The prison ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea has witnessed 11 prisoners receiving their confirmation and baptism blessings on August 30th, 2025, at Bundaira Correctional Institution in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands Province.
The program was made possible through the commitment, dedication, and faithfulness of Senior Evangelist Tui Kinu of ELC Kainantu District, who voluntarily began this prison ministry at Bundaira in 2023.
The ministry includes morning and evening fellowships, Sunday services, counselling, and Bible study with inmates.
Evangelist Kinu said that since starting his visits in September 2023, through consistent and regular evangelism among inmates, after two years, they requested to receive confirmation and baptism blessings.
“I discussed their request with the Bundaira Jail Commander and other responsible prison officers, who were helpful and allocated me a working space in the prison.
“I immediately began confirmation and baptism lessons with them over seven to eight weeks, preparing them to receive their blessings,”
— Evangelist Kinu
He added that this was the first program of its kind after more than 15 years of Lutheran absence in the prison, making the event deeply emotional for the inmates receiving their blessings, for ELC Kainantu members who witnessed it, and for warders, prison management, and church leaders of the district.
On the ceremony day, the prisoners were all dressed appropriately, not in their prison uniforms. Evangelist Kinu thanked God for touching the hearts of Christians who willingly contributed to make the event memorable.
Pastors of ELC Kainantu District conducted the confirmation and baptism blessings, following Evangelist Kinu’s prison ministry where God’s mercy had reached the prisoners, leading them to receive Jesus Christ and confirm their faith as Lutheran members.
A ministry carried out despite challenges
Evangelist Kinu said that despite the many challenges he faces, especially with finances, with God’s help he continues to carry out his calling to serve the inmates. He explained that his family’s small market business helps support his visits to the prison, allowing him to continue the work he has started.
“I live in the Kingston area, about two to three kilometres from the jail, and I sometimes walk this distance when I cannot afford transport because of the commitment I have to visit the inmates,”
— Evangelist Kinu
He added that spiritual growth is slowly taking place among inmates and prison officers. Many inmates are born Lutheran members, and Lutheran officers are happy that they now have fellowships and participate in spiritual programs led within the jail.
Prison officers acknowledge the impact of the ministry
Bundaira Jail officer and Lutheran member Sergeant Raiford Waure said the jail has been without a Lutheran pastoral worker for more than 15 years.
Sgt Waure said Evangelist Kinu’s decision to voluntarily reach out and begin the prison ministry was a prayer answered by God. Since then, Evangelist Kinu has been committed to conducting Lutheran programs in the prison.
He said previous arrangements with ELC Kainantu District for chaplaincy faced many challenges until Evangelist Kinu voluntarily served at Bundaira.
“When Evangelist Kinu approached me to visit us and have fellowships, I was very humbled and told him to come.
“God used Evangelist Kinu very powerfully, which resulted in our inmates receiving their confirmation and baptism blessings this year,”
— Sgt Waure
He added that although such an institution requires ordained pastors, and with no available clergy to serve, God chose an evangelist whose effort, time, and sacrifice in this ministry have been recognized by the jail management and have impacted the lives of inmates.
Renewed spiritual revival inside Bundaira
Bundaira Acting Commander Wanabu Joel stated in his report that Evangelist Kinu’s work has brought spiritual revival among prisoners, shown by their increased commitment and attendance at all his programs.
Mr Joel said the evangelist has a big heart for the prisoners and has been committed to all his programs, visiting frequently to spend time sharing God’s Word.
He said Evangelist Kinu has a good working relationship with Bundaira warders, who respect him greatly, and that a person with such dedication is highly needed in the prison as he has the passion to work collaboratively to bring about spiritual growth and transformation among prisoners, officers, and their families.
It is understood that ELC Kainantu District has now formally acknowledged Evangelist Kinu to continue serving as acting chaplain for Bundaira, a role he has carried out since 2023.
