TWR Europe’s “Epic Story” from Central & North-East Europe
Prison Ministry
Video Preview
You need to upgrade your Flash Player
You are unable to view the videos due to a malfunction between your web browser, FlashPlayer and JavaScript. If Javascript turned off will see this.
Overview
A young man sits slumped over in a prison cell he shares with 10 other inmates. Staring down at the filthy, rock-hard floor, he wonders what day it is. Not that it matters much in here, but as the days turn colder he remembers that his daughter’s birthday should be coming up soon. If only he knew that his wife and baby girl were safe and cared for…
He was in jail for trying to feed his family. The pitiful wages from his job had run out that month, and he couldn’t bear to see his sweet little girl go hungry. So, he had tried to steal some food from a farm down the road…and now he was paying for it with three years of his life.
Prison life in Eastern Europe is a far cry from that in much of the West. Prisoners may spend years in a tiny, dingy cell, where they are exposed to tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or other diseases. In the midst of seemingly hopeless conditions, Trans World Radio broadcasts light among the darkness. As Jesus proclaimed, “God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the burdened and battered free…” (Luke 4:18, The Message).
In countries like Poland and Russia, prisoners are hearing the Word of God over the airwaves. God’s message of love, grace, and forgiveness brings healing to their wounded hearts and souls. In a world that has found them guilty, God has the power to proclaim them innocent. Though locked behind bars, these prisoners can be free indeed.
Once the prisoners are released, God’s work doesn’t end. Out on the streets, each prisoner needs the care of a local church – to help them find accommodations and a job, and to encourage them to keep to the narrow path. Jesus loved and cared for the outcasts of society, and so must we. Are you willing to love as Jesus did?
To learn more about how you can support TWR’s prison ministries in Eastern Europe, please read the “Projects” page printed on the inside cover of this DVD.
Listener Stories
“I am 25 and have been in jail for over six years. In 2005 I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Since then my life has greatly changed. The Lord has taken away my addiction, bad habits and dirty language. I am now a free person. I attend a Christian group here; study the Bible and Christian literature. Last October I was baptized together with four other brothers. Every day I learn how to live as a follower of Christ. I can’t say it is easy. Thank you very much for sending me the TTB brochure, which was a joy to read. Could I ask for some more Christian literature, and particularly a copy of ‘For God Only’ published by the Scripture Union? Could you help me to sign up for a correspondence Bible Course?”
“I want to let you know that I have been transferred to P… for some time. When I was in Wloclawek I was visited by a pastor who probably came on your request. Thank you. I have decided to voluntarily submit to punishment. There are no Christian groups in this center, so I appreciate the contact with you even more. It brings me encouragement and trust that there are still people of good will in this world. I am so happy that I have found God. My present life is running in a different dimension. I pray that you will feel better.”
“I am writing this letter from my nice apartment and not from a prison cell. It feels so good to be home again. J…has been looking very well after the place over these three years. My homecoming was a great surprise for him and I saw tears in his eyes. God is great and His kindness is endless! I don’t have enough words to express my praise and thanks. My adventure with Jesus didn’t end with my leaving the prison, but continues in my new situation. It is not easy for me to adjust to the change, but I hope everything will go well. I also hope that our friendship will continue. I often call you ‘my spiritual parent.’ I have learnt so much from you! I also take part in Bible courses and still have to work on many things in me which don’t please God; I am learning patience and proper attitude towards women. I keep in touch with the local fellowship.
Could you continue to send me the monthly ‘Word of Truth,’ some tapes and Christian literature?”
Study Questions
- Why do you think prisoners are so receptive to the Gospel? Would you expect a murderer or a thief to want to know Christ? According to the International Centre for Prison Studies, the USA has the highest per capita population of prisoners in the world. Why do you think there are not more people involved in prison ministry?
- Once Adam (the prisoner in the video) began searching for God, his hunger for more scripture became intense. He would read the Bible despite being persecuted by his fellow inmates. Are you strong enough in your faith to hunger after God despite persecution and restriction to a three by five cell? How can we increase our hunger for God and His word to be more like Adam’s?
- The speaker in this portion comments on the importance of the local church supporting released prisoners. Without support, the former convicts often return to their previous lives. Would you want to go to church with or help a convicted thief? What about a former murderer or a sex offender? (Remember, they are Christians now.)
- Adam was released and now works with TWR to minister to other prisoners in Poland. In addition, the Russian government gave TWR a certificate of appreciation for their ministry to prisoners in Russia. What does this tell you about the effectiveness of this ministry both in and out of prisons?
Project Sponsorship
- Poland - “World for Inmates”
- Per week - USD $300
- Albania - “Follow – Up and Bible Distribution”
- Per week - USD $15
- Croatia - “Follow – Up and Bible Distribution”
- Per week - USD $15
- Serbia - “Follow – Up and Bible Distribution”
- Per week - USD $15
Please contact us regarding specific countries or languages for which you would like information. Call us in the U.S. at 1-800-456-7897 Or, find an Area Director or country office nearest you: www.twr.org
Further Information and Resources
Contact information
PR Team
c/o TWR Central Europe
PO Box 12
820 02
Bratislava 22
Slovak Republic
+421.2.4820.9244
www.twr.org/europe