Christian Mission Aids Jailed Brother

Portsmouth News Thursday September 13th 2001

A Fareham man is celebrating after securing the early release of his brother who is held in one of the most notorious prisons inn the Philippines.

David Clarke managed to convince the Philippines authorities to half his brother Michael’s sentence meaning he could be home by christmas.

The trip to the south eastern country was also part of a Christian mission to preach the gospel to the hundreds of prison inmates currently on Death Row.

It was partly due to David’s efforts the Michael could be released early after David;s work was acknowledged by Philippine officials,

Michael was Jails after he was guilty of promoting child prostitution, a charge he always denied.

David says its been a very good trip and so worthwhile.

We meet so many men who had been converted and I am taking murderers, robbers and real villains. I have brought back over 66 testimonies, 22 from Death Row, who have discovered the faith which is reward enough.

David, 52, of Hayling Close, Fareham spent weeks in the Philippines preaching the gospel to thousands of inmates in some of the world’s most over crowded and violent prisons.

No one has ever attempted to tour the most notorious prisons on the Philippines but having been invited by a sister church based in the country, David along with a small team, embarked on the mission of a life time.

David who became a Christian 30 years ago after a life of crime himself, became a full time missionary this year.

David and spent one night in the prison and team felt this was a scary moment.

He said “the highlight of the trip was meeting his brother and finding out that he had been baptised since he had been there. But what motivated me the most was gearing out there and reaching these people.

“I hope the faith we brought to them will be spread by the people who listened to out message while we were there.”