God’s Healing Hand: Rebuilding Lives in Prisons Across Malaysia and Indonesia

In the shadows of prison walls, where despair once echoed, a remarkable transformation is taking place. God’s love is breaking through the darkness of prison walls, bringing healing and hope to those society often forgets. Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers and ministers, God is bringing healing, hope, and new beginnings to inmates in Batam, Indonesia, and Miri, East Malaysia. Prisoners are experiencing the liberating transformative power of Christ, with the help of those who tirelessly shine His light in these often-overlooked places.

Batam: A Beacon of Hope
In Batam, Indonesia, the sound of worship echoes through the prison cells, where men once burdened by despair now find joy in the freedom of worshipping God. Pastor Raymond Tay’s ministry has become a beacon of hope for many. Pastor Raymond, who himself found salvation while serving a prison sentence in Singapore. He now dedicates his life to reaching out to those who are where he once was—lost and in need of redemption. His ministry in Batam focusses on passionately providing both spiritual and physical nourishment to prisoners, many of whom have lived lives of deep pain and regret, helping them find the same freedom in Christ.

The impact of this ministry is profound. Prisoners who once felt abandoned now find themselves surrounded by a community that cares deeply for them. The prison cells that once filled with negativity now resonate with the sounds of joyous and heartfelt worship. Instruments like guitars, played even by prisoners, and drums, played by a prison warden, fill the air with powerful praise, a tremendous testament to the transformative power of God’s uniting love. Here, in the midst of bars and chains, men are finding a freedom they never knew existed—the freedom that comes from knowing and following Christ.

The ministry in Batam is an extension of the work started by Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church’s Pastor Tan Boon Teck, one of the seven volunteer chaplains in Singapore’s Changi Prison. Pastor Tan pioneered a church in Batam, which has become a sanctuary for many, offering them a second chance at life. Pastor Raymond, a spiritual mentee of Pastor Tan, brings groups of volunteers to Batam, where they minister inside and outside of prison. 

Jesus said, “I was in prison, and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:36). Through the work of Pastor Raymond and his volunteers, this scripture comes to life. These men, once forgotten by society, are now experiencing the love of God and the community of believers who care for them. Many have accepted Jesus as their Saviour, finding peace and purpose in their new faith. Their transformation is a testimony to the power of God’s grace and the effectiveness of this ministry.

Miri, East Malaysia: Harvesting and Equipping Women Prison Inmates
In Miri, East Malaysia, Pastor Deborah-LC Lim of the Oasis 24/7 IHOP and PFM Miri leads a powerful prison ministry, particularly focusing on women inmates. The August 2024 Women’s Prison Praise Report highlights the incredible work being done here. On the third Wednesday of the month, 29 women gathered, with 9 newcomers joining in. After a time of worship, they spent moments in deep prayer, entering into God’s presence, and learning to listen to the Holy Spirit. 

One powerful testimony came from an Iban inmate who shared that during this time, she felt God speaking to her, telling her that He had accepted and forgiven her. Later, she felt led to pray the sinner’s prayer, accepting Christ as her Saviour and Lord. This is just one of many stories of God’s redemptive work, coming out of this ministry. She was one of two inmates who committed their lives to Christ that day.

Pastor Deborah’s ministry doesn’t stop at salvation; it also leads inmates towards baptism and spiritual growth. On that same day, two other women were baptised with water, symbolising their new life in Christ. This baptism was accompanied by prayers and teachings for the fire and anointing of the Holy Spirit, further empowering these women to be equipped to move by the Spirit’s leading and revelation, and even minister to one another within the prison walls.

The testimonies from these women are beautiful reminders of God’s faithfulness. One inmate had been praying for two years to be allowed by her estranged husband and his family to see her daughter again. She finally saw her prayers answered. When she saw her grown daughter, a moment she had longed for, it brought tears of joy and gratitude.

Another inmate, who leads a small prayer group in the prison, shared how God gave her revelations her after two members left her group. As she prayed to God about the incident, God answered her through a dream and a specific Scripture reference for the interpretation and understanding! 

The Lord revealed to her that: “We are like shepherds entrusted with those He places in our care. We must be diligent and responsible in tending to them because our shortcomings can lead them astray or make them vulnerable to the enemy.” 

Her humble testimony served as a powerful reminder of God’s faithful and comforting guidance, even in moments of disappointment and challenge. Pastor Deborah encouraged her, reminding her of the Lord’s words: “When we humble ourselves and accept the Lord’s correction, He will not only forgive us but also re-commission us and guide us to do better.” These stories are a testament to God’s unwavering love and His power to restore what was lost.

The final testimony came from an inmate who had been praying for her husband to secure a job in Miri so they could reunite after a long separation. The Lord not only answered this prayer but also provided her husband with an even better job, offering new challenges and a more favourable environment.

Volunteers: The Hands and Feet of Jesus
The work in these prisons is not done alone. Volunteers play a crucial role in bringing much-needed love, support, and practical help that these inmates desperately need. Pastor Raymond, for example, regularly brings groups of volunteers to Batam. These volunteers, inspired by Pastor Raymond’s passion, play a crucial role in reaching out to the prisoners. They share the gospel and provide emotional support, helping the inmates to see that they are not alone and that there is hope for a better future. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This collective effort is not only transforming the lives of the inmates but also deeply impacting the volunteers, who return home with renewed faith and purpose, as they witnessed changed lives in various increments. By engaging in these acts of service, they live out the words of Jesus: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40, NIV).

Similarly, in Miri, Pastor Deborah’s ministry is supported by volunteers who uphold the work through prayer, words of encouragement, and other active involvement. Their presence in the prison brings much-needed attention to the needs of the inmates, ensuring that they are not forgotten but are instead seen, loved, and valued.

These volunteers are the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing His love to places that desperately need it. They are helping to rebuild lives, offering not just temporary relief but the eternal hope that comes from re-established lives that follows Christ. The work they do, whether in the prison cells of Batam or the women’s prison in Miri, is a powerful testament to the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Conclusion： Healed Hearts
The stories emerging from these prison ministries in Batam and Miri are nothing short of miraculous. They remind us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. Through the dedication of volunteers and the power of the Holy Spirit, lives are being transformed, hope is being restored, and the message of Jesus is reaching the least of these.

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Lilian

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