Thoughts on the Run - Part 1
5 Jun 2021
Saturday, 29 May 2021 may not be a significant date for most of us. This day was the date of release for a PFS beneficiary, who has been incarcerated for more than 20 years. As I was conquering the incline on my Saturday morning run, I offered a prayer for Ah Teck (not his real name), whom my PFS colleague, Yong Wei was receiving at Prison’s main entrance that same morning. For Ah Teck, 29 May 2021 is a significant date!
At PFS, one of our key ministries is the Prison Gate Ministry (PGM). PGM is to receive an inmate on his 1st day of release and assist him with the transitional issues from prison into society. This is an important milestone for all inmates.
Usually for PGM, PFS staff will stop by the Salvation Army in Changi for the newly released inmate to buy some pre-loved clothing. Our partner, The Salvation Army, will invariably grant him a discount for his purchase, if accompanied by a PFS staff. Apart from a MRT card and some NTUC vouchers presented to the beneficiary, we will usually take him for a special lunch at New Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh in Simpang Bedok, given he has not tasted pork during his entire sentence. He will have many needs, such as, applying for a new NRIC at ICA; applying for SSO financial assistance; a shelter; opening a bank account; a mobile phone; and nowadays, a Safe Entry token.
How does one re-integrate after 20 years locked away? There are so many needs, so many things to learn about Singapore in 2021. Where does PFS even begin with this beneficiary? He has no idea what is a SingPass, an OTP or Safe Entry. His basic needs for food, shelter and a job are primary, what about family reconciliation and friends? Such are the challenges confronting a newly released inmate.
After-care is the more strategic aspect of PFS’ ministry, it is where the “rubber meets the road”. Now the beneficiary has to stand on his own, commence his re-integration journey and sustain this effort. This journey is often lonely and difficult. PFS seeks to change the landscape, by walking the journey together, with the beneficiary and inviting the community to join us. In Singapore, we know “it takes a kampong to raise a child”, at PFS we firmly believe “it takes a community to journey with an ex-offender”.
Today through PFS, Ah Teck is staying at HCSA Highpoint Halfway House and working as a cleaner, under the supervision of a PFS volunteer, who himself was an ex-offender transformed by God through PFS.
If you are interested to know more about PFS’ ministry or would like to volunteer with us, please write to us at volunteer@pfs.org.sg.
By Chua Kok Wan, Executive Director
Prison Fellowship Singapore
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