They obey Jesus’ command to bring good news to Thai prisoners
By Marilyn McCutcheon
Our motivation
“Why do we bother to come 5500 kms from Perth?” we ask.
Usually a few prisoners put up their hands and say “Phra Jiauw” meaning “God” in Thai.
Yes, that’s the reason our team makes annual visits to Thai prisons as part of the Hope Behind Bars Ministry to extend the love of God in Word and care in practical ways.
Men’s prisons
This year’s visit was notable for the opening of doors to all 6 prisons we applied to for entry. We gained entry for the first time to the Youth Central Prison, Pathumthani, where we have 3 faithful men on our list (the only English speakers). There were 7 professions of faith amongst 48 men. Two of the leaders, also musicians, had composed a song called “He’s knocking at the door” ‘Don’t blow your chance for happiness, Jesus Christ’s coming now, Don’t you hear he is knocking at the door…the only person standing in your way is you, the worst thing you can do in life is to say no to Him.” In each of the prisons there was a lot of musical talent with original songs and wonderful singing. We were privileged to share worship with them.
Baptisms
We visited our two furthest country prisons, one being Khao Bin prison, where we baptised 5 men by full immersion. This was from only one building, represented by 64 church members. At Klong Pai there were 17 baptised by sprinkling. Rules are strict under military rule in Thailand at present and the rule was that only one building could be called out, as there was to be no mixing between buildings. Again we had a wonderful time of worship with these men and it was wonderful to see the responses of faith.
Teaching
The Parable of the Sower was told with words and pictures as parables are contextually relevant to a largely Buddhist audience. Just as there are different types of soil we pray that the Holy Spirit will enable the audience to hear, understand, persevere in the Word and show forth fruit.
Women’s prison
This was our highlight. They were sitting in a classroom at desks, not on the floor, so we were all equals on the same level. They understood English, perhaps due to different ethnicity and learning. We were overwhelmed by the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit, evident in their singing, testimonies from the heart and their strong faith. We were just sisters with them and shared in their fellowship. So the modified message of the parable for them was that they were now the sowers of the gospel of salvation, just as we were.
Testimonies were heard from 6 ladies. Paulette from Africa has been in prison 16 yrs, Rosemarie from Philippines 16 yrs, Doris from Ghana, now an old lady with arthritis 19 and a half years. They are all dedicated Christian leaders and have given up so much. Children have grown up without mothers, parents have died, life has gone on without them. But they count it a blessing because it was in prison that they found the living Christ. They so inspired us that some of our group were moved to give their own testimonies.
The singing of the women was very moving. Two groups sang with four part harmony, with the beautiful rich African voices blending with Filipino voices, bodies swinging. There was not a dry eye in the room. We told them that they were as much a blessing to us as we were to them. These women have so little and yet they are rich. They have the living water and they are overflowing with it and want to share it with others. Before we left Perth we sang “Make me a Channel of your Peace,” based on the prayer of St Francis of Assisi, and this was our prayer for our team.
We thank our home church for standing behind us. Many letters come from prisoners to this church. Our church name, Claremont Baptist Church, “the Light on the Hill”, is known throughout prisons in Thailand. 
Ellen Broerse
Marilyn is Co-Leader of the Hope Behind Bars Ministry, along with Ellen Broerse the founder of this ministry. They are both active members of Claremont Baptist Church in Perth.
The impact of this growing organisation which started about 20 years ago has spread to volunteers and facilitators in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Europe and South Africa.
Currently 37 prison churches are being impacted by Hope Behind Bars either through contact with pen friends or team visits annually.
Read the story of how Ellen started this ministry.See Hope behind bars from asian beacon October 28, 2013from http://asianbeacon.org/hope-behind-bars/
