New Approach with New Results

“They‘ll be back,” a prison guard mutters as he watches a group of released prisoners exit the facility. His pessimistic assumption is based on the hard reality of statistics - nationally one in four prisoners will re-offend within one year of their release. But if that guard were to observe the prisoners in the faith-based unit of Rimutaka Prison in Wellington, New Zealand, he'd likely have a different perspective.

This Christian-based unit, launched by PF New Zealand in 2003, boasts drastically reduced recidivism rates among its first graduates. Only 2 of 28 men have re-offended within the first year of their release. With an annual cost of $60,000 to keep a prisoner behind bars, that kind of reduction in recidivism could potentially save tax-payers millions of  dollars a year.

Even more startling than these notable statistics is the altered atmosphere inside the faith-based prison unit.  Prisoners who were once independent loners are now supporting their fellow inmates, participating in group Bible studies and leading the men in prayer.  One such prisoner, Simon, learned a new way of life while in the faith-based unit. A drug-user, Simon had been in and out of prison for years. “I had had interventions with psychologists and counsellors before, but I couldn‘t find anything that could direct me out of the way I was,” he confesses.

After only nine months in the unit, Simon‘s transformation was evident to everyone.  His mentor says he went from having an “attitude problem” to being a committed Christian who inspires others. Simon so impressed the Parole Board that he was released early on home detention. He now lives with his family and continues to put his new faith into practice. “I still carry Christ in my heart and praise him day and night,” he says.  Another prisoner who participated in the faith-based unit remarked, “When I first started forgiving myself, it was like being set free. I think that was the first time I felt that God was really working in my life.” He went on to become an “elder” in the unit and he now helps to lead the prayers and the Bible study programmes. 

Prisoners in the faith-based unit are clearly motivated to turn their lives around and start anew on the outside.  Some may indeed plan to return to prison after they‘re released, but only voluntarily, to lead a Bible study and say hello to old friends.