It takes a special type of person to enter a prison – by choice – to support convicted criminals. Andrew and Steve are two of the dedicated volunteer chaplains from Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy, which has been sending pastoral carers inside Queensland correctional centres for more than 50 years. The committed siblings are so driven to support men facing dark times in prison that they make round trips of up to four hours each visit. The brothers are part of Inside Out’s team of more than 40 volunteer chaplains who visit people inside prisons from Far North Queensland to the Gold Coast hinterland. Within two years months of release, around half of all prisoners will be back behind bars. Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy aims to break this cycle through supporting men and women in prison to change their lives. Steve has been a prison chaplain for a decade but admits the thought of going into a prison once “put a shiver up my spine”.
“My first recollection of going into the correctional centre was intense security of cameras and large iron gates. After some prayerful consideration I felt the Lord saying that, ‘Sometimes you may have to go outside your comfort zone to do my Will. I find it a privilege to be in a place where these guys can have a ‘safe place’ to unload, then to look and be ready to share the hope in Jesus Christ. The most gratifying moments are when you see the change in the countenance of those who find hope and peace in their hearts.” Steve recalls.
Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy is a ministry of Carinity, a Queensland not-for- profit which also operates aged care, disability support, special assistance schools, accommodation for homeless youth, and family counselling services.
Anyone interested in volunteering as a prison chaplain can find more information at www.insideoutchaplaincy.org.au/volunteer-chaplains.
You can also support Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy to help more prisoners by donating at www.carinity.org.au/donate or by phoning (07) 3550 3737.