For over 20 years, David Williams has been a forerunner in Prison ministries here in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. On May 23, he was awarded for his service during the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Chaplaincy Banquet at the Faith United Missionary Baptist Church Auditorium. The banquet honoured Corrections volunteers and former volunteers under the theme “Volunteers Make the Ordinary Extraordinary”.

Williams sat down with the SBC Media team to discuss the importance of prison ministry. His passion for this calling came from his willingness to help others. His strength comes from Matthew 25, which calls Christians to see Christ in those in need.
“I always wanted to give a service to persons who were not able to give something back,” Williams said. “You know, when we look at prison ministries, it is not a glamorous job.  But even more than that, the inspiration has to come from Christ.”May be an image of 8 people

Over the years, Williams has encountered many reactions from individuals when they learn about prison ministry. According to Williams, there is often a disregard for prison outreach ministries from the community.

“Persons say, ‘Why are you wasting time with those individuals who have been committing crimes,  who have put society in fear?’ Williams admitted.

A major part of ministering to inmates is to properly connect with them. Williams said that just as Christ opens his arms to us, we too must not be quick to condemn others. He maintains that true ministry as a Christian must reflect the love of God.

“I'm not there to condemn you and I'm not there to find out why are you there.  So that's how you maintain that positive relationship by ministering …and not in any way… to bring a message of condemnation,” he said.

Prison Ministry has been a blessing to Williams, as he has served as regional director for prison fellowship international in the Caribbean. This has given him many opportunities to encounter various prisons in the region. It has also given him a platform to share God’s love on an international platform.

“I used to go to Washington every year for three years in a row as part of my regional director role, ….I encountered Hindus, Muslims, Christians and persons of the Rasta faith.  But the key for me is the standard is, is that as a Christian, I must always share my faith in Jesus Christ," Williams said.

Now, Williams continues to use his own radio show to share the importance of prison ministry and encourages interested persons to become involved in bringing the good news of Jesus to those who need Him. He also shared some important tips for those willing to join prison outreach initiatives.

“I share with them…some of the do's and don'ts and letting them also know that when you get into this ministry is not glamorous and that it is not one where you can have the cameras all the time,” he said.

“So you may not be a Christian… but everything we share is going to be along the line of biblical principles.  We're going to let you know that when you go in there, don’t go in there with the intention of taking anything [information] out.”