HOW TO VISIT THE IMPRISONED AS JESUS SAID

 

HOW TO VISIT THE IMPRISONED AS JESUS SAID

One of the clearest instructions given by Jesus Christ is found in the Gospel of Matthew: “I was in prison and you visited me.” Yet, despite this command, many Christians today do not know how to begin doing it. The desire is there, but the organized opportunities are few, scattered, and often difficult to access.

As I see it, prison visitation should not merely mean entering a jail compound for a few minutes of preaching. It should become a complete ministry of compassion that combines Bible studies, values formation, skills training, medical missions, livelihood assistance, and even the distribution of personal hygiene kits. Prisoners are still human beings. They may have lost their freedom, but they should never lose their dignity.

In the Philippines, the correctional system remains heavily congested. Reports from the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology have repeatedly shown the continuing problem of overcrowding in jails and prisons. Because of this situation, spiritual counseling and emotional support are becoming more important than ever.

Fortunately, there are already existing programs that ordinary citizens can join. Religious Volunteer Officers or RVOs are allowed to conduct Bible studies, prayer meetings, and worship services inside penal institutions. Some groups also provide vocational training in agriculture, handicrafts, baking, carpentry, and computer literacy. I believe this is the correct direction because prisoners need hope, but they also need practical skills that could help them rebuild their lives after release.

There is also another forgotten way of “visiting” prisoners: writing letters. Many inmates feel abandoned by society and even by their own families. A simple letter reminding them that someone still cares could already become a source of emotional healing. Nowadays, some correctional facilities even allow monitored electronic messaging systems to help inmates maintain healthy communication with their loved ones.

We should also remember what I call the “collateral victims” of imprisonment — the wives, husbands, parents, and children left behind. Many families of inmates suffer from poverty, social stigma, and emotional trauma. Helping the child of a prisoner continue schooling may actually prevent another generation from entering the cycle of crime.

Personally, I think churches, civic organizations, cooperatives, and even local government units should unite and create a national network for prison ministry. Why should every volunteer group work separately when they could coordinate medical missions, legal assistance, scholarship support, and livelihood projects together? If we can organize feeding programs for communities, why can we not organize healing programs for prisoners and their families?

Another important concern is reintegration. Visiting prisoners should not stop at the prison gate. Former inmates need jobs, identification cards, housing, counseling, and acceptance from society. Without these, many of them return to crime simply because nobody gave them another chance.

Those who want to help may start by contacting the chaplaincy offices of prisons such as the New Bilibid Prison or by joining established ministries like Prison Fellowship Philippines, Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation and parish-based prison apostolates. Volunteers usually undergo orientation, background checks, and security briefings.

In the end, prison ministry is not only about charity. It is about solidarity. As stated in Hebrews 13:3, we are called to remember prisoners “as if you were together with them in prison.” That is a powerful reminder that before God, no person is ever beyond redemption.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres  iseneres@yahoo.com  senseneres.blogspot.com  09088877282/06-21-2027

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