Prison Ministry

On my first trip to Rwanda in 2005 while handing out gospel tracts in the capitol city, Kigali, I observed a prison crew of about forty men working alongside the road. I gave the tracts to the rifle carrying guards and at my request my interpreter asked the guards for permission to give tracts to the prisoners.

Although the guards gave me permission to hand out tracts they told me not to speak to them. Without further conversation while handing out the tracts the guard told me if I wanted to talk with the prisoners I needed to go to the Minister of Defense and get a permit and then I could go to the prison and speak to them. I asked the guard to ask the men if they wanted me to come to the prison and talk to them about Jesus, the prisoners responded "yes."

I realized the Lord was opening a very unusual door for me. I spoke with Pastor Elisee and he said he would prepare the necessary paperwork for the government but he then informed me that it was very difficult to get approval and we needed to be in prayer to see what God would do for my next trip.

So far, 29 visits to eight different prisons have been made and the Lord has allowed me to see Him speak into the hearts of thousands of men and women prisoners, bringing them to salvation. I can only offer praise every time I hear them pray the "sinner's prayer." This last trip we witnessed God bring a total 10,545 Rwandans to salvation!

I so appreciate the Rwandan government, the gracious wardens who allow me to visit and Pastor Deo Gashagaza, Director of Prison Fellowship International Rwanda, who applies for the government approval needed, travels with the IRM team and works to set our itinerary with Alfred Mupenzi, IRM Operations Supervisor.