia, sharing the Gospel, provide prayers and spreading hope to incarcerated men and women.

One of them:

Obviously it helps being one of the accused persons in custody (however, I don't recommend it!), because one can understand the conditions and frustrations of life without freedom better and 'peers' develop a trust basis and are willing to listen.

Bible story time 

Philippians 1:12 (NLT):

Paul’s Joy That Christ Is Preached

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here [in prison] has helped to spread the Good News.

Since conditions in Northern Namibia's custodies are horrible, often unacceptable, inmates are very keen on listening to bible stories and to learn a 'way out' of their current life situations, including their frequent arrests due to often hunger-driven (livestock) theft.

Fortunately, the bible offers help and solutions to change lives:

The lost sheep: 
One of the favorite bible stories of incarcerated people is the story of the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7). Almost everyone has goats & sheep and therefore is very familiar with shepherding:

Every sheep needs a shepherd for guidance, protection and provision; without a shepherd a sheep is lost. A good shepherd is not giving up looking for a lost sheep and celebrates once the sheep is found.

Similarly, we are also lost without Jesus in our lives. Have you ever felt that something is missing in your life? That a change is needed, but as much you try you can't make it by yourself?

Jesus wants to become your shepherd!
(Life of Christ FLASH-A-CARD Set,
a Beka Book Publication)

The great news is that Jesus wants to be your shepherd; it's His gift for you. We simply have to accept it (as you have to do for any gift) and believe in Jesus Christ, god's son, to receive abundant blessings and eternal life (instead of eternal death in hell as punishment for our sins; the bad things we do every single day).

John 3:16 (NLT):

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Many men accepted Jesus' gift and invited Him as their shepherd into their lives and accepted Jesus as their savior (see below for unbelievable numbers).

For every lost person Jesus finds a big party is happening in heaven with all the angles.

Luke 15:10 (NLT):

In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.

Knocking on the door:

This is another bible story many inmates like:

Jesus stands in front of the door of your heart, patiently knocking.

Everyone can decide to open the door for Him, to invite Him into ones heart and life. It's anyone's decision to invite Jesus or to let him outside, knocking.

Jesus knocks on your door!
(Life of Christ FLASH-A-CARD Set,
a Beka Book Publication)

Jesus will not force His way into your lives and will only 'enter' when invited. He offers Himself as a solution to your problems, but waits for you until you are willing to ask Him.

Imagine a door without a door handle on the outside. This door has to be opened from the inside (to let people step into your life).

Revelation 3:20 (NLT):

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Footsteps in the sand:

This is another great story ilustrating God's love for us. It's not a bible story, but nevertheless based on biblical concepts:

Deuteronomy 1:31 (NIV):

and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.

Authorship is disputed and discussed here:

Aviv, Rachel (March 19, 2008). "Enter Sandman: 

Who wrote footprints?". Poetry Foundation. 

Isn't it great to know that Jesus walks always with us, in all situations. When we face hardships He will even carry us. That's God's love for us!

Expanding the kingdom:

Many inmates heard Jesus' knocking and after our teaching invited Him into their lives. They accepted His (undeserved) gift for them and welcomed Jesus as their shepherd.

We frequently offer to have a prayer together to admit mistakes and mishaps, to ask for forgiveness, and to invite Jesus into their lives, to become their shepherd and guide, to walk with them every step in their lives.

I hope and pray that one day all the sponsors & supporters of our organisation: Papa Ramon's HopeKids Children's Home, as well as all readers of this blog will be able to proclaim:

The Lord is my shepherd, 

I have all I need. 

(Psalm 23:1)

We are so thankful, that God is using us to share the Good News with inmates and that our missionary activities in correctional facilities are fruitful:

- In Opuwo's custody more than 350 inmates accepted Jesus.

- In Oshakati's custody more than 150 (update 12-2023: 800!!!, update 04-2024: 1,400!!!, update 10-2024: 2,200!!!) inmates invited Jesus into their lives.

Of course it's not all about numbers. However, we are greatful and feel blessed that God is using Papa Ramon during his long unjustified stay in custody (already 13 months; update 04-2024: 23 months; update 10-2024: 900 days) to expand His kingdom.

Sometimes we also offer baptisms; actually requested by inmates. Seventy men (update 04-2024: 120) were so far baptized in Northern Namibia's correctional facilities.

Praise the Lord for all these blessings!

Thank you for all your support 

(prayers and monetary). 

If you want to help us to share God's love with people in need in Namibia please consider a donation to our non-profit organization: Papa Ramon's HopeKids!

Check out our: Want to help? web site!

(Or press link below for credit card payment via PayPal - no Paypal account required!)

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