In the city prison of Abancay
2000 years ago, Jesus Christ quoted some words from the ancient prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to those who are bound.” With this sermon, Jesus outlined his own vision for his three-year ministry in Palestine.
On August 31, 2007, the inauguration of the Diospi Suyana Hospital was held under the same heading. It is about peace with God and reconciliation between people. Especially at Christmas, we remember the love of God in the person of his Son. Freedom from guilt and bondage, forgiveness of our old burdens and a fulfilled life in God’s presence. Jesus said that only he could make us truly free.
Last Saturday, a team of 12 people visited the city prison in Abancay. General surgeon Dr. Lukas Steffen spoke about the love of God and that personal change is possible. In the yard, 430 men and 21 women listened to this message. When the Swiss asked who would like to entrust their lives to God, 150 prisoners flocked to the front.
At the end of the event, there were Christmas cakes, Christian literature, notebooks and warm socks for the audience. The team also handed out kits with hygiene products. Most of us actually want to appear clean and tidy on the outside. But for us to be clean on the inside, we need God’s intervention. /KDJ
