ABWE missionary Sophie Jenista and her ministry partner Deb Anat began this work in 2000 at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Manila, Philippines. Sophie and Deb trained prisoner leaders called Lightbearers, to introduce prisoners to Christ, disciple them, and teach them to pray and serve. Because Christ transformed the prison, the administration offered them land on the compound to build the ABWE Freedom in Christ Baptist Church where prisoners gather each day for Bible study, worship, and prayer. Twenty-three years later, more than one thousand women have met Christ through this ministry. Recently, twenty-four more women were baptized in obedience to Christ and to signify their commitment to follow Him. One inmate shared that she didn’t regret coming to prison because she found the Lord and was able to overcome her anger, bitterness, and resentment. Released prisoners go on to actively plant churches or serve as they have learned to do at CIW.

Another prison on Panay Island has seen the results of this ministry at the prison in Manila and has requested a ministry there also.

Sophie passed away in May 2022 and with her the support for this ministry. Your generous gifts will provide small monthly stipends for the Lightbearers, food and personal care items for the inmates, and teaching materials.