By: Aubrey Bunguzu

On 23rd April, 2011, 65 young people have chosen to lead a new life with Jesus Christ after LHM visited them during Easter Season at Bzyanzi Juvenile prison. Before this day, the letter of application for a visit to prison was written to the Malawi Regional Prisons Office (C) of which Audience Relations coordinator was replied positively.

Then on Monday 18th April, the ARC made a follow up to Bzyanzi Juvenile Prison to ascertain the outreach activity. The Prison located in Dowa rural district, 60 kilometers from Lilongwe city is keeping male convicts at 18 years below, away from other prisons. Prison staff briefed LHM coordinator that young inmates at this center humiliate several challenges ranging from poor clothing, toiletries, beddings in cold seasons, as well as food.

During outreach program Mr. Luwanda active volunteer of LHM led Bible study with staff, 12 member group of Luther Youth drama, Bzyanzi prison staff and convicts in hall. Referring to Matthews 27:29-59; Luke 8:1-3 and also John 3:16 the study group concluded that God has always a plan for us. Mary of Magadelene after being healed of demons followed Jesus until He rose up. He warned that most of us are in problems of one form or another because we do not want to wait for God’s intervention, we just jump in to the issue without inviting Him.

Luther Village Youth drama group after wishing the best to thier fellow youth through drama message

Luther Youth group performed a play that also had a similar message that young people require to wait for God, do not just rush into decision. Luther Youth Drama group comprises of sons and daughters of church servants at Lilongwe cathedral centre. They were chosen to reach their fellow youths at this prison to share Jesus love to them.

Deputy Officer In-charge, two inmates (white) receiving quilts.

Amid the program the inmates also received quilts to help them survive cold weather, towels, tooth brushes and tablets of soap.

After this 41 people including inmates and Prison Warders enrolled in Bible Correspondence Course program to study more the truth of God they since heard. According one of the inmates the juveniles say they will be drawing a plan to study the Gospel with LHM’s Real Life series at least frequently. It was further agreed that the LHM staff shall be facilitating Bible study with learners once a month up until the group completes the course. This plan is in line with the request that was made earlier at the reception by the Officer In-charge of Bzyanzi Juvenile Prison. The outreach was made possible by LHM efforts and supported by Evangelical Lutheran Development Services (ELDS) who donated the above named assorted items.