Members of the Vryheid Methodist Church congregation visited Ncome Correctional Services to conduct a service with the inmates during Corrections Week. Mission Unit Co-ordinator Mr Ndlovu said the aim of the church visit was to share God’s love. Acting Head of Maximum Correctional Centre Mrs Blackie welcomed the church members and inmates.
The service was opened by local preacher Mr Mhlungu, who read a scripture from the Bible, namely Acts16:28: “But Paul shouted don’t harm yourself, we are all here.” He outlined the context of why Paul and Silas were arrested, continuing to praise God in prison up until the doors of the prison flew open – but the prisoners did not escape. Rev Ntombela and other preachers elaborated on that message.
The members of the church explained that, “It was so amazing to see a large number of inmates attending the service. Together with the inmates, we danced and beat the drums as we praised and worshipped God. It was very emotional to listen to the inmates preaching.” After the service, the inmates motivated the youth to always listen to their parents and not their friends, because friends may mislead you and when you are in prison, friends shy away from visiting you. One of the young church members, Nkosenhle Manyanga, gave thanks for this motivation by the inmates.
Dr TP Nkosi responded on behalf of the parents, stating that, “It is so painful to see such a large number of males being incarcerated because, as parents, we are also arrested. We don’t have males to assist us in our homes and children are without fathers. It is our prayer that they can all be released back to their families.” All the church members then conducted a chain prayer.
The vote of thanks was done by Mrs Khuzwayo. She requested the youth to visit the cells so that they can see how difficult it is to be incarcerated.
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
