Awaiting Justice

At the United Church of Christ it the Philippines in Sibulan there is something special happening. It is here that a family with a personal and private story has begun to change a congregation – and the way that congregation does ministry.

A few years ago now the son of one of the prominent families was arrested. He was arrested and jailed and charged with murder. Now the details of the case against him, and how it is that he was arrested are bad enough and in and of themselves make one wonder how this family can stand the injustice. But the real kicker is – he was left in jail to await his trial. And he has been there, waiting for that same trial to finish, for almost four years.

I was stunned when I heard that. One semester away from graduating as a Pastor this man was taken away – and there he has remained ever since.

However this is not the end of the story, but just the beginning. Since his arrest a new type of ministry has begun from his home congregation. The members, with the support of the pastor, began a jail ministry. They started up and now continue to run a weekly bible study and time of fellowship for both the male and female inmates. So at least twice a week, members of the congregation are going to the jail to meet with those who are locked up there – all of them awaiting their trials.




When Jesus told the disciples to bring the good news to the captives, or to those imprisoned – I can’t imagine a better manifestation of it than this. These people are being told with actions week in and week out that they have not been forgotten by everyone. That they are still worthy of God’s loving care and attention.

The outpouring of love and care from this one congregation to a previously mostly forgotten and abandoned population is a remainder to us all that even in the worst of situations – when some of the most grievous injustice is occurring – God can and will find a way in. God will work with us and through us to reach the people most in need.

A new hope and new possibilities and new community are being formed between and among the inmates and the congregants of Sibulan Church. And all while awaiting justice.