Nigeria (MNN) – Across the world Prisoners for Christ operates International Bible Institutes (or IBIs) to help inmates complete a two-year Bible degree. The classes not only help disciple the men participating in the program, but also give them the tools to evangelize their communities while in prison and when released.
Changing the Atmosphere
Jill Payne-Holman with Prisoners for Christ says the first project they began in Nigeria in 2018 had such success that they have since opened another one in Nigeria, two in Ethiopia, one in Mozambique and one in Pakistan. So far, IBIs have graduated 260 men. These programs have radically impacted the students and also are changing the atmosphere in participating prisons.
(Photo courtesy of Prisoners for Christ)
“What turned out is the officers in the prison started to notice a difference, not only in the inmates taking our Bible school, but in the whole entire prison. The atmosphere changed. The population behavior changed, because these students, they were having such an influence on everyone else that the officers were like, ‘Wow, this is really great! We need to keep this going.’ And it got to where prisons in the surrounding area heard about it and said, ‘Can we get that in our prison?’”
Local church leaders and qualified volunteers teach the classes. The first year covers basics of the faith. The next nine months feature curriculum split between evangelism in general and evangelism specifically within a prison. The final six-month session covers church planting as well as chaplaincy skills.
Promoting Confidence in Sharing Their Faith
For many men, this is the first time they’ve participated in higher education. It may be the first time they’ve really felt like someone believed in them or their capabilities. They may feel a deep desire to share their faith, but face reservations about their abilities.
Payne-Holman says this training and degree helps take away those fears. “They are not going to be afraid to share their faith, because they have been so steeped in it. They’re so grounded. They know the fundamentals. They can explain what is redemption and why we need it, why we all need it. And because they’ve been an inmate now, they’ve got a little more credibility, right? They can actually look at someone, say, ‘Jesus changed my life. Come follow Him. He can change yours too. If He saved me from my destructive behavior, He can do anything for you.’”
Get Involved
Each new graduate provides credibility and stirs excitement for the program. It is growing and encouraging many. However, Payne-Holman says they need prayer.
(Photo courtesy of Prisoners for Christ)
“Pray that we would have open doors in the prisons, that we will get approved to go into more prisons, that they will continue to see what a positive effect this has on their inmate population and their community around them. We would pray for open hearts, the inmates to want to join these programs.”
Additionally, as with any ministry, operating costs are always a need. They provide stipends to the teachers to help keep the program from becoming a financial burden on people already operating with few resources. Each class also needs school supplies like paper, pens, and books.
While the costs are a crucial piece of the puzzle, Payne-Holman says it is clear that God is at work. “I have been surprised at how open as many of the African countries have been to us, especially again, like Nigeria, Pakistan, Mozambique – these all have very large Muslim populations, and that’s just always not well received as a Christian ministry. So, I think the Lord has really divinely touched these schools and allowed them to open and function as well as they have, and that no one has shut us down yet.”
Please pray that God would continue to open doors for the International Bible Institutes and their students and provide for their needs. If you’d like to help provide resources for IBIs, click here.
Payne-Holman says that in addition to prayer and monetary support, Prisoners for Christ recommends going on a trip to share the Gospel firsthand. They provide the training and facilitate trips to prisons where people are hungry for the Word of God. If you want to learn more about those opportunities, click here.
Representative header image courtesy of Orlando Allo via Pexels.
