‘Tis the season for giving, and Shadeen Anglin Ministries International has brightened the smiles of 80 inmates detained at the Constant Spring Police station in Kingston and the 100 Man police station in St. Catherine with a treat they won’t soon forget. The handover ceremony was held at the station on Thursday and included Woman Inspector Nicole Wong, who represented Superintendent Shericka Service, head of the St. Andrew North Division; custody officer Sergeant Simone Williams; and Sergeant Janet Williams. 

In an interview, director of the Christian organisation, Minister Shadeen Anglin said that approximately $150,000 was spent to acquire personal items for the inmates, including undergarments, toiletries, and personal effects. She said the initiative was part of the ministry’s efforts to share God’s love to those who are incarcerated as they often feel abandoned and rejected. 

“Even great men go to prison. It is part of their journey to fulfilling purpose, but, of course, many don’t understand this yet. Joseph, Peter, and Paul are examples of gifted and powerful men who ended up behind bars, and as seen in Scripture, this experience had further humbled them.” She continued, “With this in mind, we want inmates to know that Jehovah’s plan for their lives has not changed regardless of the crimes they’ve committed. While we do not endorse their involvement in lawlessness, we certainly refuse to condemn them as Christ came to convict, and not to condemn.” 

Meanwhile, Sergeant Janet Williams, who ministers to the inmates throughout the year, could not restrain her joy in welcoming the initiative and encouraged more organisations to remember those who are behind bars.

 The author and social media influencer has impacted lives, not only by providing tangible gifts for individuals, but through her profound messages and prayers on Meta (Facebook) and YouTube. She says her organisation is planning to minister to more inmates in the weeks to come.