Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Asunción, Paraguay, have launched an initiative aimed at providing spiritual support, encouragement and companionship to people serving time in prison and assisting them in their reintegration process.
In March, church leaders and local members visited La Esperanza, an industrial prison in Asuncion, according to the church’s Paraguay Newsroom.
Elder A. Enrique Texeira, Area Seventy. Mr. Oscar Riquelme, head of the Obrero branch. and other members met with Teofilo Báez, head of the unit, and Gerardo Solis, director of vocational training, to discuss the aims and objectives of this psychological and social support program.
Although visits to church members in prisons had already taken place, this conference served to formalize these efforts and establish a framework for cooperation with force authorities.
“Serving people in prison is not just an act of compassion, but a deep expression of true discipleship. It is, in a sense, participating in the saving ministry of Jesus Christ.”
— Elder Eduardo Gavaretto, General Authority Seventy
Mr. Baez expressed optimism about the initiative, praising its support and positive impact on the reintegration process.
Efforts to serve those in prison in Paraguay are supported by the Church’s South America South Area Presidency. Elder Eduardo Gavaretto, who will serve as a General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Area Presidency until August 1, when he will become an honorary member, told Church News:
“In a conversation with Elder Enrique Texeira, we thought about how we serve those in prison. There is a scripture that has deeply shaped my understanding of true Christian service over the years. It is found in Matthew 25:35-36. “I was hungry, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye received me: naked, ye received me.” “You clothed me. I was sick and you came to me. I was in prison and you came to me.”
“Service to those in prison is not just an act of compassion, but a deep expression of true discipleship. It is in a sense healing the brokenhearted, giving sight to the blind, and offering hope to those oppressed by sin and sorrow. In this way, as we draw closer to them, we learn not just to keep his commandments, but to more faithfully reflect his character and love.” ”
This initiative is based on the Biblical teachings of Jesus Christ and utilizes resources such as “Assistance to Leadership and Support for Ministry” in the “Prison Ministry” section of “Help for Life” in the Gospel Library.
The General Principles state: “The purpose of prison ministry is to do the will of the Lord in helping incarcerated adults and youth prepare to come to Jesus Christ, repent, heal, progress along the covenant path, and live fruitful lives.”
Elder Texeira said the idea for the prison ministry initiative began when Latter-day Saint inmates began requesting missionary visits. If the prison ministry effort at Asuncion Prison is successful, local church leaders plan to expand the prison ministry to 14 correctional facilities across the country.
“What I learned is that people are praying and anxiously awaiting our mission visit,” Elder Texeira told Church News.
“Just as the souls on the other side of the veil pray and wait for ordinances to be performed on their behalf, so our brothers and sisters who have been deprived of their freedom can pray for our service and receive words of hope and blessings of the priesthood, so that we can be the hands of our Savior Jesus Christ and a voice for His children.”
