Human Nature’s Prison Ministry: Love Beyond Bars

In the heart of Human Nature’s mission are stories of faith, compassion, second chances, and love that transforms hearts.

Guided by our firm belief in God’s grace displayed in our love for our fellow Filipinos, we found a new expression of our mission, or rather, it found us–the Prison Ministry.

This newborn advocacy’s extraordinary story began on October 4, 2022, with a simple visit to a detained employee at Payatas Station 13. Charged with possession of illegal drugs, he found himself imprisoned, not just by prison bars, but by loneliness and hopelessness.

Our Pastoral Care Team headed by our QC Chaplain, Pastor William Litana, stepped into the detention center armed with prayers, the Bible, and basic necessities. A divine purpose unfolded as our detained co-worker expressed a desire to continue these visits even after his release, so he and the team could also minister to his co-inmates.

The following month, what started as a gesture of kindness evolved into a deepening commitment to journey with those hungering for both love and God. Since the start of the year, the team and volunteers have been sharing food, songs and prayers with the detainees every Monday.

Rooted in Luke 4:18, “He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives…” and confirmed by Human Nature’s theme for 2023, “Abounding in every good work,” the vision is to provide release not just from prison bars, but from the chains of addiction and despair that hold so many lives captive. Many detainees needed more than just coffee and counseling; they needed the divine intervention of the Gospel for hope and healing.

Our advocacy reached beyond detainees; it touched even the lives of the police officers, going from doubting the team to trusting them. It has expanded into a Police Ministry twice a month, gathering both law enforcers and detainees to show compassion and share the blessings with each other. 

Partnerships also blossomed. We collaborated with organizations like Puso ng Ama Foundation (PNA), headed by Fr. Paul Uwemedimo, the Payatas Evangelical Movement (PEM) through Pastor Jack Alvares, and German husband-and-wife team, Pastor Holger and Pastor Laarni Tetzlaff. 

Through their support and help, our services became livelier and deeper, with praise music, prayer and counseling, and sharing of the Word. Four former inmates have also joined us in serving the detainees. Now, we are looking to partner with medical institutions for the treatment of drug dependents.

As drug addiction and trafficking are widespread in Payatas, among other plans, we want to educate the drug dependents’ families on how to help their loved ones overcome addiction and struggles, at the same time, teach the youth how to flee from the temptation before it takes hold of them.

Through this ministry, we learn that imprisonment isn’t just through physical bars. We are sometimes trapped by our fears, worries and unforgiveness. By joining the Prison Ministry, we also learn empathy, humility, and the power of God’s love to break all barriers.

At Human Nature, our core values are more than just words; we communicate and relate through our love languages of faith in action, love for neighbors, integrity, stewardship, and fullness of life. Let’s continue expressing our love for others by joining the Prison Ministry in giving people a second chance at a better life. 

You can #ShareTheLove this Christmas by sending gifts, donating food and goods, or donating your time through volunteering. We can prove that God’s love and compassion through us, are the keys to unlock even the most imprisoned of hearts.