More Christian converts in prison

Prison Baptism

Baptisms are on the increase in prisons across Northamptonshire and the eastern region.

This rise has been instigated by prisoners themselves who have asked to become Christians.

Reverend Dennis Hines from Northampton works in the prison ministry. He alongside prison chaplains, have carried out many prison baptisms.

But being accepted by the wider community once the prisoners leave prisons is proving difficult.

Asking for advice

Reverand Hines said: "I found that a lot of prisoners were becoming Christians and wanted to make the full commitment by a water baptism.

"This never happened before because of security reasons, and we were not allowed to bring our equipment onto the site.

"Now it's being widely accepted and we can now carry out these types of baptisms."

Dennis travels the East to many prisons to meet with prisoners having informal chats and discussing faith with them.

"They know why I'm there, they know what I believe in, I don't go round shoving a Bible in their face I simply talk to them and if they are interested they know they can come to me."

Accepting the gospel

More and more people in prison are turning to faith and Dennis feels his role is paramount

"We do our best to help and support the prisoners in their decision but lack the funding to help them when they leave prison.

"Whilst they are in prison they get a one-to-one service and feel accepted in their decisions, but in the world outside they are still classed as convicts and most of them are out-cast from the Christian churches.

"We need to teach Christians outside their walls to accept them and their faith."

Michael Wilson is a prisoner who made a decision to be baptised and become a Christian. He says, "My attitudes have changed and I just want to follow the gospel."

Michael has been a Christian for over a year now and is leading courses to inspire others about Christianity.