The Prison Ministry was birthed many years ago with ministry to the female inmates at the New Amsterdam, Berbice. It consisted of an initial team of four sisters, Leila Bullen, Yvonne Phoenix, Denese Fraser and Sister Doreen Anderson, who felt the call of God in that direction.
The work of the ministry has expanded from those early days and the increased team has been ministering to approximately 3,000 inmates annually at three prison facilities – the New Amsterdam (male), New Amsterdam (female) and Timehri (male). Visits were done on the third Sunday of every month prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with physical visits restricted since mid-2020.
Our department serves the incarcerated communities while upholding kingdom principles, inspired by Scripture found in Mark 16: 15-16 – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
Our Emblem
Our emblem represents our desire to share the Word of God through locked doors, trusting that the hearts of men and women who have been incarcerated, may be opened and that they may know Christ, Whose blood redeems.
What we do
Some other key past and present activities of the ministry include:
- Monthly visits and Sunday Service hosted in at least two of the three prison facilities. Services included worship, preaching of the Word of God and leading those imprisoned to Christ (pre-COVID).
- Ministering to the inmates by leaders in our Men’s Ministry, creating a male to male rapport
- Hosting informative sessions to inmates on themes such as personal hygiene and health, amongst others
- Provision of annual care packages (Basic Needs Response)
- Engaging in one-to-one evangelism and prayer support
- Exhortation of the Word of God at prison functions including anniversaries and staff conferences
Our Leadership
Our Ministry is coordinated by Assistant Pastor Ian Belle (Leader) and supported by Sister Kim Maison, Sister Barbara Nurse, Sister Margaret Adams, Brother Phillip Chance, Sister Juliet Julian, Assistant Pastor Ovid Ferrell and Deacon Fitzroy Culley.
Where and when we meet
Prison Ministry Members meet on the third and last Wednesday of the month from 17:00 to 18:00hrs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have adapted to meeting virtually from September 2020.
Interested in serving in the Prison Ministry? Persons with a desire to join this ministry may contact Assistant Pastor Ian Belle or any member of the team.
You may also contact the church office (Tel: 225-9015 or 225-1133) for more information.
