Chaplain Hector Pineda uses many tools to help incarcerated youth explore faith in their lives.

When it comes to Bible stories, there’s one in particular that the young men in Ray of Hope’s Secure custody facility enjoy. It’s the story of Samson, who was blessed by God with incredible strength but who made an error that caused him to lose his greatest gift and become a prisoner.

When Hector Pineda, Chaplain at Secure, shares the tale of the Israelite ‘superhero’ with a tragic flaw, he points out the story’s deeper meaning ­­– the importance of depending on God, rather than becoming overconfident in our gifts. He also points out that Samson had to face the consequences of his actions but in the end, God forgave him and restored his strength, allowing him to save his people.

Meeting youth where they are

This is just one example of how Secure’s chaplaincy program meets youth where they are and challenges them to apply lessons of faith to their own lives.

The core facet of the chaplaincy program is Chapel, where the youth explore faith through prayer, music and speakers who share their personal faith journeys. While the focus is on Christianity, the program respects different beliefs and welcomes leaders from other faith groups, such as Muslim and Indigenous groups, to come to the program to share their traditions.

Hector also offers weekly Bible study, for youth who are interested in exploring Christianity. Each young man receives a Bible. “I love it when they tell me about finding a verse that speaks to them,” he says. Hector and the youth often watch The Bible miniseries. After each episode, the group discusses stories like Samson’s and how their messages can be applied in real life.

Connecting through meals and music

Recognizing that not everyone is receptive to his message, Hector also uses more subtle ways to connect. He works with Secure’s kitchen staff to host a monthly Chaplain’s Brunch. After the meal, he shares a quick devotional that has a practical application. “It’s one way to reach out to those who don’t come to Chapel,” he says.

But one of the most popular ways Hector reaches out is through music. A musician for most of his life, he enjoys teaching the youth to play guitar, piano and drums. He’s also set up a small studio in his office, where they can record their own songs.

“Music is a great outlet. They open up and start asking questions. It’s also therapeutic ­— it helps to relieve some of the anxiety and depression that people in custody can experience.”

A God-given opportunity

Hector says that many of the young men he works with have experienced trauma and it’s important to consider factors, like mental illness, that contributed to where they are today. He remembers a teen called John*, whose anxiety often led to altercations with his peers. After watching The Chosen, a TV series about Jesus’ disciples,  John told Hector he was impressed that the disciples were “regular guys” who weren’t perfect – but Jesus treated them all with grace and patience.

“John was only at Secure for a few weeks, but before he left, he told me that as difficult as his experience at Secure had been, he truly believed that it was a God-given opportunity to think about his life and chose a better way.”

* Name has been changed.