Our Intern Writes - #5

Together with Wei, our Integrated Ministry Care Lead, at lunch.

On 27 July, Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS) held her biennial Prison Ministry Conference, with this year’s theme being ‘Beyond the Prison Walls’. The theme brings our attention to life outside of prison, namely the Aftercare journey of ex-offenders, as well as those indirectly affected by their incarceration, with emphasis on their children. We invited three speakers, all of whom have contributed significantly to the ministry. Our keynote speaker, Jackie Pullinger, is a missionary who has been ministering in Hong Kong since 1966 and is the author of Chasing the Dragon and Crack in the Wall. Karam Singh, our second speaker, is the chief psychologist with the Singapore Prison Service and he shared on the impact of incarceration on the young. Our last speaker, Kirk Tan, is a pastor of Covenant Evangelical Free Church who oversees the Family Life Ministry and also founded the Men’s Ministry Network, a relational network of pastors and key church leaders committed to “ministries to men” to enhance men’s discipleship in Singapore churches.

Woke up bright and early for this day! Preparing goodie bags with the other staff before conference registration commenced.

This being the first major event in PFS that I assisted in, the nerves and tension I felt were of no surprise. It would be the first major event where I would see the result of my work done at PFS, which, while it did excite me, was also a scary thought. However, the result of the conference proved how unfounded my fear was, seeing as how everyone seemed to have enjoyed the programme and how impacted they were by our speakers. I was heartened to see many familiar faces from the Thursday Connect Group, seeing how much support both our volunteers and beneficiaries have given us. It was also reassuring to see many of our attendees being young adults, as I had always believed that prison ministry volunteers tended to be on the older side, and that young adults were not as interested in such a ministry.

“I was heartened to see many familiar faces from the Thursday Connect Group, seeing how much support both our volunteers and beneficiaries have given us. It was also reassuring to see many of our attendees being young adults, as I had always believed that prison ministry volunteers tended to be on the older side, and that young adults were not as interested in such a ministry.”

Jackie Pullinger, our keynote speaker, opening the conference.

While I was unable to catch most of the talks, having to set up for the lunch and subsequently clean up after, I was grateful to have had the chance to listen to Jackie Pullinger’s life story and beliefs, which spoke volumes about her commitment, compassion and love for the ministry. She shared about her time within the Kowloon Walled City, where she started her missionary journey. As someone born with the comforts the Singaporean life has given me and in a nation with a strong Christian presence, I have always admired the work missionaries do, leaving the comforts of their homeland behind in order to spread God’s love to places seemingly devoid of it. Pullinger’s story is, of course, no exception. She spoke of her struggles, from constantly looking down to avoid stepping on rats to fighting exhaustion while praying for people at their bedsides throughout the night. To most, she had few reasons to stay, and countless to leave. And yet, she speaks for the ministry with fiery passion, proclaiming God’s glory and His works through her. Her determination and passion for God’s people, strong enough to call her struggles “just part of the job”, was truly inspiring. 

“I was grateful to have had the chance to listen to Jackie Pullinger’s life story and beliefs, which spoke volumes about her commitment, compassion and love for the ministry... As someone born with the comforts the Singaporean life has given me and in a nation with a strong Christian presence, I have always admired the work missionaries do, leaving the comforts of their homeland behind in order to spread God’s love to places seemingly devoid of it. ”

Our panel consisted of (from L to R) Mr. Karam Singh, Mr. Chua Kok Wan, Pastor Kirk Tan, Ms. Jackie Pullinger and our moderator, Ms. Lorinne Kon.

I was also fortunate enough to catch the panel discussion, featuring the three guest speakers we invited as well as PFS Executive Director, Chua Kok Wan. The questions touched on a variety of topics surrounding prison ministry, with encouraging stories of renewal and reconciliation to heavier ones such as burnout and the struggle of balance between ministry and family. It was heartening to hear of how they came to where they are, how much they pushed through, yet also sobering as we are reminded of the endless struggle in the ministry, as well as the false preconceptions of ex-offenders held by many, even within the church. We know that the fruit borne in Prison Ministry will be sweet, but the mental, emotional and spiritual demand is immense. I hope the panel discussion gave all who serve in the ministry greater insight and encouragement, and that it will spur them on to continue doing the good work. 

“Prison Ministry Conference 2024 had opened my eyes to the many ways God has been able to make Himself known, and will continue to do so through this ministry. It showed me the amazing things He can do through us, if we only choose to trust and obey. ”

Prison Ministry Conference 2024 had opened my eyes to the many ways God has been able to make Himself known, and will continue to do so through this ministry. It showed me the amazing things He can do through us, if we only choose to trust and obey. Looking back at Pullinger’s sharings, she always emphasised God’s hand in all things, that what she had done was nothing more than to obey. Tan and Singh had also mentioned heeding God’s call during the panel discussion. It is a reminder to all of us that while strength, wisdom, resilience and qualities of the like are important, they mean nothing if we do not use them to further His kingdom. I am sure that Pullinger, Tan, and Singh’s own inner strength and grit helped them greatly, but it was their willingness to obey and trust God that got them to where they are today. Thus, Instead of asking Him for the same strength and compassion our speakers have, I ask for the same willingness to obey His will for me, and to trust as they have trusted.