What I Learned From Doing Prison Ministry, And Why I Do It

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Having ministered to prisoners at Changi Prison and ex-prisoners at halfway houses for the past seven years, Daphne Chua, a Christian, tells LUCK-IT all about the difficulties and rewards of being a prison minister in Singapore.

“It is a roller coaster ride for most.”

Q: How did you start ministering to prisoners? What made you want to do it?

A: I started ministering in Changi Prison five years ago. Prior to that, I spent two years ministering to ex-prisoners at halfway houses. I have always been encouraged by newspaper articles I read about life transformation in prisons and I told myself I would want to do that some day. The call of Jesus to visit those in prison after I became a Christian was the final call for me to step out.

Can you share how you minister to prisoners? Take us through the process?

Each session is two hours long. Starts with worship, then prayer, followed by the Alpha session [an evangelistic course used around the world by various Christian denominations which explores a different aspect of the Christian faith each week], then the session closes with prayer.

How receptive are prisoners when you minister to them? How can you tell when you’ve succeeded/failed in your efforts to get the message across to them?

They are mostly receptive. Some may be apprehensive at the start but after a few sessions, they mostly warm up to our coming. When the inmates look forward to our coming, their warm handshakes and sharing of their struggles tell us we have succeeded in gaining their trust.

How long does it take for you to get a prisoner to accept what you’re telling them and truly believe in it themselves?

It is a roller coaster ride for most. Usually after a few weeks, they see the hope but again, there will be setbacks that cause them to lose confidence from time to time.

What’s your worst experience when ministering to prisoners? And what’s the best?

Worst: We go in without expectations so nothing can be bad when you do not expect anything good.

Best: When you know the inmates trust you and when they look for you when they are discharged.

Are there any traits/personal experiences that make a prisoner more likely to accept your ministry, from your experience?

Being genuine is the most important trait to receive acceptance.

Conversely, are there any traits/personal experiences that make a prisoner less likely to accept your ministry, from your experience?

When one talks down on them… or shows that we are more superior.

What’s the single most effective method of getting a prisoner to accept your ministry, in your opinion?

Using the word of God in a non-threatening, yet firm and loving manner.

What advice do you have for someone hoping to minister to prisoners?

Genuine love and concern for the least in the society.

Can you map out a recommended path for people who want to minister to prisoners to follow?

Be a disciple of Christ.

What are the key things/people/situations that contributed to your ability to be effective as a prison minister, in your opinion?

Fellow volunteers of the same mind, with the same care and concern for the those in incarceration.

How did the experience of prison ministry change you as a person? Or did it not change you?

It humbles me and makes me more thankful that God has taken care of me and that I have been blessed to be watched over and protected by Him.

If you could go back and replay your prison ministry journey all over again, what would you do differently?

Not very much differently…

Of all the objects you bought in your journey of doing prison ministry, which has been the most useful, in your opinion? Why?

God’s words i.e. the bible and the materials we use to share with the inmates.

What is the worst advice you’ve been given, or have heard people giving, with regards to dealing with prisoners? And what’s the best?

Best advice: Not go for the number. It doesn’t matter if anyone is transformed in the process of being ministered to. Just do as love compels you to do.

Worst advice: They are crooks, never to trust them. But in a way, it creates the awareness of being discerning and helps me be on my guard against people who are out to exploit your kindness.

Daphne is presently a realtor, busy with real estate work and prison ministry, which she has no plans to stop in the near future. She’s open to answering questions about the above topic so if you have any, drop them in the comment box below. 

Other Answers by Daphne Chua:
How I Quadrupled The Number Of Friends In My Life

The above interview is sponsored by:

Photographs courtesy and copyright of Daphne Chua. Interviewer: Sy
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