Sam Yip
Chaplain, Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre - Parklea, NSW
For enquiries about chaplaincy or any of our chaplains, contact Joseph Park at seniorchaplain@jerichoroad.org.au or on 0449 903 508.
Sam serves as a chaplain at Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre Parklea.
“It’s a privilege to be able to spend every day with people who are incarcerated and share the good news of hope and life in Jesus. Much of the chaplaincy work in a prison is coming alongside inmates through all their ups and downs each day. Prison can be an overwhelming place, but it’s a joy to be able to share with them that Christ has overcome the world!”
See the video below of Sam talking about the privilege of being a chaplain at Parklea.
I grew up in a church that really valued overseas mission and had a strong focus on sending people overseas to reach people with the gospel. But I was always intrigued about what happened behind the walls of a prison. It seemed that prison was a place much like a different country or maybe a different planet.
I remember thinking, “Why go overseas when the same needs and challenges were literally behind a barbed wire fence a few suburbs away?”
That curiosity about prisons kept bubbling away in my heart and mind for many years as I went through ups and downs in life, grew in my Christian faith, worked as a marketing executive, and eventually went to Bible college, which opened doors for me to minister as a hospital chaplain, ambulance chaplain, and a chaplain supporting the marginalised in the Sydney CBD. Eventually, by God’s grace, I was given the opportunity to serve as a prison chaplain for Jericho Road.
Reading the gospels, I’m blown away by Jesus’ power to see deep into the hearts of mankind and see us for who we really are. It made me think about how although I’ve got no criminal record and never committed a crime (apart from parking tickets, speeding, and not returning library books!), in my heart I am no different to any convicted criminal – even the worst. I am no more or less in need of Jesus’ love, forgiveness and new life.
Supporting Sam with a regular donation ensures that he can continue to share the Gospel with those in prison.
You can also subscribe to Sam’s prayer newsletter for regular updates about his work, as well as an opportunity to partner with him in prayer.
State legislation includes provisions for chaplaincy services in NSW correctional centres. Sam’s chaplaincy position at CDTCC is enabled by an agreement between Corrective Services NSW and the Civil Chaplaincy Advisory Committee – ensuring that the pastoral care needs of inmates are met.
In NSW, the government provides funding for chaplaincy roles like Sam’s, acknowledging the benefits of chaplains in hospitals and correctional centres. However, this only covers part of a chaplain’s wage. To ensure we can sustain our chaplaincy ministry, we need your help. To find out more about how you can support chaplains financially as an individual or as a church, click here.
When you subscribe to Sam’s Prayer Newsletter, you will receive regular updates from Sam about his work as well as prayer points – so you can partner with him in prayer. Become a partner and make a difference.
Have a question about Chaplaincy?
Contact Joseph Park at seniorchaplain@jerichoroad.org.au or on 0449 903 508.
Don’t Forget: You can still support Sam financially and with prayer by becoming a sponsor.
