Bible-based literacy classes change prisoners’ lives in Papua New Guinea

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea — “Please pray for us as we commence this worthwhile ministry,” the Bible Society of Papua New Guinea’s Tammy Miria asked the United Bible Societies fellowship as a new series of Bible-based literacy classes began at Bomana prison last year (see World Report 381/6). The 60 prisoners who enrolled for the classes were “hungry for spiritual food,” she reported at the time. Now, with the prisoners having completed the series of classes, some have contacted the Bible Society to share news of how they have found spiritual nourishment.

Young prisoners who will be attending one of the Bible Society of Papua New Guinea's Bible-based literacy courses for prisoners in 2004. Photo: BSPNG (PNG04DJ-21.JPG)

Improving literacy among prisoners is one of the priorities identified by the Bible Society as part of its wider literacy program, to which almost US$12,000 is being allocated under the United Bible Societies’ World Service Program in 2004. Bible-based literacy classes began at Bomana prison in 2001. The number of prisoners enrolling has steadily increased each year, and similar schemes are now being established elsewhere.

Among those who enrolled for classes at Bomana last year was Hetoma Paru. Writing to the Bible Society on behalf of his fellow students, he spoke of how learning more about God had given them the courage to face the many challenges associated with being in prison.

“We’ve learnt many things, like new songs, how to pray and how to read and write. We’ve come to know more about God our heavenly Father and to accept Jesus Christ as our personal saviour. It’s a great experience that we’ve come through. We praise God for opening every door for his messengers to walk through the gates to teach and preach the Good News in prison.”

Another student, Peto Kapoi, wrote more personally about the impact of the classes on his life.

“I now believe that God had a plan for me in prison. Through these classes, God has allowed me to learn about him and to begin a new spiritual life. When I am released from prison, I plan to join a church group and witness for God.”
Since 2001, 228 prisoners have attended literacy classes at Bomana. Many of them are now involved in teaching and preaching among other prisoners or have joined the music group.

“The most exciting and powerful thing,” Ms Miria says, “is that prisoners themselves are turning the prison campus into a place of worship. The prison officers, too, are being touched by the Gospel and seeking the spiritual food they have not tasted before.” (WR 387/6 - 8/9.04)