Introduction
Over the years Pastor Chesa and some brethren from the Eastlea Tabernacle have been visiting local prisons and ministering to the inmates. Pastor Chesa applied for permission to minister in the Zimbabwe prisons and was allowed, he forged a close working relationship with Prison Chaplains which culminated in the Zimbabwe Prison Services (ZPS) inviting the Eastlea Tabernacle to the Prison Family Week. The Prison Week is a commitment that the ZPS Commissioner General made to the Heads of African Correctional Services and Prisons in Zambia in 2008, where the idea of a Prisons Correctional Day (to be commemorated every September) was launched. The goal of the Prison Family Week is to help rehabilitate inmates through increased interaction with society.
For the 2017 Prison Family Week, Brother Donald Mujiri, the designated national coordinator, working closely with brother Alton Mudombo organized for several ministers to visit inmates at the Harare Central Remand Prison, Chikurubi Farm Prison, Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison and Chikurubi Female Prison. Some of the minister who answered the call include Brothers Jerald Mkondo, Benson Nkonde, Rinos Mafunga, Gift Gambe, Nyasha Mapanzure, Lovemore Chimera, Bure,
Figure 1. Some of the Ministers outside the Harare Central Remand Prison
Harare Remand Prison and Holding Centre Visit
The Provincial Chaplain Chirara, Area Chaplain Nguva and Superintendent G. Matiza welcomed the brethren and took them round the prison complex and to meet the inmates. The ministers gave words of exhortation and prayed for inmates and their relatives.
Chikurubi Farm Prison
Next to be visited was the Chikurubi Farm Prison. The ministers were again accompanied by Provincial Chaplain Chirara and were received by Area Chaplain Chirambawho who took them around the prison to minister to the inmates. The majority of the inmates were serving short sentences or were left with a few months to complete their sentences. The inmates tend to the crops and animals on the farm as a way to prepare them for release.
Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison
After ministering to the Farm Prison Inmates the brethren were taken to Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. They were received by the Officer-in-charge, Assistant Commissioner Chomurenga and his deputy Chief Superintended Mutiwaringa. They were ushered into the prison where they met with inmates who were enjoying time with their families since it was a family week.
Chikurubi Female Prison
The minsters finally visited the Chikurubi Female Prison. They were welcomed by the officer-in-charge Superintendent Misihairambwi. The officer-in-charge reminded us of the Philippian Jailer of Acts 16:30 because she even desired prayer for herself which the brethren gladly prayed for her in her office. The sight of female inmates some with young children was very touching. The brethren ministered to the inmates. The ministers were shown some of the projects the inmates are involved in. The Eastlea Tabernacle committed to support a goat rearing project which will go a long way in milk and meat supply.
Conclusion
Eastlea Tabernacle contribution to the Prison Week was very successful. The effect of the visit on the inmates was profound. Among those that repented is one inmate who expressed a desire to become a Pastor. All in all, 350 inmates were baptized and one of them had this to say, “I was dangerous even to my family. I am glad that I met Christ here. Now I’m looking forward to going out and also preach the word of God to my fellow friends and family in Mbare.”
For more details on the Prison Fellowship around the country and how to support the outreach, please contact the national coordinator Brother Donald Mujiri on +263 712867337
