Why do they come?

Sometimes we wonder! We see prison chapels full of men or women. Many have ruined lives - their own and that of others. Violent offenders, murderers, rapists, drug barons, burglars, child abusers, thieves and arsonists.

Sometimes over 100 at a time. Sometimes a handful. Why do they come? Why attend Sunday services? Why come to long Christian mid-week meetings?

Strikingly, nearly all listen eagerly to the gospel being preached, or a Bible text explained, or a testimony shared, or answers to a 'no holds barred' public question time. Why do they listen so intently, often resulting in unsolicited spontaneous applause?

Why do they love the little illustrated Day One diaries, with a daily Bible text? For 2002, 140,000 were given through the prison chaplains. 'They would kill for those!' one chaplain quipped. And why, as handshakes mark our goodbyes, do all, or nearly all, accept a gospel booklet? Why do some say 'Come back soon'?

Different backgrounds

After all, often despised and forgotten, these folks are in prison for a reason. Some are household names. Some have briefly enjoyed the notoriety of the daily papers or media attention. Most would not drift into a typical evangelical church's evening service!

Others are surprisingly 'ordinary'. Like the 'lifer' who killed his wife, found in bed with another man. Or the murderer, little different from many whose conduct deteriorates when alcohol flows. Many brawling drunks could have been with him there. His blows killed. They could have produced another black eye or fat lip. Then meet the frustrated mother who 'lost it' with her child. Or the simple person stupidly ignoring the implications of carrying drugs for another, when in overwhelming financial difficulty. Or the scared coward unable to stand against the gang.

Most prisoners stay away from chapel. Among the average 80,000 population of our UK prisons (perhaps 600,000 in total annually), 10-15% may attend a chapel service. Recently, in two services constituting 45% of that prison's population, we shared the good news of a Saviour who died for sins and who would forgive and transform those who repent and trust him. Some Youth Offender Institutions provide even higher attendance proportions.

Tranquillity in the chapel

Doubtless some appreciate a break after hours in a shared cell, which is effectively a toilet serving as a cafe and a bedroom. Or they accompany friends or come 'just for a laugh'. Most become serious when challenged to turn from their sins to Christ. Others like the tranquillity of often the prison's nicest room - the chapel. Personal loyalty brings those appreciating a friendly chaplain's helpfulness. Interested visitors from outside encourage other attendees.

Real seekers

The services also give inmates from different wings the chance to meet. Prison Officers, often undervalued, hear while watching for drug dealing, or festering discontent.

Remember the HMP Strangeways riots? They started in the chapel! Then consider the 'loners'. Last Sunday I sat with a first timer. Depressed and devastated, he came through loneliness.

Real seekers come too. A young man, whose bandaged arm and unlaced shoes testified to his failed suicide attempt, volunteered 'I have come to find God.' Simple saving faith in Christ can contrast dazzlingly with some prisoners' religious backgrounds. One man wrote that he received more from the 15 minute gospel message than from 'many, many masses'.

Christians in custody

There are real Christians in custody. Sadly some were converted before offending. Others have trusted Christ in prison and come to grow. Prison itself can make people stop and think. One convicted sex-offender's journey into faith started with his seriously considering the Day One diary's Bible texts.

Yes, they come for different reasons. But that matters less than what they hear and how they respond. Through Christians' prayers, through the Holy Spirit's convicting power, and through presenting the gospel - still 'the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes' - we trust that some will go away trusting Jesus or seeking for God.

A look at preaching in our prisons by the Director of Day One Prison Ministries

Different backgrounds

Tranquillity in the chapel

Real seekers

Christians in custody

Gerard Chrispin

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