Testimonies

A New Family

My health is being restored because of your help with medication and emergency treatment. I thanked God today that while I don't have a family to help me, you gave me the NPMI family who always stays with me in my hard moments.

Miriam Vargas, Abandoned Prisoner
La Esperanza Women's Prison

Taking Children to Church

I want to learn more each day from the Bible, and to finish my sentence so that I can take my children to church and see that they learn about God. Then, I want to take the Gospel to others.

Single mother of 5 children
Resident of District 4 prison

Fewer 'Regulars'

Since your program started here we are seeing fewer of the 'regulars' returning after release, and we now see them and their families in church.

Captain
District 1 Prison

A Changing Atmosphere

The day before the REC began, I went to La Esperanza to meet with Subcomandante Modesto and her staff to go over the schedule. (All the prison staffs in Nicaragua were rotated last year to different prisons so none of the key people at La Esperanza had experienced an REC program.)

After meeting in the office, I walked across the compound with Capitana Josefa to discuss the event in more detail. As we were leaving the interior of the prison, I thanked Capitana Josefa for her interest and for taking time to go through the details of the REC with me. With that she stopped walking, turned to me and said “No, we thank you. The life of a prison guard in Nicaragua is dangerous and difficult but your program has changed the atmosphere in this prison. The women are kinder to each other and they are kinder to the guards and administrators in the prison. Your work here has changed this place and made our jobs so much easier so it is we who thank you.”

I told her that only God can changed hearts and He is the one who has changed La Esperanza.

Wow! All I can say is praise God and thank you to all of the generous supporters of NPMI that are joining in what God is doing in Nicaragua.

Rod Brown

Memories from REC 2003

The faces of new participants change from scowls or impassive expressions to smiles and laughter. Seeing a resident smile and pat the shoulder of an officer that was walking by. Listening to the harmony of Denia and Grace while singing songs from Costa Rica that everyone knew. Prayers; hugs and tears. Poster party with colorful posters and lively songs and skits. The tears and smiles for the children at the candle walk, and actual contact between a few of the women and the children. Hugs. Testimonies of changed hearts. A couple of children walking into the group to hand drawings to women further back. The gift of a bible from a resident to the child who made a moving speech (she later received another one). And a powerful musical drama of the story of creation and the life of Jesus.

That last one was especially moving to me, because 3 of the participants sat at my table in previous years, and I remember how they were once filled with hate and anger... such powerful transformations! When congratulated, they replied consistently that it was because of REC and the message of love that changed them and inspired the beautiful performance. They wanted to show the depths of what it has meant to them. Boy, did they succeed!

Anne Harr

Gixcel in the Market

Gixcel is a Nicaraguan church member who regularly volunteers in the prisons. She was shopping for personal hygiene products for abandoned prisoners. Seeking to get the most for her money, Gixcel chose a store located in one of the most dangerous places in Managua. Ready to leave with her purchases, she realized that she was being followed by two men. She immediately started praying for God's protection.

Just as the two men were prepared to attack her, a third man came upon the scene and yelled, "NOT HER!" The two would-be attackers fled immediately. The third man said, "God bless you sister." When he saw that Gixcel was confused, he said, "Don't you recognize me? I was in District 1 Prison two weeks ago and you brought me food and drink and words of comfort. I have told everyone here who you are, and that you are to be protected while you are here." Then, he helped Gixcel load her purchases in the taxi.

Conquering Corruption

This week we won battle against corruption. We did our second medical clinic today in District 6 jail (the one where the conditions are so very bad). But after the first clinic the prisoners did not get their medicine. We also noted that the pillows we bought were missing in large numbers. We also heard complaints of the guards taking the Bibles away. etc. Today we went to the police commissioner and complained. He was angry. At first the medicines were missing. Then they were found. Then the police lied to him saying they had given out the medicine. I showed him the perscription, counted the pills, and proved that the policeman standing in front of me was lieing. The commissioner told the gaurd that he ought to lock the gaurd in jail to teach him some compassion.

The police commissioner showed me the Bible we gave him and where he had underlined verses. He is reading it. He says it gives him comfort. He also floored me with an invitation. He is invited me to put a fulltime chaplain in the jail. He says it would help him fight corruption and would bring God's love to the prisoners and their families.

Scott Martin