On Sunday, the front-page article stated that for 20 years the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has been seeking funds to “replace Oahu’s overcrowded and deplorable jail in Kalihi.”

When this facility was first built in the mid-1980s, it was touted as a model of modern correctional philosophy. Now, sadly, it is considered “woefully obsolete.”

Thankfully, the Gospel of Jesus Christ never becomes obsolete. Jesus is still the ultimate answer to the deepest needs of all mankind (see Romans 1:16). It was a great privilege and joy to serve as senior chaplain of the Oahu Community Correctional Facility for 14 years.

The inmates said that OCCC actually stands for “Only Christ Can Cure.” I observed firsthand the power of the gospel to transform the lives of men in prison, who became my beloved brothers in Christ and valuable citizens of our community.

Rick Bartosik

Kaneohe

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