Opinion / Interviews
Zim prisoners to become pastors?
28 Oct 2014 at 05:57hrs | Views
APPROXIMATELY thirty-two prisoners who graduated with Diplomas in Church Leadership last week might consider pursuing pastoral work if they are released from prison amid calls by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services for non-governmental organisations to help in the rehabilitation of offenders.
The prisoners graduated last Friday in Harare at an event held at the Reformed Church of Zimbabwe premises. The prisoners from Harare Central and Mutoko prisons studied through correspondence with the Nehemiah Bible Institute.
In their testimonies, the prisoners said they were now conscious that crime "does not pay."
David Solomon, an inmate from Harare Central Prisons, said the programme greatly transformed him.
"I decided to join this group when I heard about this programme. I received Christ in prison. The programme was very helpful as it positively transformed my life," said Solomon.
Harare Central Prison resident chaplain Benson Mhaka, said the graduation showed a change in attitudes by the prisoners.
"We are delighted because sometimes society thinks negatively when one is imprisoned. There is stigma associated with prisoners and so by this graduation, it has proven that from prison, God can mould people," he said.
ZPCS Chief Superintendent Morgan Dewa urged other organisations to help in the rehabilitation of prisoners.
"We also encourage other stakeholders such as churches to come and also minister in the prisons.
"This helps the inmates when they get out especially on their rehabilitation and re-integration back to society," he said
Source - Herald
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