A gate stands, reaching higher than any person can see. An enormous lock and chain prevent anyone from going in or coming out. Darkness covers the whole area and a sign defines the place inside: prison.  All of a sudden, the gate violently explodes and a new gate is revealed. A beautiful, white gate appears. Light shines everywhere and the sign that once called this place a prison is redefined. It is now known as an “area of change.” This was the vision Philipson Georges received which caused him to begin a ministry in the prison of St. Marc, Haiti. It was a long journey to even begin this ministry. Two years after Philipson saw this vision, during a prayer meeting a friend felt they should go pray in front of the prison. While they were fervently praying, a man came by to ask why they were praying so loudly. Philipson told him that he had been trying to start a ministry inside the prison for some time, but was unable to get a meeting with the prison inspector. When the man told him that he was the prison inspector, Philipson had a hard time believing that the door was opened so easily after years of trial.  The meeting was scheduled for the next day and within two weeks the ministry began.  He began telling the prisoners about Jesus, baptizing them and teaching them about the bible. The staff at the prison began to notice a change in the prisoners. Fighting began to decrease and the ministry flourished. Now many of the prisoners are following Jesus and eagerly learning more about Him and His word.  Philipson has had complaints that the women are praying so loudly at night that the guards can’t sleep, and many of the prisoners know sections of the Bible by heart.  This is a testimony of Philipsons persistence with following his vision and God’s blessing on this ministry. With three services a week and many other activities the prisoners have something to look forward to and a new hope. Philipson hopes to train them in other areas of relationships, helping them build trust with society and family. Philipson has many dreams and plans for the future. Everyday he sees these dreams come true. Just days before our interview with him one of the prisoners was released and is now attending the services outside of the cell ministering to his friends who are still in captivity.

Philipson is turning this prison into what it was originally intended for. Before prisons existed, the only punishment was death. Prisons were created for the transformation of those who have committed crimes. The time they spend there should change them into the person they should be. When they leave, their families should embrace them instead of shunning them. Philipson dreams of the day this happens. He dreams of starting a school inside the prison so that the men and women can be trained during their stay. Engineers, doctors and electricians can emerge instead of people with no knowledge or training. He also wants to start a halfway house for prisoners who are set free, setting up an accountability program for them.

Prayer is the biggest help you can send for Philipson and the ministry he has started. Pray that Philipson’s dreams for the future will come true. Pray that the ministry will prosper and move into new prisons. Pray for continued transforming of hearts inside the prison walls. Pray that it will become what it was intended to be: an area of change.