On Thursday, 6th March, the CBN UK team, in partnership with a Vicar from one of our partner churches and the prison chaplain, visited HM Prison Thameside to meet with inmates, share the Gospel, and distribute 100 Bibles. This visit marked a significant opportunity to bring hope and transformation to a place often characterised by darkness and despair.
HM Prison Thameside, a Category B men’s private prison operated by Serco, is located in the Thamesmead area of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, south-east London. Situated alongside Belmarsh and Isis prisons, Thameside represents a vital space for outreach and ministry, addressing the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of those who often feel forgotten.
The need for this ministry within UK society is pressing. With increasing rates of loneliness, despair, and disconnection, prisons, care homes, and hospitals have become environments where hope is scarce. CBN UK’s mission to bring the Gospel into these spaces not only meets spiritual needs but also offers a pathway to healing and restoration for those who feel unloved and unseen.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Upon arrival, the team was warmly welcomed by the prison Chaplain and escorted to the meeting room. As the inmates entered, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of emotions—some faces lit with hope and excitement, while others carried visible heaviness. Worship music played, setting the tone for the day, as the Chaplain opened the meeting with a time of worship and a powerful prayer.
The team shared testimonies, including a heartfelt story about God’s love and His deep knowledge of each individual. The Vicar delivered a message centred on the story of Haggai, reminding the inmates that God truly “knows” them. His words resonated deeply, sparking thoughtful questions, note-taking, and heartfelt discussions among the men.
During a short coffee break, one team member connected with an inmate who shared about his son’s recent first birthday. While his pride was evident, so too was his sadness at being unable to be with his child. These moments of connection were deeply moving, and the team sensed the Holy Spirit at work throughout the day.
As worship resumed, the men lined up for prayer. One by one, the team laid hands on them, witnessing God’s transformative power. Though time ran out before everyone could receive prayer, the impact was undeniable. The heaviness that some had carried into the room was replaced with lightness, smiles, and genuine conversations.
Before leaving, the team distributed some of the Bibles, leaving the rest for later distribution. It was a joy to see the men eagerly opening and exploring the CBN New Testament and Psalm Bibles. God’s Word brought light and hope into a place where it is desperately needed.
This visit was not only a powerful encounter with God’s presence but also an answer to prayer. It is part of CBN UK’s broader vision to place Bibles into the hands of prisoners, care homes, and hospitals across the UK. Through initiatives like the UK Founders Club, CBN UK is working towards the ambitious goal of introducing 1 million people to Jesus and fostering generational change.
To learn more about how you can support this mission and be part of transforming lives across the UK, visit cbn.uk/foundersclub today. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and salvation to those in need.
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