5 March
They weren’t able to see Christian rock band Red Rain headline a recent music festival, but prisoners at Invercargill Prison had their own big day in this week.
“Red Rain were recently one of the main acts at the Big Day Inv and through our Prison Chaplain we were able to get them into the prison to give a talk and perform for some prisoners,” says Invercargill Prison Manager Stu Davie.
According to Prison Chaplain Jeff Low, the band’s visit was a resounding success, both from their point of view and that of the 25 prisoners who were allowed to be present.
“The four band members are all committed Christians who consistently bring a message of hope and reconciliation through Jesus Christ through their music and songs. They were impressed by the response from the prisoners who joined in, clapping and singing along with the band.”
Mr Davie says it was quite a big exercise getting the group and their equipment through the prison’s security searches and other entry procedures, but it was worth the effort.
“Providing prisoners with a varied array of activities and self-improvement opportunities can contribute towards a prisoner’s rehabilitation so they can positively return to the community when they are released.
“We like to have visiting groups in the prison who can offer constructive activities for the prisoners. Usually this is in the form of regular volunteers who provide things such as classes on budgeting or who support prisoners with literacy and numeracy programmes.
“However, on this occasion Red Rain’s visit provided interested prisoners with encouragement and an example of the alternative lifestyles that are available to them away from crime.”
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