Four words characterise our work: Biblical, reliable, available, respectful.
In all things the Word of God the Bible leads the way, we do make mistakes but the Word of God does not; “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words give light; It gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:129f)
Prison ministry often requires great patience, waiting for checks and searches, keys and access but we aim to always be where we have said we will be. Our goal is never to be “late to the gate”, we intend that you can rely on us. “Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain.” (Proverbs 25:14)
The LORD Jesus is our model of availability, frequently when time alone was needed someone showed up, Jesus made time for them. We seek to do likewise, within our human limitations if we are asked to go and serve we will endeavour to do so. “And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, … So He began to teach…” (Mark 6 34)
We know that when we go into prison, a church or a home we do so as an invited guest. We are on “your turf” not ours and our intention is to respect that. We aim to serve the needs of Chaplaincy & prisoners in prison and members & Ministers in church; we work for Jesus as we serve you. “… inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, My brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Good volunteer chaplains are a huge asset to any Prison Chaplaincy Team. We hope to offer a Daylight Prison Chaplain (DP Chap!!) to every prison before our 25th Anniversary in 2029.
In many prisons Daylight staff and volunteer teams run, or take part in Sunday Services. These normally include Bible readings, prayer, a message from the Bible, and a number of hymns or songs.
Regular Bible studies are another important aspect of Daylight’s ministry. Sometimes these will look at a specific topic the group are keen to learn more about, but most often, they follow a series through a particular book in the Bible
Our Letter Writing Ministry enables volunteers to write to prisoners as a support during their sentences. With many prisoners receiving little or no contact from family and friends outside of prison, they often let us know how much they value this link with the outside world.
When the pandemic began early in 2020, prisons were put under very tight restrictions, meaning that much of our usual work was paused. Unable to visit prisons himself at that time, one of our team, Nigel, wrote an Easter message for one of his regular Bible study groups.
Find out more about how Daylight seeks to support those leaving prison.
Find out where to get advice, resources, and training to help your church welcome and support prison leavers.
Prison with Daylight Chaplain
Prison with some
Daylight ministry
Daylight ministry is letter-writting
No Daylight ministry