January 2006
Spreading the Word
Lusaka Central Prison sat quiet and still, baking in bright summer
sun. Designed by the British for 200 inmates, it warehoused 1,540
on the day Ted went to preach. He had been given two days’
notice—long range planning, we’re coming to learn.
He could have declined (we have plenty of work), but he saw this
opportunity to affirm our partners, and besides, he does like
a challenge!
So he linked up with 50 other Presbyterian souls on a Saturday
afternoon at Kabwata congregation. Most were wearing their Guild
uniforms: men in black trousers with spotless white blazers; women
in belted white jackets and caps topping a long black skirt. They
drove a pickup filled with gifts for the poorest: biscuits, washing
kits, and lightweight blankets. Along the way he heard conversation
about how to insure that these gifts reach the inmates.
They waited outside for a chaplain to appear, then waited for
the news crew from ZNBC. The donation ceremony took place in front
of the gate. No cameras allowed inside. The Men’s Guild
leader put on his glasses and read a speech. The officer on duty
gave a formal reply. While the cameras were rolling, he said all
the right things. He seemed to change when the mike went off.
The group was considered too large for admission. Half of the
women volunteered to stay outside. Not to be denied, they walked
around the wall to a separate fenced-in area where the female
inmates live. One of the ladies proceeded to preach, others prayed,
and the whole group sang. Instant ministry! God opened the door,
and they entered. All it takes is a willing spirit.
Meanwhile, as Ted passed through the double gate, nothing could
have prepared him for what he saw next—fifteen hundred young
people filled the courtyard, sitting cross-legged on the ground.
The entire prison had become a sanctuary! The first row faced
him less than ten feet away.
“Alleluia!” shouted the chaplain. “Amen!”
came the strong reply. An inmate choir sang a pair of songs, as
did the Presbyterian ladies. The visiting pastor, also Presbyterian,
prayed energetically, speaking of God’s love. Then Ted greeted
the men in Cinyanja. He opened and read, starting at Luke 4:16,
and God’s Word began to flow. Ted relayed whatever he heard. |
