Prisoners set free–in their hearts

This was my third visit to the Relima Prison as the prisoners requested after my last visit in February that I return. It is currently the dry season in Rwanda, so it is hot and very dusty. The usual bright green foliage is covered with layers of red dust as the last few miles to the prison are off the main road so it’s unpaved; clouds of red dust hung in the air as our driver, Gratien, navigated the uneven road, dodging pedestrians, motorbikes and other traffic. It’s quite a change from the “rainy” season when everything is washed clean and bright green! On the other hand, at least in the dry season the unpaved roads are not slippery with mud.  So its a toss up what season you prefer to visit here…dusty clothes, shoes and a lot of coughing or muddy shoes :).

As usual we were welcomed with open arms and the Director of Social Services in the prison gave orders for the meeting area to be prepared for me to speak. He also said he recognized me from 2010 when I spoke in the prison in Cyangugu with Bishop Geoffrey Rwubusisil; that’s the day we spoke from 10am to 4pm! Unfortunately, a few hundred prisoners were not present this day as they were working on projects outside the prison grounds.

I was welcomed by the prison choir singing and the drums beating; I felt right at home.  I recognized some prisoners and they waved at me as I passed through the crowd to the makeshift stage. After introductions, I was called to speak and opened with, “Indishimye kubabona”, a greeting Gratien and Guma from Prison Fellowship taught me; it basically says, “I’m glad to see you again”. I said a few other phrases in Kinyarwanda to loud applause and joy of the crowd.  They absolutely love it when ‘muzungus’ (visitors/white people) honor them by trying to speak the language.

The ice was broken and I told them that I was going to speak about Jesus, that he suffered and died for our sins, set the example for living our lives and why we should follow him above any other person that ever lived. Some younger prisoners standing at the back at the edge of the crowd, were smirking and acting full of bravado, so I started making eye contact and speaking to them directly, pointing out that they may be physical prisoners now, but unless they repent and follow Jesus they are also spiritual prisoners, kept in prison by Satan and even if they are one day physically set free, they will still be in bondage to hatred, divisions, and revenge. They went silent and started listening, especially the ring leader. I told the prisoners that God loved them even here in prison and he has good plans for their lives, but they must repent and follow Jesus. I told them how Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies and turn the other cheek when they are assaulted. I taught them about Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, even the feet of Judas whom he knew was about to betray him. In the end I asked those who want me to lead then in a prayer of repentance and to become followers of Jesus to stand. A few  hundred stood (it’s impossible to count, and in any case, I don’t believe in counting heads). I asked those who were already Christians (some from previous visits) if they were setting the example of Jesus in prison, being salt and light there and if not, to also stand if they were ready, to rededicate their lives to Jesus. So, nearly everyone in the area stood and I led them in prayer.

What a privilege to be there with these men and women, bringing the hope and grace of Christ to them in a very hopeless situation. The fact that I have consistently returned is a major factor in opening up to the Gospel of peace and joy.We ended with joyous dancing and many prisoners were reluctant to let us go and we had to promise to return.

So all glory be to God!  I never would have believed in my days as a raging racist growing up in South Africa, that I would one day preach in the heart of Africa, surrounded by prisoners, many of them because of the atrocities committed during the Genocide against the Tutsis in 1994.

May God’s peace and presence continue to turn the light of Christ on in this beautiful nation as the word spread from one person to the other, also in the prisons.