Prison Fellowship in Czech Republic

Max and Alce McClure outside Jirice prison in the Czech Republic.

From December 9-12 I had the privilege to visit Max and Alce McClure who are partnering with Prison Fellowship in the Czech Republic. On this visit I was invited to join the final session of the “Building Bridges” program in the maximum security ward of Jirice prison. Over the course of eight weeks a group of volunteers who are the victims of a crime come to the prison to meet with 6-8 men who have been convicted of a crime and are serving out their sentences. The commitment of the volunteers is incredible. Prison Fellowship organizes a van to pick them up in Prague and drive them over one hour to the prison. This is a four hour commitment per week, for eight weeks!

One of the key aims of the program is to invite the prisoners to come to terms with how the crime they committed impacts victims and then to take steps towards reparation. The course material lifts up biblical themes for reflection and discussion and invites both victim and perpetrator to share their stories and to be listened to. Max and Alce shared with me that the most transformative aspect of this program is giving space for people’s stories to be heard. In this last group, one prisoner shared that he had never been listened to the way he had in this group, nor had he ever dared to be vulnerable and share his story.

For the last session each participant was asked to write a letter, the prisoner to the victim of his crime, and the victim to the offender, which they then read out loud to the group. As the letters were being read deep emotions were expressed, sorrow for wrongs committed with resolution to change, anger at what was suffered as well as the experience of greater freedom from past trauma. As each letter was read one could feel the intensity of the listening, heads nodding, tears being shed. What we experienced was a genuine step towards healing for both prisoner and victim of crime. I sensed the Spirit’s reconciling and healing power moving among us.

At the end of the session three of the prisoners had a special surprise to share. They had baked a chocolate cake for the whole group. They timidly came to the front, holding the cake, sharing that they are not “bakers", but that they did the best they could. The cake was a gift they wanted to share to say thank you to the group. After we all had a piece of this “labor of love” cake it was time for the group to say goodbye to each other. Watching prisoner and guest shake hands and wish each other well I could see that their hearts had been opened to each other, and they saw each other with new eyes. Something transformational had happened in their lives.

Max and I met up in Prague after he visited a different prison where he is a mentor for prisoners preparing for release. You’ll often see him with a guitar on his back riding a train or walking through the city on the way to a ministry event. Music is an important part of Max’s ministry and he uses songs as a catalyst to open up thought and discussion on Biblical themes and spiritual realities with small groups in the prison.

Pray for Max and Alce and the ministries they are leading in partnership with Prison Fellowship.

These include:

-Building Bridges in Jirice prison- pray for God’s continued work in the lives of the participants that recently completely their sessions.

-Pankrac prison where Max is serving as a mentor for a prisoner preparing for release, for small group meetings and his ministry through music.

Klubik- A kids club for prisoners’ children held weekly in Prague.

-Bridges Center- ministry in a local church for released prisoners hosted by Prison Fellowship. For several young seekers who volunteer here and are being impacted by the community, the bible studies, and worship times with the group. That they would be open to Christ’s love and call on their life.

-For churches within the Czech Brethren and Catholic churches who are mobilizing many volunteers to serve with Prison Fellowship in their ministries.

The Christmas Market in the old city center of Prague.