Sixty-five inmates were baptised at Maula Prison in Lilongwe in a service led by Pastor Frackson Kuyama of Area 47 Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Preaching at the service, Pastor Kuyama told the newly baptised inmates that “imprisonment does not separate you from God’s love, forgiveness and purpose,” and that “prison can be an opportunity for character transformation, spiritual growth and renewal.”
The occasion was accompanied by a donation of basic necessities and a meal shared with more than 800 inmates. It was organised by the Area 47 church’s Women’s Ministries department, led by Chisomo Mainje.
“This initiative demonstrates Christian love and compassion,” Mainje said. “We want to assure them that they are not forgotten.”
The baptisms followed sustained outreach inside the prison, according to Elder Rodgers Makuluni, the church’s Prison Ministries Coordinator.
“These 65 baptisms are the fruit of consistent Voice of Prophecy Bible lessons and daily morning devotions,” Elder Makuluni said, referring to the Church’s Bible correspondence ministry.
One inmate, whose identity has been withheld, said the devotions “have become a source of hope and spiritual strength,” and have helped inmates to leave their former ways of life behind.
“More inmates are studying and have shown interest in being baptised,” Elder Makuluni said, adding that he expects further baptisms in the coming quarter.
