Prison ministry commenced locally in 1992 with the opening of a the John Morony Corrective Centre, a local maximum security gaol on the Northern Rd, just 500 metres from our church site. Training and preparation of 11 volunteers from various local denominations began under the umbrella of Prison Fellowship International, and commenced with in-gaol support to the Chaplain each Sunday morning. As the Corrective Complex expanded to 3 gaols, the team diversified to meet the needs there. A women’s gaol and a med/minimum security facility saw the potential gaol capacity grow to 900 inmates. Approximately 10% of the gaol population attend the chapel services, many entering a church service for the first time.
Prison ministry at WDBC is a ministry where prison chaplains, local churches and Prison Fellowship network to provide Christ’s love and hope to those effected by crime: inmates, victims, families , correctional staff, churches and communities.
Ministry opportunities for the team include:
- In-gaol chapel services and Bible discussion groups.
- One to one visits to those without family visits.
- Court support for offenders and families.
- Family support.
- Post -release support for inmates and families.
- CampwerX, a camp for children affected by their parents’ crime.
- Angel Tree -providing Christmas gifts to inmates’ children on behalf of the incarcerated paren/s.
- Cell ministry at The Downing centre courts in Sydney, a ministry to those awaiting trial and sentancing.
- The sycamore Tree, a ministry promoting healing, forgiveness and reconciliation of victim and offender.
- Juvenile Justice.
- Support and training to local churches seeking to minister to those affected by crime. see the PF web for next training dates.
For more details of these ministries please visit the Prison Fellowship Australia website here. Rolf and Glenys are our PF volunteers ministering in the John Morony and OMMPC Centres, and with post-release care.
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