We had two wonderful services at Christchurch on Sunday morning with Rev Jonathan Clayton from Hope Prison Ministry and a ‘host’ of transformed and restored men and women who had had periods, and for some extremely long periods, in prison in the past. Some of them were guys who have walked the Alpha road with us and who were covered by prayers in the process.
Quinton was a guest on our first Alpha course last year. He reminded me of the prayers we offered for him with regard to his release. He had been worried as he had had no contact with his family while in prison and was not expecting to be welcomed back. However, God answered our prayers by preparing the way for him. He is now together with his wife and children and is in the process of rebuilding his life. He still has many struggles as he has few skills as a result of many wasted years in prison and therefore still has no permanent employment. Despite this, he is not discouraged and he is still praising God for the change in his life and is trusting Him day by day. When Quinton was introduced to the congregation on Sunday, Jonathan asked him, ‘What does your community think about you now?’. His grinning response was, ’They likes me now!’ I find this so humbling. Please continue to pray for him.
We see these changed men and women but what we don’t see is the ripple effect they are bringing about in their families and their communities! Praise God for these changed lives - Jen
