275 inmates baptised at Khami Prisons

In a remarkable display of faith and transformation, a record 275 inmates at Khami Remand and Medium Prisons were baptised last week, marking a significant milestone in their journey of reformation and rehabilitation. The baptism, led by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, was the culmination of weeks of evangelism and discipleship programmes aimed at fostering spiritual renewal among the incarcerated.

Held in the prison's courtyard, the baptism ceremony symbolised a profound commitment by the inmates to embrace a new life in Christ. Each participant was gifted a Bible to guide them in their spiritual journey, with a strong emphasis on reading and sharing the word of God as a means to improve their moral and social integrity.

The event was led by retired evangelist Dumisani Nkomo, himself a former Khami inmate, and Pastor Khonzile Khumalo, who are part of the church's dedicated prison ministry team. Sharing his story, Mr. Nkomo reflected on his own transformation, having found faith while serving time for armed robbery in 1989.

"I was in the darkest depths of despair when I encountered the transformative power of faith," Mr. Nkomo said. "Someone took the time to preach to me, and I received Christ in the most unlikely place — behind prison walls."

This profound experience has fueled Mr. Nkomo's passion for helping others find redemption, with the baptism programme serving as a key part of his ministry. He believes that prison can be a place of renewal, where lives are transformed through faith.

"Giving back is not just a duty; it's a divine calling," he said, adding that the aim of the programme is to share the gospel and guide inmates toward a new path of faith and purpose.

In his message to the newly baptised inmates, Mr. Nkomo encouraged them to embrace their faith and begin anew. "As the Bible says, ‘Old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.' This is your chance to reform, renew your thinking, and start on a new path."

One of the inmates, Polite Moyo, expressed gratitude to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for its efforts to bring hope and redemption to the prison.

"When I come out of prison, I want people to see a changed person. I want to be a productive member of society, divorced from a life of crime," he said. "This baptism is the first step toward achieving that goal. Everyone deserves a second chance, and this is mine."

The baptism ceremony was accompanied by songs of hope and faith from the prison choir, adding an emotional resonance to the event. As the inmates emerged from the baptismal pool, many shed tears of joy, symbolising the profound impact of their decision to turn their lives around.

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Provincial Chaplain Felix Muchechesi commended the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for its transformative work within the prison system.

"This baptism marks a new path for each of you as you are now born again," Chaplain Muchechesi told the inmates. "We believe you have been transformed and that we are going to have a better society because of it."

The event not only underscored the power of faith in rehabilitation but also highlighted the potential for redemption and reintegration into society, even for those behind bars. As the newly baptised inmates take their first steps on this spiritual journey, they embody a powerful testament to hope, change, and second chances.