This week is Pastoral Care Week, recognising the work of spiritual caregivers and the ministry that they provide.
Sharon started the process to become an Inside Out prison chaplain just over 18 months ago. She’d previously been a nurse, a social worker, and a school chaplain, and has a heart for those in society that are doing it tough. A young man from her church suggested that she became a prison chaplain and she instantly felt very excited and passionate about that prospect.
Four of Sharon’s five kids are boys and having worked predominantly with young men, it just seemed natural for her to work in a men’s prison. She’s now in two men’s prisons: Brisbane and Wolston Correctional Centre.
Sharon feels extremely blessed to have been paired up with two experienced, mature chaplains who have both been fantastic mentors. They have taught Sharon that being able to sit and really listen to the prisoners’ stories is an absolute privilege. It builds trust and rapport and many have told Sharon it’s the chaplains visits that they look forward to the most.
Many men ask for bibles and prayer, and assistance with their bible studies. Sharon says it is truly the most wonderful thing she has been a part of. She finds hope that it gives the men who are often going through the most difficult and lonely time in their life is “just amazing”.
