Najayo Prison, a prison complex in San Cristóbal province, welcomed Andrew Palau and his wife, Wendy, as they shared a message of hope with inmates. The visit was part of the Palau Santo Domingo 2025 Festival, held March 14-15 at the Faro a Colón in the Dominican capital, according to reporting by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
Upon arrival, the team split into two groups: one accompanied Wendy Palau to the women's pavilion, while the other, along with Andrew Palau, visited the men’s prison. Both groups were welcomed by prison authorities, the center's management team, and chaplains working at the facility.
In the prison's backyard, the team was surprised to find about 1,000 inmates waiting for the event to begin. However, due to inclement weather, the gathering was moved to the central dining hall, where approximately 650 men participated. There, they listened to musician Germán Barceló, who connected with them through songs that carried a message of spiritual freedom.
Meanwhile, Wendy Palau met with about 400 female inmates who eagerly awaited her arrival. She shared her testimony and delivered a message emphasizing the importance of being women of hope. A light rain led the group to gather under a specially prepared tent, creating a more intimate atmosphere. For many, it was the first time they understood their value in the eyes of God.
“The experience of talking to these people who are deprived of their freedom is a very special moment. We know that they are alone, in their pain, in their confinement, and we bring them a message of spiritual freedom, a message that transforms lives,” Wendy Palau told Diario Cristiano.
Andrew Palau spoke to the male inmates about the concept of true freedom through faith in Jesus. He shared his personal testimony and concluded with a call for the inmates to commit their lives to Christ.
Following the men's gathering, Andrew and part of the team addressed another group of nearly 100 men, sharing the same message of hope. After the event, inmates were treated to a special lunch prepared by the Palau Association.
The spiritual impact was evident on their faces as tears of repentance, pain, and sadness gave way to expressions of hope and renewed smiles, organizers said. Many received hugs and comfort and participated in moments of prayer and personal ministry.
The prayer session was particularly moving. In both the men’s and women’s groups, the majority of attendees were deeply engaged. By the end, nearly all the inmates decided to dedicate their lives to Jesus, the Palau Association said.
In total, the Gospel was shared with more than 1,000 people. Each received a book by Andrew or Wendy and a New Testament as a gift. Additionally, Wendy prayed for the prison guards, blessing their lives and families, and provided them with a book and a portion of the Bible.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
