Is Real Reform POSSIBLE?

Opening a Window of Hope

For more than 20 years, volunteer ministers of Jehovah's Witnesses have  carried out a successful Bible-based educational program in the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.  During that time, more than 40 inmates have been helped to become baptized members of Jehovah's Witnesses, and more than 90 other inmates have also  benefited from regular Bible studies.

Awake! recently spoke with several Bible teachers who have unselfishly worked in that prison. 

*Why is Bible education so effective in motivating  certain inmates to change their lives?

David:  Many prisoners are people who haven't been shown love, even in childhood.  So when they come to know that God loves them and when they pour their hearts out to him in prayer and then he answers their prayers, he becomes real to them.  Their hearts are motivated to love him in return. 

Ray:  One of the inmates I studied with was abused as a child.  When I asked him what attracted him to Jehovah, he answered that when you learn Bible truth, you find out that Jehovah really understands you.  This made him want to learn more about the personality of such a loving God.

* Some will say that prisoners cling to religion because of ulterior motives-to reduce their sentence or just to kill time. What has your experience shown you?

Fred:  When the inmates come to our studies, we don't appeal to their sentimentality. We simply study the Bible with them. In short order, they learn that they're going to be taught about the Bible and that this is all we do. I've had them come to me and ask for help in dealing with their court cases. I'll not discuss this with them. As a result, the ones who come into the study group and stay there over a period of time really want to learn what the Bible says. 

Nick:  One thing I notice is the changes that some inmates make while they are in the penitentiary. Some of them have become baptized ministers and have suffered a lot because of other inmates. That is very hard for them.  If the Bible had not touched their hearts, they would not have been able to remain faithful under those circumstances.

Israel: Generally, they are people with a deep desire  to learn about Jehovah, and they express it in a beautiful way. You can see that it comes from their heart.

Joe: The ones who become true Christians have come to understand why things went wrong in their lives. They also understand that there is hope for change-a window of hope opens up for them. Now they can sincerely anticipate the future of Jehovah's promises for the future.

* Why can't the prison system alone change criminals?

Joe: The purpose of the penal system is, not to rehabilitate, but to keep criminal away from society. That's the core of the problem-the mind-set of the prison system toward these men. 

Henry: The prison system is unable to change the offender's hearts. Most of these people are going to repeat their crimes when they get out. 

Next time: Could the HOLOCAUST Happen Again?

From the jw.org publications