Inmates in Mpanga Prison Have Rare Opportunity to Declare Faith Publicly Through Baptism

Mpanga prison, located in southern province, is the largest of the 14 total prisons in Rwanda. It houses more than eight thousand inmates.

PFR assigns prison chaplains to each of the 14 prisons country-wide to ensure that inmates encounter the message of reconciliation and hear the Gospel on a regular basis. Prisoners learn about the hope that they have in reconciliation with God, with themselves, with their families, with their victims, and with society at-large. They participate in discussions about practical approaches to reintegration into their communities. PFR aims to offer encouragement to them as well as the opportunity to become productive members of society.

The government of Rwanda partners with PFR in this endeavour by providing PFR staff with access to enter the prisons and engage in meaningful discussions with the prisoners about faith, peace, hope, and reconciliation.

On 13 February 2011, PFR carried out a baptism ceremony at Mpanga prison led by PFR’s Executive Director, Pastor Deo Gashagaza. 33 inmates from different dominations – including the Anglican, Pentecostal, Catholic, and Adventist Churches of Rwanda – were baptised in a nearby river.

The ceremony began with a talk led by Pastor Deo and an accompanying prison chaplain. The two speakers discussed the meaning and purpose of baptism. They emphasized that God’s offer of life comes through the cross, and that our acceptance of this offer is manifested in baptism.

After the baptism ceremony, Pastor Deo and two chaplains in attendance engaged more than 300 prison inmates in a sermon that encouraged them to think about the dangers of wrongdoing within prison walls and about their inherent value as children of God. The speakers challenged the prisoners to become living examples for inmates and people in their greater communities. The talk was closed with a communion ceremony.

The inmates celebrated the baptism ceremony, sermon, and offer to participate in communion once the event was completed. The prison inmates rarely have the opportunity to participate in baptism ceremonies, and many stated that this was a welcome and meaningful experience for them.

Getting to Know the Women: PFR's Women's Cooperative

Phelomene Mukantagwe

Age: 43

Has 3 children

Shortly after the 1994 genocide, I attended a nationwide conference held by Prison Fellowship Rwanda. The conference attracted war criminals, ex-prisoners, and survivors of the genocide. The conference allowed me to meet many people who had struggled during and after the war. We had discussions, prayed, and heard teachings on reconciliation. I realized that I could move on only with God completely in my life, and so I gave up my life entirely to Him. The conference allowed me to meet other women who had experienced the same thing that I had experienced in 1994. We decided to work together and, with PFR’s help, form our business cooperative.

I now have the opportunity to share in the lives of these women on a regular basis. I feel comfortable having discussions with the women. I am part of a community, and this has changed my life.

Médiatrice Mukakaramaga

Age: 54

Has 6 children

I joined the Women’s Cooperative in 1995 when it first formed. Prison Fellowship Rwanda identified women who had been raped during the war and thereafter tested positive for HIV. We had the opportunity to speak with counselors to work through the trauma that we had experienced. The counseling sessions were extremely beneficial to me. I was eventually able to accept my life and choose to continue to live. I learned about my value, about my skills, and about the beauty of community. I celebrate my newfound hope in this Cooperative.

God is my guide. He gets me through.

Séraphine Kagaju

Age: 51

Has 5 children

I am a survivor of the genocide. I have been with Prison Fellowship Rwanda since 1995, when it was founded. Before coming here, I felt very alone in my trouble. The Women’s Cooperative has given me a new sense of community and renewed feelings of belonging. I am able to talk and discuss my past and my ambitions with the other women. I can identify with them, and I can laugh with them. I am no longer alone.

Eugenie Mukampazimpaka

Age: 42

Has 6 children

Prison Fellowship Rwanda has offered me so many things since the 1994 genocide. I am an important part of a group, and I make valuable contributions to the group. I have loved my involvement in the Cooperative. I enjoy the company of the other women, and I appreciate that our efforts are collective. We continue to learn about ourselves and discover new abilities. We have come so far since we began.

I am reminded every day that God tells us to call on Him, and if we do so, He will never fail to answer us.

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Coming up in the next blog post: Photos of the women's products!