Prison ministry was my main choice - Photo:bigstock.com
During my time as a lay missionary in Taiwan my main choice for ministry was to do prison ministry. Before I made the decision to take on this ministry, I visited several other possible options and discussed these with the lay mission leadership team, but made my final decision to focus on this important ministry.
When I first visited Hsinchu Remand Prison for young offenders I felt strong a compassion for them. In their expressions I saw a picture of myself during my own youth.
Redemption was not a distant idea for me. It was the experience of becoming aware that God truly loves me. It is a great consolation to know that God is always with us.
In my youth I, too, went astray. I drank alcohol and stayed out late at night with my friends. At that time, deep down, I was uncomfortable with myself and felt that something was missing. But then, at the end of my wanderings, I found God. It was my hope to introduce to these young people to this strong protector. It was because of my familiar experiences that I felt this desire to be with young people. That is why I chose prison ministry.
Redemption was not a distant idea for me. It was the experience of becoming aware that God truly loves me. It is a great consolation to know that God is always with us. Every day God’s love will uplift us and make us laugh. This is my salvation. This is what I can share with others during my life as a lay missionary. This, I believe, is missionary work and living the life of our protector.
Columban lay missionary Sunhee Maria Kim lives and works in the Philippines.
