Home 
More Stories Freedom Behind Bars
More Stories Freedom Behind Bars | Freedom Behind Bars |
|
|
|
“I was imprisoned to be set free!” Emmanuel Manahan told the Operation Blessing team that visited him during a medical mission for inmates at the New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa. Emmanuel, 27, was sentenced to 9 years of imprisonment for homicide in 2000. In jail, he works as “security assistant,” which he gained for showing good conduct and having no violations. For months now, he has been praying for medical assistance for him and the other inmates in Muntinlupa. His severe back pain hindered him from efficiently doing his daily task as “security assistant.”Last September, Emmanuel finally had the chance to consult with one of the OB volunteer doctors during the medical mission. He was advised to take some rest. He was also given free medicines. He was so glad before the Lord for making OB the answer to his prayers. Emmanuel had rebelled against his parents when he found out that he was adopted. He was 20 when he decided to move out of his parents’ house. One night while he was sleeping, operatives came to his boarding house and forcefully took him to jail. He was accused of being a member of a robbery and holdup gang that accidentally killed its victim. A member from the group positively identified Emmanuel as one of them. He denied the accusation and claimed innocence. In jail, whatever was meant for evil, God had turned into good. There, Emmanuel learned all about Jesus Christ and eventually accepted Him as his personal Lord and Savior. He surrendered his past, his future and his present circumstance to God. Above all, he learned to forgive the people that have wronged him.  “He’s my all and all. I can’t imagine my life without Him,” he said with so much love to his Savior.Emmanuel believes that the Lord works everything for his own benefits and for His divine purpose. When his parents came to visit one afternoon, he discovered that the God who loves him so much also restores relationship. He cried for joy when his father embraced him saying words of love. “And the God who sets me free also answers prayer!” he said with a smile. Free from hurts, free from pains… indeed, Emmanuel experienced total freedom behind bars. |
