Philemon regularly visit prisons the length and breadth of Kenya – even going as far as Uganda – to present the Christian message of responsibility, change and new beginnings in large meetings.
On their visits, Philemon teams provide Bibles, clothes, foodstuffs, sporting equipment, toilet paper and soap for prisoners as a practical demonstration of God’s concern and care for every human being.
A Philemon team speaking with and comforting death row prisoners:
Presenting the Christian story and mentoring
During Philemon prison visits, it is not unheard of for hundreds of prisoners to make public decisions to change their ways and submit to the leadership of Jesus! Meetings often number in the several hundreds and sometimes extend to thousands of prisoners. Special efforts are often made to meet with prisoners on death row, to mentor, encourage and listen to them.
Prisoners offer their lives to God and commit to start anew:
Philemon has running business skills classes for its prison groups, often through partnerships with other organisations. Classes often have up to 30 attendees and are usually held once a week with participants learning skills such as financial management, stock-keeping and costing.
Working with others
Many of the largest churches in Kenya have decided to enter into partnership with Philemon for the sake of serving the weakest and the least in Kenyan prisons.
Philemon have also established working relationships with medical students from leading University hospitals to set-up ad-hoc “medical camps” for prison officers and inmates.
High-ranking government ministers, such as the former Vice-President of Kenya Moody Awori, have taken great interest in and shown support of the work Philemon is doing.
Uganda
In Uganda, Kelvin regularly attends conferences to speak and share his experience of prison work in Kenya to church pastors from all over Uganda.
Philemon has developed good relationships with the Ugandan Commissioner of Prisons and during a recent visit Kelvin spoke on Ugandan radio and twice appeared on national TV.
There is a growing awareness amongst the Ugandan church of the physical and spiritual needs in Ugandan prisons and of the many opportunities to serve.
Christmas
Historically, Philemon have taken a number of goats or “mbuzi” to celebrate with both prisoners and officers in prison at Christmas-time. One recent Christmas, Philemon organised a large projected screening of Mel Gibson’s film “The Passion of the Christ” to fascinated prisoners – many of whom had never seen a film before!
The team also take gifts for Christmas, such as soda, bread, milk and other items which mean so much to down-hearted prisoners.
Boxes of sodas to take as gifts for prisoners:
We are thankful for the many opportunities to talk and share with inmates and guards and to enjoy good relationships and discussion.