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More Matumaini Activities Matumaini works to help inmates and former convicts come to terms with the gravity of their respective crimes -most of them respond positively to this approach. One man, Bilal, confessed to Andras Namenyi a secret he had never told to anyone-that he had killed someone but had never been caught. Appreciative of Bilal's remorse and repentance, Andras prayed the Salvation Prayer, after which Bilal said, "I feel very relieved now. Thank you so much for praying with me. "
Many of the other prisoners who attend Scripture classes have also begun to change for the better. This is the first exposure most of them have had to Christianity-they fully participate in class, asking many questions, and are excited to learn Christ's message. Matumaini has had a significance impact on the success of the prison's rehabilitation program. Because a majority of the convicts are suspicious of outsiders (especially religious teachers), they are initially hesitant to share their experiences with the Matumaini counselors. Andras narrowed the gap by having the born-again inmates counsel those who would otherwise be unapproachable and encourage them to attend the classes. Awarding prizes to those who memorize Bible verses has proven to be a very successful method of introducing the inmates to the Scriptures-the basic moral principles they learn has inspired even the simplest of them to improve their behavior. Tangible fruits of Andras' work are evident at the maximum-security section of the Durban Youth Correctional Center (Westville Prison). He is eager to begin visiting the Adult Section as well, to help them begin healing through their knowledge of Christ. In a recent Bible class at the Westville Prison, Andras
offered a jacket (a treasured item in the cold prison) to anyone
who could recite five particular Bible verses. Two of the inmates,
Alfred and Andile, raised their hands and, in turn, recited the
verses correctly-creating the problem of who would receive the prize.
The first solution reached was that they could share the jacket
and each wear it on alternating days. However, knowing Andile 's
kind heart and growing maturity in his faith, Andras suggested that
perhaps he might prefer to relinquish his claim on the jacket and
give it outright to Alfred. Because 'sharing' is not a common practice
among prisoners, the room became very quiet for one minute
everyone
waiting to see how Andile would respond. "Yes," Andile
finally said, "I will let Alfred have the jacket, because I
know that God blesses giving!"
One Westville prisoner was recently released and
is now in a post-care (probation) period. In a letter to Matumaini,
he wrote, "I am delighted to inform you that as I'm writing
this letter I'm at home. I'm not allowed to go anywhere without
permission from the Department of Correctional Service, but I think
it's much better than being in prison. Though things are not going
well for me at the moment, with faith in God I know everything will
be rectified.
Every lesson you taught was so beneficial.
I really don't know what to say to show how grateful and appreciative
I am that we had someone like you. Thank you. God bless."
Former Program in Mburahati,
Dar es Salaam.
Matumaini's weekly classes at Mburahati's Christian Rescue Service Center have grown to include over 240 underprivileged children who learn the Scriptures and other morale-building stories. Through active participation (either telling a tale or acting out a role), the children improve not only their English language skills, but their behavior as well. For example, when Matumaini first began visiting the Center, the children grabbed at the snacks distributed by the staff; however, they now sit still and patiently wait to be served.
To donate to this Family Care Foundation Project, please note Project NAME and then click here.
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