To Open the Eyes that are Blind

To open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.  Isaiah 42:7

What should the attitude of the church be to those who are in prison?  Some Christians feel sorry for them while others believe they are being justly punished for their misdeeds.  The commandments of the Bible clearly show that we should feel compassion and mercy to those who suffer in prison.  I am grateful for the loving kindnesses I received while I was a prisoner; it changed my life so much so that now instead of a life of despair, I am a pastor, a husband, and a father.  In His great mercy, the Lord has, and still, rescues prisoners through the ministry of the church.

The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Saint Petersburg has a history of being involved in prison ministry.  A number of our church members came to Christ while in prison and continue to minister in this realm by participating in the Angel Tree Christmas project for prisoners’ families and by helping to build a halfway house for released convicts. Two months ago we were asked to participate in an exciting project to film testimonies of how Christ has changed our lives and to show glimpses of our lives.   Four men from our church participated—myself, Dmitry Ivanov, Alexander Golov and Dmitry Kupch.

The film is currently being edited.  Pray that God will use this film to reach many who still suffer in bondage to the Evil One.

Pastor Oleg Volkov

Reformed Presbyterian Church

Saint Petersburg, Russia