This was the question God put on the heart of one young Middle Eastern woman twelve years ago. That Christmas she decided something had to be done, so she asked local authorities for permission to visit female inmates in a local prison. Wary of the strong influence of Islam in her country, at first she met with just the prisoners of Christian background, encouraging them and distributing basic necessities. But soon, with special grace from the Lord and the permission of the Public Security Department, the door was opened to visit prisoners of all backgrounds. The prisoners come from all over the world.
A number of them are trafficked women from the Philippines and Sri Lanka who were arrested in the Middle East for lack of proper papers or other minor infractions. Some come to the Middle East to work as maids, but flee when they are beaten, taken advantage of, or dismissed without cause. With no money, no local connections, and often little understanding of the local language or legal system, they don't have much hope of being released. Others are there because they are admittedly guilty of crimes. But they all have one thing in common - they need the hope of Jesus.Over the years, this ministry has distributed care packages to thousands of prisoners in the name of Jesus.
The team visits the prisoners during Christmas and special holidays to share about Christ, and also contacts embassies on behalf of the prisoners, assists prisoners' families with various needs, and helps released prisoners return home. Partners is helping the team distribute care packages that include items such as shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, soap, towels, sweets, a Christian book, and more. One prisoner sent this letter to thank the special someone who gave the care package she received. She said,
"You don't know me, but I have known you very well, and I love you because you gave me hope in a world full of darkness. After struggling in prison for many days, I was surprised when I received this gift. When I read what was written on the towel I believed it is true that, 'Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.' I have hope again in myself and in my spirit."
Today, the team has access to 12 prisons with more than 6,500 prisoners.
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