The prison ministry of the early church began in a Roman jail in Philippi, but it took public beatings and a great earthquake to open those doors to the Gospel message. Today, through the co-operation of the Home Office, Prison Chaplaincy, and Prison Education Departments, Emmaus Bible courses are being studied and completed by approximately 800 students in over 100 prisons in the UK. It should be emphasised that the aim of the School (which is non-denominational) is to work alongside the Chaplains, complementing their work. In 40 years of the Emmaus ministry inside the prisons many Chaplains will bear witness to the fact that the courses have been of real value to them in their prison ministry.
THE 'MODUS OPERANDI'
Our introductory courses are available freely as an aid to any who are interested in studying the Bible for themselves. A good number of prisoners write in for a course after talking with other students in the prison, or after a Gideon meeting, and we welcome requests from Chaplains to have a small supply by them of this 'starter' course to hand out as called for. Upon completion of the test papers the student is asked to return them to the School for marking, via the Chaplain, when a further two courses will be sent to them. This is so that when the first one is completed they can send it up for marking and still have one to be getting on with.
COSTS
On the financial side all courses going into the prisons are sent entirely free of charge, the School relying on gifts from the Lords
people to' meet the needs' of this specialised ministry. After release the student is also encouraged to continue with the courses, which will be sent free of charge for the first 12 months. It is a side of our work, which gives us cause for much praise and thanksgiving, as we learn of the many students who find the courses a real help in leading them into residential Bible College and/or full time service for the Lord.
VISITS
The staff are always willing to visit prisons on request for discussion groups, chapel services, student visits.
CHAPLAINS
We welcome hearing from you on any point and shall be happy to help in any way we can.
PRISON STUDENTS’ COMMENTS
The following are a few answers given by prison students to the ‘What do you say?’ questions. “The courses have helped a great deal in getting to know and understand the Bible. When I started I used to rush now I’ve slowed down and read a part two or three times.” (from ‘Born to Win’) “It is a good course indeed! And I will support your Bible School to keep up with the courses especially for those in
prison, because sometimes when we get depressed and turn to the Bible courses we come across some fact from the scriptures that lifts up our soul. This course (‘Lessons for Christian Living’) has helped me to know that my life was to be used for God’s purpose and not my own selfish reasons, and I need to do things according to God’s will.” “Among the many resources that God has supplied, the
Bible is the most precious because it contains - forgiveness of sins, answered prayers, the presence of the Lord and our inheritance in heaven. It is the reality of God’s presence in my life that has brought me through this time in prison.” (from ‘Peter and Jude’)