Prison raising funds to help pay for chapel renovations

By PISAI GUMAR
PRISONERS at Buimo Jail in Lae have started a fundraising drive to raise K30,000 to pay for renovations to their chapel and buy musical instruments for worship.
Jail commander Felix Namane said the spiritual lives and wellbeing of prisoners was crucial to their rehabilitation.
He launched the fundraising drive yesterday in partnership with members of Prison Fellowship International, Combined Churches Fellowship and Assemblies of God.
Activities will include of gospel outreaches and open appeals from March 23-June 3.
Lae outreaches will be at Eriku on March 23, Top Town on March 30 and Main Market on April 6.
Mutzing in Markham Valley will be on April 13 and Bulolo on May 4.
Namane said the chapel was built in 1984 and needed to be repaired and refurbished.
He said that after the mass breakout on July 7, 2018, Buimo literally changed, with much focus on spiritual and sporting activities.
Buimore-integration coordinator Mason Mai said they would have an Easter event for prisoners and Correctional Service (CS) officers and families on April 25-29. A thanksgiving will be held on May 12.
A church group will visit on May 19.
“Our Christian radio share-athon at Top Town is on May 24,” Mai said.
“We urge our parents, churches, government agencies and companies to support us.”
The inmates need two guitars each for 10 cells for evening and morning devotions.
They have also appealed for sponsorship for trophies, prizes and uniforms for sporting events planned for April 4.