Sammy’s story highlights the vital role prison chaplaincy can play

Every week in prisons across Queensland chaplains are reaching out to offenders who have been written off by their families, the system and themselves.

Without the intervention of prison chaplains, the story of former prisoners such as Sammy may have ended quite differently.

Every week in prisons across Queensland, chaplains are making a difference, reaching out to offenders who have been written off by their families, the system and themselves.

Queensland not-for-profit Carinity provides the Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy service, going inside the state’s jails to bring messages of love, faith and support to those people who feel forgotten.

Sammy’s story highlights the vital role prison chaplaincy can play in transforming the lives of people in prison.

Sammy, who asked that his last name be withheld, grew up in a violent home and was abused regularly until, at the age of 15, he finally left home.

By that stage he was already addicted to drugs and pornography.

By the age of 18 he was drinking a cask of wine a day to try and drown out the voices that tormented him.

Before long, his addictions and the need to fund them led him to commit a number of armed robberies and he was imprisoned.

In a dark place, regular visits from chaplains became a lifeline for Sammy.

During his second visit to prison, he handed over his life to God.

“Finding God in prison was the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said.

“He had been walking with me the whole time and led me to a place of repentance.”

Today, Sammy is out of prison and studying a Diploma of Counselling.

He is in a positive relationship and is looking forward to fulfilling his dream of marriage and family.

Without the intervention of prison chaplains, Sammy’s story may have ended quite differently.

By donating to the Carinity Chaplains Appeal, you can help fund the work of Inside Out prison chaplains in 14 correctional centres across Queensland – ensuring men and women in prisons are not forgotten by society.

Carinity chaplains also support people in hospitals and aged care communities and students in special assistance schools.

Donations can be made to the 2021 Carinity Chaplains Appeal at carinity.org.au/donations.

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.