On May 18, 2024, this powerful message of Christ’s love and commandment to serve one another was not just preached — it was lived out at Buimo Correctional Service in Lae, Morobe Province, as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) conducted a confirmation blessing for 42 believers.
The dedication and pastoral care of Buimo Prison Chaplain and ELCPNG pastor Reverend Martin Moel made this confirmation program possible after completing confirmation lessons for 40 inmates and 12 family members of warders serving at Buimo Prison.
Rev. Moel said that during his term as chaplain, the first confirmation blessing and baptism was held for 82 Lutheran inmates on July 30, 2023, and the second batch was celebrated on May 18, 2024.
He said many of the inmates at Buimo jail are Lutheran members, because Morobe is predominately Lutheran and when he was installed as chaplain, he sought ways to minister effectively to them.
“Apart from my pastoral duties of preaching during Sunday fellowships and conducting other related church activities in the prison, I personally visited inmates in their cell blocks and shared God’s Word with them.
“It’s very challenging working within disciplined institutions like Buimo Prison, as they have their own schedules and the inmates’ daily activities are controlled by the warders,” Rev. Moel said.
Rev. Moel said it took time to build trust and relationships with inmates who are Lutheran members, and through prayer and commitment, God touched the lives of many. He said even former gang leaders from each cell block have embraced the Christian faith and taken on roles as spiritual leaders.
These spiritual leaders now play a meaningful role in the prison. Rev. Moel has a schedule to visit each cell block for fellowship, counseling, and Holy Communion for those who have received confirmation.
“Our first confirmation class took nine months to complete, while the second took one year and three months due to security challenges.
“I hold confirmation classes every Tuesday and Thursday. If inmates need counseling, I attend to them. For the children of warders, I teach on Sunday evenings,” Rev. Moel said.
He said 105 names were registered for the confirmation class, but 93 inmates were unable to complete the program because they were transferred, released, or granted bail — leaving 40 inmates who received their confirmation blessing.
Rev. Moel said the Buimo CS management continues to support the work of the Church, allowing God’s Word to be shared freely within the facility.
“The management of Buimo, the CS Commissioner, and the warders are aware of my ministry schedule. I thank God for opening the way, and I am also grateful to the Buimo Jail leadership for their trust and support in this important spiritual work.
“We plan to begin the third confirmation class next month. Some inmates have also requested marriage blessings, so the next program will include baptism, confirmation, and marriage blessings,” Rev. Moel added.
The main celebrant for the confirmation was ELCPNG Head Bishop Reverend Dr Jack Urame, who shared a Scripture reading from John 13:31–34:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
Rev. Urame reminded the inmates that God loves all people and sent Jesus to die for our sins. He encouraged them to remain faithful, even while in prison, and to live out God’s greatest commandment — to love one another.
He said those receiving their confirmation have renewed their relationship with God and committed themselves to a life of faith and service.
Buimo CS Commander Superintendent Michael Wundia thanked ELCPNG and Rev. Moel for their ongoing ministry.
Mr. Wundia said the presence of the Church has a positive impact on inmates, especially in their rehabilitation, and he thanked ELCPNG for its role in helping inmates find meaning, hope, and the strength to become better people.
