Close to two hundred inmates from Mutimurefu Prison in Masvingo have been baptised this Sunday, while others were awarded with certificates after undergoing Bible studies.
The baptism and graduation ceremonies were conducted by the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
It is often said that prison is a place for correction, where offenders are expected to turn a new leaf and leave behind the life of crime once they are released.
If their testimonies are anything to go by, indeed the inmates at Mutimurefu Prison, who graduated after completing a Bible study course, with some getting baptised this Sunday, are ready to start afresh and change their ways.
After being given their certificates, the inmates testified how the Bible study has changed their way of thinking , while pledging to stick to the straight and narrow path which shuns crime.
“I was leading a life of crime, but now that I have learnt the true meaning of love from the Bible, I am ready to stop crime,” said one inmate.
“I have learnt a lot from this Bible study and wish more churches could interact with us as prisoners,” said another.
SDA in Zimbabwe President, Pastor Micah Choga, who officiated at the graduation ceremony and baptism, urged the inmates to apply what they learnt to their lives.
“Stick to the gospel of Jesus Chrits, he is the only one able to change lives,” he said.
A former prisoner for 14 years , Dumisani Nkomo reiterated to the inmates that a life of crime does not pay.
“This is your chance and from today onwards seek to change your ways and not return to crime once you are out of this place. I am living with the HIV virus, for all those also positive, continue taking their drugs , even when you are out released,” Nkomo said.
The SDA church also donated toiletries and uniforms to the inmates.-zbc
