The Women’s Ministry of the Teshie-Nungua Area of The Church of Pentecost has presented assorted items to the male section of the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons. The items included water, food items, toiletries, detergents, underwear and bathroom slippers.
Presenting the items to the inmates, the Area Women’s Ministry Leader, Mrs Cynthia Araba Siaw Agyepong, said that the ministry was interested in the welfare of the inmates because they are all precious children of God. She said Jesus expects Christians to visit those in prison, hence their periodic visits to the prisons.
Mrs Araba Siaw Agyepong urged the inmates to embrace Christ and have a great life even in prison. “If you have Christ there is no difference between you and those of us outside; there is hope for you,” she said.
Receiving the items on behalf of the inmates, ACO Philip Bekoe expressed gratitude to the Church for the support.
The ministry also fellowshipped with members of the Inmate Assembly of The Church of Pentecost at the prisons, which has over 1000 members.
The wife of the Area Head, Mrs Rachel Koduah, encouraged the inmates to trust in the Lord and prayed for them. “I want you all to know that God loves you and when you have Christ in your heart, there is hope, a glorious hope for you on earth and in heaven,” she said.
Preaching the sermon, the Resident Minister of the Nsawam branch of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC-Nsawam), Pastor Emmanuel Osei Akosah, who has oversight responsibility for the Inmate Assembly, advised the inmates not to be distressed in their difficult moments. “When you fall into trouble, it should draw you closer to God and not far from Him,” he said.
He quoted several biblical texts including Psalm 3:1-3 and 2 Samuel 12:11 and said that it is only God who has the power to change the fortunes of men and also be their source of protection and the lifter of their heads.
“If people think that because you are in prison your life has come to an end, we have God Almighty who saves,” he said, adding, “If you will stand for God, He will be your shield and will cover you with glory.”
The National Coordinator of the Home and Urban Missions (HUM), Pastor Emmanuel Agyei Kwafo, urged the inmates to be strong in their faith, saying, “Jesus will free you from all your worries.”
The Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Elder Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, donated GHS 5,000.00 to the Inmate Assembly. The assembly requested for financial support for choir uniforms and other food items to support the new convert classes.
After the church service, members of the ministry were invited to the Prison School consisting of Primary, Junior High and Senior High Schools. Tutors of the school, including a former Member of Parliament and Coordinator for the erstwhile National Youth Employment Programme, Hon. Abuga Pele, called for the provision of teaching and learning aids to ensure effective teaching and learning in the school.
According to them, the lives of many young people have been transformed as a result of the school with some former inmates now pursuing university education after serving their terms.
Report by Isabella Gyau Orhin.