prisoners

I was fortunate enough to join the members of SFC's Prison Ministry in their service last week. I wasn't really shocked when I entered the penitentiary (yeah too much prison break episodes might have prepared me). Kidding aside, what surprised me was the fact that their community resembles a rural area rather than a traditional prison. While heading to the activity area, I felt like I was just in some province walking from barrio to barrio. Of course, unlike any other province, only male population exists in the said place. They have a boxing arena, a huge green field and some space which seems to resemble a hardware/mechanic shop. They have goods for sale along the side, like a typical 'talipapa.' The inmates are free to roam around the said vicinity. I must admit, I felt uncomfortable when I lost sight of my companions. Well, it was definitely not because I was surrounded with convicted people; I usually feel that way whenever I am in an unfamiliar crowd. The inmates were very dear. They made sure that their visitors were comfortable. They arranged the chairs and even fanned some of us. It was a privilege to talk to them. Most of the people there were very articulate.

There were genuine smiles on their faces. The type that you won't even see from a free man who's stressed out from work. I wish I can say that those smiles signify that they are hopeful. Honestly, I don't think they are. The prison walls emit a strong feeling of hopelessness. It's really saddening to see how a wrong decision can impact one's entire life. Each of them has his own story to tell. Whether their acts are justifiable or not, some of these convicts did what they have to do for their family, for survival.

They say that others would rather stay inside the prison because nobody cares for them outside. Their families and friends already turned their backs on them. Furthermore, some think that if they stay inside, they won't have to worry about how to survive each day since food comes free. Added to this is the way some people treat ex-convicts. The stigma will always be there.

There are some who already have their release papers processed but are still confused about how they are going to face life outside. Will they choose to be better individuals? Or will they continue doing the same old 'deeds'? As I think about it, not too many employers are willing to employ ex-convicts. I wish I'm wrong. Others are also afraid that families of their victims might take revenge on them. Or some network of 'wrongdoers' might hunt them down.

I'm glad that despite all of these negativities, their faith in God is still intact. I really think that is admirable. I know that even free men find that hard to do. I believe that lack of faith, in one way or the other, makes us prisoners too. I just wish people outside can be more forgiving. Also, I hope that people who are faced with crime inviting situations can be more cautious of their decisions.

'... the world isn't split into good people and death eaters. We all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the power we chose to act on. That’s who we really are.' - Sirius to Harry