Ten people gave their lives to Jesus during the inauguration of a new Bible study space at the Padre de la Vega National Penitentiary, in Emboscada, Paraguay. This new hall of the Prison Ministry of the Paraguayan Union will allow the spiritual work in the prison to expand.

The new space currently serves 35 Bible students, who participate in weekly spiritual growth meetings. In addition to providing a place for worship and Bible classes, the space has teaching materials and a library with Christian literature, resources that will strengthen the ministry developed among prisoners.

The Prison Ministry department has spent years attempting to reach the inmates. However, the lack of physical space prevented the ministry from growing.

At the beginning of 2025, Adventist collaborators and Prison Ministry leaders, such as Enoc Carrillo, reinforced missionary work within the prison, offering Bible studies and constant spiritual accompaniment. As a result, 19 people gave their lives to Christ through baptism.

The work did not stop. The Bible students continued to meet week after week, and seeing the need for a physical space at the site, the Paraguayan Union inaugurated a new room inside the Padre de la Vega National Penitentiary on July 17.

"We are very happy to accompany this inauguration. Today, this space houses 35 people, 10 of whom gave their lives to Jesus on this day. We are hopeful that this new space will be fundamental to dedicate to the worship of God and learning, with teaching materials for each student," said Carlos Zurita, treasurer and financial director of the Paraguayan Union.

"The new room also has a library of 30 books, where we will have a special space to read and learn more. We thank the brothers who made their donations so that our students know more about Jesus through good literature," said Carrillo.

The initiative was supported by the director of the Padre de la Vega National Penitentiary, Daniel Resquín.

The collaboration between the authorities and the Prison Ministry department has expanded opportunities for more inmates to learn about the Bible's message of hope and participate in spiritual growth activities.

Among the most impactful stories of this ministry is that of Carlos Valiente. Eight years ago, he learned about the Bible's message from an Adventist missionary who was conducting Bible studies in the prison. One year later, he was baptized, and his life has changed completely.

Today, Valiente became a spiritual leader for his fellow inmates. He accompanies other prisoners in their spiritual growth, encouraging them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For years, one of his constant prayers was that God would allow the construction of a space where they could gather to worship Him and study from the Bible.

"I was lost in the world because of ignorance, and that ignorance brought me here. Here, I have come to know the truth. Here, I met the Lord. And the knowledge of the Word continues to transform my life," Valiente said in an interview.

He also added the message he shares today with other inmates. "Following Christ is a personal decision. And I assure you that one can make a change in one's life through faith in the Lord."

As he looks at the newly inaugurated hall, Valiente is certain that God answered his prayers at the right time. He believes this space will allow many more people to know the gospel and find a new opportunity for life in Christ.

The original article was published on the South American Division news site.