Ivan, Emeka… sons of hope

The National Prison Ministries Philippines Inc., also known as PF Philippines, has been privileged to have contact with the children of inmates.

At the time of this writing, Ivan is a month old. His father is still completing his time for about six (6) years now inside the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, Philippines. Ivan is the fifth of five children. They are cared for by their mother, Norma, who doubles up as breadwinner for the family.

Ivan’s father is an active believer. He is completing his theology studies through a program offered inside NBP. He has been selected in the second batch of Spokesman Club of the Grace Communion International (used to be known as the Worldwide Church of God). The Spokesman Club, which runs for nine (9) months, the shortest, is one of the five (5) programs of Restoring Personhood Module of the National Prison Ministries Philippines Inc.

The module’s goal goes hand-in-hand with PFI’s objective of bringing offenders and victims into a relationship with Jesus Christ. In one of the ancient writings, it reads: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Meanwhile, Emeka is about six (6) months old. He was born to an overseas Filipino worker who had an unfortunate brush with the law in the host country. Emeka was born while his mother was still in prison. With due intervention by the Philippine government and other non-government organizations, including the Prison Fellowship International (PFI) National Ministry in that country, the mother and child were sent back to the Philippines last September 2009.