Prison Christian ministry transforming lives

Friday, 13 December 2024, 4:20 pm

PNG Bible Church national church chairman Rev. Wane Ninjipa presented a theology certificate to Ellyn Jack at a recent graduation at Tambul Bible School. (Supplied)

The Prison Ministry, led by Pastor Simon Kuman of the PNG Bible Church, is making a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of inmates at Boroko cell and Bomana Prison in the National Capital District.

Each day at 5am, Pastor Kuman starts visiting cell blocks, and dedicates his Sundays to ministering to inmates at Bomana prison.

Currently, Bomana prison houses over 800 inmates, with approximately 600 of them attending Sunday morning services regularly.

The ministry began in 2018 after Pastor Kuman returned from the United States, where he had completed his studies at a Bible College.

In addition to being a full-time radio announcer for Wantok Radio Light, a Christian radio station, he felt a divine calling to bring hope and the Word of God to those behind bars.

"One of the most remarkable stories from this ministry is that of Ellyn Jack whose life was completely transformed. Imprisoned with her 3-month-old daughter in Bomana’s female wing, Ellyn experienced God’s miraculous intervention.

"Her journey from Bomana Prison to Tambul Bible School is a powerful testimony of redemption and sanctification,” Ps Kuman said.

Ellyn’s story has been shared on Wantok Radio Light's radio program "Hope Behind Bars".

"Now, she feels called by God to return to Bomana and minister to the women she once shared the prison with” Ps. Kuman added.

Meanwhile another life transformed by this ministry was John Liam who hails from a mixed parentage of Morobe and Central Provinces.

Ps. Kuman said John spent 17 years in Bomana and Keravat Prison, where his life changed after listening to Wantok Radio Light.

"In 2021, John experienced both spiritual and physical freedom when he accepted Jesus Christ.

"In 2022 and 2023, John became an active member of my congregation. This year, in 2024, John took another significant step by enrolling at Pacific Bible College, successfully completing his first year."

A community school teacher, John now envisions teaching God’s Word to prisoners after graduating.