“This ministry becomes impossible unless you love people with Christlike love” – these were the words of Viktor Butayev who oversees the Prison Ministry at the Bryte Church and the Pacific Coast Association. These were his opening remarks on September 13, at the appreciation conference for those who serve in this ministry, that took place at Bryte Church. “This ministry is hard not only physically, but also psychologically. Not everyone is able to handle it” – continued Oleg Bogdan who has been actively serving in this ministry for many years.

On this day, over a hundred people from various churches came together to thank God, and share about what He has accomplished in their midst throughout the twenty years of ministry to people who have committed the worst kinds of crimes. There were a lot of fruit of this ministry:

• During these years, there were over two and a half thousands of prisons visitations.
• Were involved in over 350 court hearings, and made over 50 affirmations of the genuineness of the convicts’ repentance.
• More than 200 prisoners received regular visits; 75 of the prisoners continued to receive regular spiritual support.
• The ministry impact spread to all of the California prisons, as well as in some border states of Arizona, Oregon, and Washington, and involved over 75 volunteers
• As a result of the prison ministry, five people turned to Christ before they died in prison.

Not everyone has the right perspective on the prison ministry, but as pastors Bugriyev N.A, Mileyev I. V., and Khakimov P.M. pointed out, prison ministry and visiting prisoners is what is precious in the eyes of Christ and is mentioned many times in the Gospels.

There were a lot of guests at the conference as well, including Natalya Peisty and her nephew Aleksey who represented the Russian Christian Radio, and the Gospel behind the Barbed Wire publication. There were also four representatives from the Armenian church who served as translators on many occasions to those from the Armenian background in helping them to understand the Gospel. Special attention was given to those at the event who received a life in prison sentence, but only through the grace of God, but had been freed and received a second chance to do something good in their lives.

While introducing one of such men, Malcolm Hanson, who came from Los Angeles, with his wife and brother residing in Sacramento, Viktor Butayev shared how they met.

“Malcolm spent 28 years in prison, and we were visiting him for 20 years. We came in contact with him by accident. On that occasion, we came to baptize one of the prisoners. One day, we arrived to baptize one of the prisoners. We prepared the program, sat in the hall, discussed it, and got into a conversation… I had an idea that we should take a picture. To take a photo of anything there, you had to buy a special token. We didn’t do that. As we were contemplating what to do, suddenly I got a tap on my shoulder. As I turned around, there was a person from the staff who was doing the room setup. He gave me the needed token. I told him:
– Let me pay you.
– Oh no, no need for that! After all, he is my brother!
– Are you a Christian?” I asked. In response, he raised his hands up and exclaimed:
– I love my Jesus! I love my Jesus Christ!

Immediately I understood that this was a born again Christian because publicly admitting something like that meant a lot in prison! If you claim to be a Christian but you are not, you will pay dearly for that.”

During the conference, Malcolm shared about himself, his life, and that after he turned to the Lord, his life has changed so much. This was a very emotional testimony of the true work of God’s grace in regenerating and transforming him.

There was a mix of sermons, testimonies, and songs by Wings of Faith singing group who spent so much time in the Prison Ministry. The men’s quartet performed many hymns and fired up the hearts of those who were there. Those who visited prison and were accompanied by this group remember how their singing affected the prisoners and the guards: “Many times, after their performance, many people exclaimed: “Amen!” and “Hallelujah!” And although the songs were often in Russian, and listeners were not able to understand the words, but it brought joy to them and softened their hearts.”

It’s impossible to capture everything that took place at the conference in a short article. Many thanks to Slavik and Viktor Iotko, the Video Department members, who video recorded the conference and published the recordings to the YouTube channel of the Association. Thanks to them, those who were not able to come to this celebration, will be able to watch it later.

A few times during this wonderful evening, there were words of gratitude to those who prayed, and supported this ministry for many years, and who continue to serve in this ministry. That is something that every Christian can do, and without which nothing can be effective. Please continue to pray, dear friends, and ask the Lord to save many others who are dying in the grips of sin as criminals, ask for them to turn to Christ and receive the freedom from sins and eternal life with God.

Olga Avetisova
Photos by S. Iotko
September 30, 2025
PCSBA
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