Brazil has one of the largest prison populations in the world, with approximately 905,000 people under some form of criminal sanction, according to 2024 data from the National Penitentiary Department Information System (SISDEPEN). When all detention regimes are considered, the number rises to about 938,000, placing the country third globally after the United States and China.

Within this context, Novo Tempo, the Portuguese Christian television and radio network in South America, has developed a mission initiative focused on reaching individuals deprived of liberty through visits, health education, and Bible-based programs.

Outreach through prison ministry

The Novo Tempo Mission Core began organizing visits to correctional facilities in 2024. In 2025, the team conducted seven visits to the Doctor José Augusto César Salgado Penitentiary, known as Penitentiary II of Tremembé, in the state of São Paulo.

As part of the initiative, psychiatrist Dr. César Vasconcelos, a presenter on Novo Tempo programming, was invited to speak with inmates, offering guidance on mental health and personal development.

Although high-profile inmates were later transferred from the facility, organizers plan to continue supporting individuals who were previously connected to the program and are now housed in other institutions.

Education and sentence reduction

Brazil’s Criminal Execution Law allows inmates to reduce their sentences through educational activities, including reading. Participants can earn up to four days of sentence reduction per book, with a maximum of 12 books per year—equivalent to up to 48 days annually.

Novo Tempo programming is broadcast in several prisons, encouraging reflection and personal growth. Many inmates request Bible study courses through the Novo Tempo Bible School, which receives an average of 30 to 35 letters per day from correctional facilities.

Each completed Bible course provides a certificate equivalent to approximately one day of sentence reduction, contributing to rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

A story of transformation

One example is Otoniel Alves, who began studying the Bible while incarcerated after watching the program It Is Written on Novo Tempo.

After some time, Alves chose to accept Jesus and experienced a complete transformation in his life, he says.

Currently, the program is hosted by Seventh-day Adventist pastor Robson Meneses and continues to bring the biblical message to thousands of viewers in Novo Tempo.

After completing his sentence, he rebuilt his life, started a family, and now serves as a church elder.

“I was imprisoned for 17 years and was baptized on October 11, 2008. Shortly after, I was appointed deacon at the Cidade Beira-Mar Church in Rio das Ostras (RJ), and the following year I was elected to serve as an elder, a ministry I continue to this day,” Alves said.

Expanding access to Bible studies

The Novo Tempo Bible School offers more than 40 courses covering topics such as health, family life, financial education, and biblical teachings. Courses are available free of charge and can be requested through multiple platforms.

Organizers say the initiative continues to grow, aiming to provide hope, education, and opportunities for transformation to individuals within the prison system.

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