Inmate Albertino Shankar is now a newly-inducted Methodist Church pastor. Courtesy: The Fiji Times

A man convicted for murder has taken on a new conviction - to be Christ-like.

Albertino Shankar was yesterday inducted by the head of the Methodist Church's Indian division, Reverend William Lucas, as a lay preacher or vakatawa.

It's been 10 years since the 28-year old was sentenced to prison for murder.

Shankar spent three years studying to be a preacher and in August last year, passed his final exam with flying colours.

Mr Lucas described the induction as historical for the Dilkusha Circuit and paid tribute to those involved in the prison ministry.

"Sometimes we don't see that as important but this is the result of the message that has been shared there (prison)," he said.

"The mission of the church is to save souls and we should look at people with compassion and love so that they know that our God is a loving and forgiving God."

Shankar said becoming a preacher was far from his mind and not his will.

"Everything we plan gets diverted by God," he said.

"Whatever He wills for everyone is the best."

Shankar was not a Christian, in fact, he only heard of the Bible while in prison.

Reverend Anil Reuben was in charge of the prison ministry with Dilkusha Methodist Church.

He said from 2003 to 2008, 16 prisoners from the Nasinu prison were baptised.

"I baptised Albertino in 2004," he said. "The baptism was done in the little river in Nasinu, which they now use for duck farming."

Mr Reuben said since then, Shankar has taken a keen interest in the faith.

Shankar said it was through the prison ministry program that he confessed to past mistakes.

"I then began to pray for myself and for others," he said. "I have seen those prayers come to pass and that's what convinced me to change."

Shankar said it took commitment and sacrifice to become a preacher.

"I spent a lot of sleepless nights studying," he said.

"The Bible concludes to one word - love.

"The more we love each other the more we will see God in our midst and all He wants is to be in our midst."

Shankar said he would participate in pre-release program at Nasinu Prison but said he had not yet applied for his release.

"I prefer to get into the prison ministry from outside," he said.

"It's difficult to penetrate from the inside and easier from outside.

"I believe that through prayer every barrier can be broken, all it takes is commitment."

Following his induction, Shankar thanked the congregation for welcoming him, saying it was the first time for him to step into a church.

"It's warm and beautiful," he said of the atmosphere.

"Every love that God showed Timothy, I feel here today.

"I won't say I am there, I'm on my way."

Shankar plans to pursue studies to become a church minister.

Source: The Fiji Times