Hope

Helen (who I have been staying with) does a Bible study in the women's prison every week, so I went with her on Friday. The prison is very different to how I imagined it to be - we walk into a courtyard that is crammed full of people! There are lines of clothes hanging above, across from either side of the courtyard, women cooking/washing/ironing in different areas, a few stores for food, and kids playing everywhere! It is so busy! 

Helen does the Bible study in what used to be the day care room for the kids that live with their mothers in the prison. About 50 women go regularly and on Friday the room was full! Helen did a talk about the holiness of God, we sang some songs and this week Helen gave out clothes to the women. It's great to see so many going and on Friday 3 women became Christians!
Two women that used to be in the prison go with Helen to help out, they are an amazing encouragement of how God can change and use lives. Going to the prison was a reminder of how our hope can be found in Jesus, and through him all can be forgiven. Some women are in the prison due to injustice, others have committed horrible crimes but they can all find hope in Jesus as well as acceptance and love.


Psalm 130:1-8 TNIV

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 

 Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

to my cry for mercy.

 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,

Lord, who could stand?

 But with you there is forgiveness,

so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,

and in his word I put my hope.

 I wait for the Lord

more than watchmen wait for the morning,

more than watchmen wait for the morning.

 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, 

for with the Lord is unfailing love

and with him is full redemption.

 He himself will redeem Israel

from all their sins.