Walking Together with the Support Group
Born out of the real challenges faced by individuals upon release from prison, the Support Group of Rumah Petros and Rumah Kepercayaan (halfway homes for male and female ex-prisoners) was established. The group provides a safe, like-minded community for those in recovery and reintegration. The monthly meetings offer a space for sharing life’s challenges, mutual encouragement, and prayer.
The Challenges of Reintegration
Reintegration into society is rarely straightforward. Many Support Group members carry decades of painful past experiences, regrets, and habits that are difficult to change. Without support, isolation can take hold and cause old destructive patterns such as drug addiction to resurface. “If I hadn’t started attending Support Group, I might have misused my time and relapsed and ruined my life again,” recounted one of our regulars. Like many support groups globally, we realise that regular meetings, mentoring, and life-sharing can help members to stay grounded, stick to daily routines and may eventually even restore some family relationships.
Stories of Hope and a Future
The leaders of the Support Group are all former clients at Rumah Kepercayaan and Rumah Petros. This is their way of making sure that they continue to bless others even as Jesus has loved them and rebuilt their lives.
One of our leaders shared, “I want to give each new member the gift of hope so that no matter their background they can be redeemed and be reborn.”
Another reflected, “It is not the classes that changed members most, but the knowledge that someone will check in on them when they are struggling or not doing well.”
Community Based Support and Recovery
Jeremiah has a powerful testimony of restoration. A devoted husband and father, he has reintegrated successfully with stable employment for over three years and now serves as a positive role model and mentor to others.
Jonathan and Mary have maintained steady employment for more than three years, with Mary pursuing independence as a Lalamove driver and doing live feeds on TikTok, owning her own vehicle, and building a self-sustaining future. Several others have even launched their own businesses as freelance bakers and opened up a chicken rice stall.
Noah who actively joined Rumah Petros after being released from Prison has reconciled with his family members. Recently, Noah proudly shared his family reunion photos with us.
Passing on Values
Psalm 78 calls God’s people to pass on His works and values through example. In the Support Group, values such as responsibility, perseverance, forgiveness and faith are shared through life support rather than with strict instruction.
Staff and volunteers nurture transformation through relationships. It is our relationships that make the much-needed change in each person who comes through our doors.
Today, our gatherings of around 20 clients are filled with sharing, testimonies and prayer, while an annual retreat celebrates perseverance and deepens fellowship. God’s gentle yet powerful hand restores what was broken, reminding each person that their story is not defined by the past but by the hope and purpose He has prepared for their future.