THE KUKMIN DAILY

On the snowy morning of December 1, in the auditorium of Somang (Hope) Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do, 78 inmates were baptized at a service commemorating the prison’s fourth anniversary (photo).

Looking sincere, they apologized for their sins and resolved to live like Jesus, who became a light for this dark world. Among those baptized, one was under a five-year sentence for rape and assault, and another had been entrusted to Somang Prison for education after receiving a four-year sentence for sexually assaulting a child younger than 13.

Mr. Ham (30) testified in tears after his baptism, “I’ve always hated my father for his drinking and violence. Now that I’m born again through God’s grace, I’ll try to understand my father, who now has cancer, and will pray for the recovery of our relationship.” Another inmate confessed that he is quietly reading the Bible, which he received for the first time as a gift, and is repenting of his sins one by one.

The Somang Choir, made up of 30 inmates, sang “Zacchaeus was a very little man,” and the service participants responded with great applause. One pastor caressed the face of a baptized inmate and wept.

In his sermon titled “God of Solace” (Corinthians II 1:3-6), Rev. Kim Jang-hwan, board chair of Far East Broadcasting Company, said, “God’s ministry happens when a human being meets another human being, and a miracle happens when a human being meets God… There’s no glory without hardship. I expect all of you to depend steadfastly on God and live a precious life.”

Rev. Kim Sam-hwan (far right), board chair of Agape Foundation, said in his congratulatory message, “It was God’s special gift for the Korean church to build and open Somang Prison, Asia’s first private prison. The Korean church needs to share the love of Jesus unceasingly with those who are confined inside these walls for their moment of error, and encourage them to become useful, exemplary citizens in our society.”

The practice of baptism at Somang Prison, built in the Christian spirit, has borne fruits and proved the potential worth of mission in correctional institutions. Opened on December 1, 2010, the prison currently has about 350 inmates. So far 371 have been released. The readmission rate is 5.1%, merely ¼ of the national average (20∼22%). Of particular note is that none of the 88 released former sex offenders who received personality education here has been readmitted. Somang Prison Director Shim Dong-seob said, “Somang Prison is not a prison that locks up persons, but has become a community that saves persons. Its mission will continue with the prayers and concern of the Korean church.

Article and photo by reporter Yeong Dae Yoo (ydyoo@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)


Click here for the original article in Korean