|
 |
|
|
MANILA, Philippines — The prison population across the Philippines has responded very enthusiastically to a Portion distributed by the Philippine Bible Society (PBS) in collaboration with the International Bible Society. Letters received by PBS indicate that, for many prisoners, the Portion has sparked off the desire to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word and to own a full Bible.
Throughout the Philippines, the total prison population is around 100,000, most of whom have been rejected by their families and friends. The passages in the Portion, produced under an Opportunity 21 (O-21) initiative and entitled Is There Any Hope for the Future?, are designed to bring prisoners hope and peace and to answer widely-held concerns about whether they are really loved by God. The Portion was supplied in English, Tagalog, the first language of around 23 per cent of Filipinos, and Cebuano, spoken by around 24 per cent of the population, to over 76,500 prisoners.
The Bible Society reports that “prisoners were enlightened and strengthened spiritually” by the Portion. Evidence of this is found in the many letters of thanks written by prisoners. One prisoner told of how he had wept when reading the Portion but that the words also brought him joy. Another stated, “I thank Is There Any Hope for the Future? for taking away all my hurt feelings.” The distribution program has sparked off numerous requests from prisoners for complete Bibles.
For the Bible Society, the program has
also been of great value in forging links with a wide range of organisations,
including the prison service, churches, local government and fellowship
groups. This collaborative approach will be retained as PBS links with
Children’s Network in another O-21 project involving the
distribution of around 100,000 copies in Tagalog and Cebuano of a Portion
about Joseph entitled Why Me? to children in the greater Manila
area at risk of becoming involved in crime. There are also plans to
supply around 100,000 copies of You’re Caught!, a Portion,
also in Cebuano and Tagalog, containing both Scripture passages and
features such as vehicle maintenance tips and traffic regulations, to
public transport drivers. This format will make the Portion suitable
for drivers to read in short breaks during their working day. (WR 372/31
- 11.02) 