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CENTRE OBSERVES WEEK OF PRAYER
 Inmates singing Christmas Carols in a public engagement during Christmas celebrations 2009 . A week of 'Prayer and Transformation’ has been put aside for men and women in Correction Centres by the Prison Fellowship, an organisation in which Fiji is a member with 116 other countries. The programme, set for August 8-15, will be commemorated by 100,000 volunteers and 500 staff throughout the world. Prison Fellowship is the most extensive prison ministry organisation in the world. "These people will one day be part of our community so the support and encouragement they receive from the community is crucial," Director of Prison Fellowship Dan Savou said. He said the Prison Fellowship's Week of Prayer and Transformation reminds the church and the community of their roles in restoring prisoners to help them become productive members of society. There are approximately 10 million prisoners throughout the world with about 900 in Fiji. "These men and women - out of the sight and mind of the community are generally abandoned, forgotten, and ignored by society, yet the majority of them will eventually be released back into their communities-ready or not," Mr Savou said. According to recent statistics, 67 per cent of these released prisoners will likely commit new crimes and return to prison within three years. This week, Prison Fellowship Fiji will be joining with local churches and community members to highlight the opportunities to help all those affected by crime including prisoners, prisoners' families, ex-prisoners, corrections and criminal justice officials, prison chaplains and victims of crime. "This is an opportunity for those in the community to reflect on their ability to seek justice and restoration for all," Mr Savou said. Prison Fellowship's Week of Prayer and Transformation involves national Prison Fellowship ministries in 116 countries around the world. "We are pleased Fiji will be a part of this worldwide effort," he said. Churches and organisations participating in Week of Prayer and Transformation include The Jesus Dispensary Church, The Worship Ministry Centre, The Livingstone Presbyterian Church of Fiji, The Brethren Church in Narere, Global Taxi Mission, Rescue Mission Community Association, and The Pacific Conference of Churches. In Fiji, the Week of Prayer and Transformation will be launched at the Jesus Dispensary Church in Valelevu at 3pm this Sunday. Source: Fiji Sun www.corrections.org .fj |
Fiji Corrections Service
The successful reintegration of offenders into the community is the best security for society.
The successful reintegration of offenders into the community is the best security for society.
