The Prison Fellowship of Bermuda will be joining prison ministries from 98 countries around the world along with local churches to observe the Annual Week of Prayer from May 4 to May 11.

During the week, people will unite globally in prayer to ask God to help inmates experience a change of heart and to have the commitment and strength to change their lives.

They will ask that the daily needs of ex-prisoners and their families are met.

Everyone will also be praying for correction officers and officials, asking that they become a family and of one accord in supporting inmates to change their lifestyles in the hopes of remaining free from crime. The prayer groups will also remember the victims of crime in their prayers.

Jack Harris, director of public relations, for the Prison Fellowship Bermuda said: "We pray that their physical and emotional wounds will be healed and that they will find reconciliation, forgiveness and peace.

"The event will run from Sunday to Sunday and the theme of the week is Lord Have Mercy on Us All. "The prison ministry exists to bring God's love and mercy to those behind bars and help them take a new road to start life anew.

"We have over 200,000 Christian volunteers world-wide who give of themselves daily in work and prayer to help change prisoners hearts and to bring hope to many who have lost their way."

The Prison Fellowship is asking for everyone's support in the venture. Prison Fellowship Bermuda will emphasise this theme as it continues its visits to Westgate Correctional Facility's Remand section, the general inmate population and E-Wing.

Thel also visit the Prison Farm and the Co-Educational Facility.

Mr. Harris said the Prison Fellowship of Bermuda was entirely self-funding with no grants and no paid staff, operating on a zero budget.

The organisation is to soon have its annual slimathon, which will raise funds for its Back to School Programme, to supply the children of inmates with new school supplies, and the Angel Tree Programme, which gives Christmas gifts to children.

"Lastly I ask you to pray for our volunteers, because the ministry is not the most popular and many times we face rejection from the community, as well as the inmates," said Mr. Harris.

"But we do thank our Lord for the opportunity to minister and show our love of our community."

Any Christian organisations or churches that would like to participate are asked to call Jack Harris at 292-3026 or e-mail at harrisnorthrock.bm.