Johnson Manuel is a theatre manager and a trained audio engineer who volunteers at Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS). He has been journeying with inmates for more than 20 years, witnessing drastic changes in many of their lives. We had the privilege to interview him, gaining insight into the joys and struggles of a prison volunteer.

Starting in Prison Ministry

Manuel first started his volunteering service in 1992, after hearing about it from a friend in his old profession as a container truck driver. He had asked God to put him in a ministry which was given little attention, and answered the call when God called him to the Prison Ministry.

He is grateful for how far the Prison Ministry has evolved over the years with an increase in volunteer numbers, lessening the workload and making ministering more conducive for both inmates and volunteers. While unfortunately not all ex-offenders saw permanent positive change, it was rewarding to witness the lives of those who did. "Some became pastors, some became very good stewards ... on the journey ... so that was a very nice time where we saw the impact the volunteers were making on many lives"

“While unfortunately not all ex-offenders saw permanent positive change, it was rewarding to witness the lives of those who did. “Some became pastors, some became very good stewards... on the journey... so that was a very nice time where we saw the impact the volunteers were making on many lives” ”

A Heart for Inmates

Johnson receiving a long service award for his volunteering efforts in prison.

Manuel’s work involves ministering to inmates in prison, together with other volunteers whom he is rostered with. “We keep a record of what we teach or share,” he explains, “so that was helpful … we don’t take the same [inmate] every week.” Prison volunteers do not work independently but support one another in journeying with the many inmates under their guidance

Manuel also commended that the advancement of technology has helped the prison develop over the years to provide inmates a better environment to study the word of God as well as convenience for volunteers to teach more effectively. “The present prison facilities are very well equipped” He added, “with air-conditioning, proper resources for teaching, preaching and counselling.”

What Keeps Him Going

Johnson together with other Tamil Counsellors in the 90s.

“It’s a passion. I want to see people change… there’s no definition for that, I can’t say why, only that it’s a passion.” For Manuel, passion is a major driving force for him to continue his work in the prison, for a period of time even travelling over two hours from Choa Chu Kang to Changi Prison every week. His passion and strong desire to see lasting transformation in people is what fuels him to continue journeying with the beneficiaries, yet keeping him from burn-out. “Not all turn out to be a better person when they come out” he lamented, “but we’ve seen a lot of lives changed.”

“For Manuel, passion is a major driving force for him to continue his work in the prison, for a period of time even travelling over two hours from Choa Chu Kang to Changi Prison every week. ”

Witnessing Lives Transformed

Manuel was ministering in a maximum-security prison in the early ‘90s, where he met Andy (not his real name) cleaning the pews of the prison chapel. Manuel journeyed with Andy for months, teaching and mentoring him in the faith, until he was transferred to another facility where they would no longer be able to meet.

“I told him that if you want to see your life changed, you must surrender to God, 100%.” This was the final piece of advice Manuel imparted to Andy before parting ways.

About 10 years later, somewhere in Changi prison, Manuel and Andy crossed paths once again. This time, Andy was neatly dressed, carrying an access pass which granted him entry to many parts of the prison. After his release, Andy had completed his further studies, attained a doctorate degree, and even wrote his own book. Although his work required him to travel often, he still visited the prisons regularly to volunteer and give back.

“His life was remarkably changed.” Manuel reflected.

It is experiences like these that keep Manuel from giving up despite what he had to sacrifice, pouring his time and energy into the beneficiaries, even having extended time away from family and friends, all because of the hope that the beneficiaries’ lives can be transformed through God’s love and mercy.

Balancing Family and Ministry

Like most social work, time commitment is something prison volunteers must be prepared to give. This would inevitably impact other areas of one’s life. In Manuel’s case, time with his family had to be sacrificed.

“[For] Aftercare, I’d need to bring them to different churches,” Manuel explained, “And I need to be with them.” For many Sundays, Manuel would need to accompany the beneficiaries to their new church, ensuring their smooth transition into the church community and also introducing the beneficiary to members of the community. He also approached various churches around Singapore to speak about the Prison Ministry with the hope that they would welcome future beneficiaries.

“I was [visiting] a few Tamil churches … to get to know the pastors, to network and introduce myself … that’s why I can’t go with my wife to church. I’ve got ministry.”

Now, Manuel sets aside two Sundays a month with his wife and daughter, going to church and worshipping with them, while the other two he would spend his time in other churches to get to know the pastor and community - Two weeks to prison, two weeks to church with family followed by visiting other churches to get to know the pastors and the community.

“For many Sundays, Manuel would need to accompany the beneficiaries to their new church, ensuring their smooth transition into the church community and also introducing the beneficiary to members of the community.”

The National Day Award

“So, the award is something I never expected, I also don’t know how to handle it. But I would like to thank the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Prison Service and Prison Fellowship Singapore for this award. I am truly humble and grateful to receive this award.”

Manuel admitted, when asked how he felt about being a recipient of the 2024 Minister for Home Affairs National Day Award for Home Team Volunteers.

To Manuel, the accomplishments he has achieved were not of his own effort but were the result of God’s grace and the beneficiaries’ choice to make the decision to follow Him. He referred to 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, acknowledging that he is not the only one responsible for whoever is brought to Christ and is transformed.

“I could just be planting the seed, and someone else may water it. The outcome is in God’s timing, so I won’t know lah … so all the glory goes to God, not to me.”

Advice to Current and Future Volunteers

““I could just be planting the seed, and someone else may water it. The outcome is in God’s timing, so I won’t know lah … so all the glory goes to God, not to me.””

Manuel sees every offender as someone with a purpose in God’s kingdom, no matter the crime. He believes that everyone deserves a second chance, and that in the eyes of God, their sin is no different from ours and yet He still loves us. “Sometimes people may just say “I stole something so I’m here” or some people may have [been involved in] a major scam. But God sees everybody the same way.”

He urges all volunteers to “see them the way God sees us”, not expecting any changes so soon but at the same time knowing they have a purpose in His kingdom. Only when we go in with that expectation will the journey, long as it may be, be a meaningful and fruitful one.

“It’s good to listen to them first, not to just impart information…hear them and ask the Holy Spirit to help you provide counsel to them.” Being sensitive to their needs comes first, without trying to fix them immediately after they share their struggles. It is likely that one might think the same problems can be fixed with the same solution. However, as each person is different and unique, so should the solutions be. This can only be achieved after listening intently to them and to their needs and seeking guidance from the Lord.

“If you don’t have passion then there will be a big problem, because once failure comes you can’t take it.”

Failure is inevitable for we, as humans, have fallen into sin and are imperfect. However, with a passion and desire to witness God’s power at work in the lives of others, and by His strength, we will be able to sustain the good work.

“He urges all volunteers to “see them the way God sees us”, not expecting any changes so soon but at the same time knowing they have a purpose in His kingdom. Only when we go in with that expectation will the journey, long as it may be, be a meaningful and fruitful one.”