28 Aug 2014

Bible Life Ministries in Selebi Phikwe have donated clothing, blankets and toiletry to Selebi Phikwe mens’ prison.

When handing over the items, Paster Macdonald Ndlovu of Bible Life Ministries said the gift demonstrated that the prisoners had not been forgotten and people still cared about them.

He said they were still human beings who had done wrong and were incarcerated for not abiding by the law and committing criminal activities. He pointed out that now they were behind the bars, they should accept why they were being punished for, change their attitude and mindset. He said they should stop their bad habits and start living differently.

Pastor Ndlovu urged those who were about to complete their prison terms and be released to think about the way forward and surround themselves with positive influence. He said they should identify the wrong people in their lives and distance themselves from them once outside prison.

“Some of you are in here because your friends led you to do bad things. Relationships have a positive and negative influence and you need new friends with positive energy,” he said.

Pastor Nldovu urged the prisoners to use talents they have acquired while in prison. He said those who have been engaged in agriculture, fish farming, woodwork and other practical subjects availed in prison should nurture their skills and use them to sustain their lives once living beyond the prison doors.

He called on prisoners to engrave the Christian faith in their hearts and live according to the principles of Christianity. He said the gifts being donated to the prisoners are meant to help them.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, Mrs Shelly Oageng thanked Selebi Phikwe Bible Life Ministries for the good gesture. She said the donated items will help the prisoners in their daily lives behind bars.

She acknowledged Pastor Ndlovu for the words of wisdom and the Christian faith he gave the prisoners. She said Bible Life Ministries input played an important role in building prisoners attitudes. She urged prisoners to change their attitude and to understand that the prison is not the last place one should spend their lives. She said once they step out of prison they should utilise the talent they have and skills acquired from woodwork and agriculture training among others and apply for government programmes to empower themselves.

She also urged the society at large to accept ex-prisoners in their communities and to treat them fairly because they had paid the price for their criminal behaviours. ENDS