Ntcheu Prison

This afternoon was prison day. Chet likes to get all visitors into the prison during their visit to Malawi. It is always such a humbling experience. Mpepo is a young man who wishes to go to seminary to become a pastor. I’m guessing he is about 23 years old and was just married last year. Mpepo served today as our guide and translator.

We walked to the prison. It is only a 10 minute walk from the Burns’ home. Ntcheu where the Burns live is considered a “boma.” It might is a key district in Malawi where a lot of government agencies exist. It also houses the prison for this area.

They did not allow cameras for us. Just our Bibles. However, in the past they have allowed pictures, and so Chet took these photos which I have included.

The prison is made of brick. I was surprised to arrive at the front gate with a quick escort inside the gates. We were asked to sit on two wooden chairs, and the “discipline officer” greeted us and spoke very kindly. He explained that there are several other officers that run the prison over the guards. We met several others and they were genuinely welcoming.

They took us into a vestibule and then opened the doors into the prison. We found out that this prison is overcrowded with 210 inmates. Two hundred sets of eyes were upon us. To the right, I could see some men showering in open stalls. We walked into a very small courtyard. It was like the sea parted as we walked in, and then it closed in around us. The men came and sat on the ground. I was left a small area to stand and preach.

The discipline officer told them that we were from America and to pay attention. Mpepo then said a few words and I was “on.” I greeted them with a Chewa gretting and then gave a simple message. It was a message based upon the Walk Thru the Bible seminar called the “Three Chairs.” In essence it gives the gospel through a brief overview of the three kings of Israel. Most of the men stayed with me. And I was surprised that many of them understood English.

I sat down and Mpepo asked the men to stand if they wished to trust Christ. About two thirds of the men stood. This is fairly typical. Most of these men trust Christ each and every time that the gospel is presented.

There are a few images that are burned into my brain. Handcuffs that hung from a wooden door. A plant that was growing out of the brick wall. Numbers written in chalk signifying the number of days men had been in prison. Chalk writing in another section that said “Thug Life.” And an ocean of men, some looking entirely vacant and without hope.

I really connected with one of the men. He was a man that sat with rapt attention. He had on a brown shirt and his face is in my mind.

They sang several songs and then a choir made up of prisoners sang a song with beautiful harmony. Hard to believe that beautiful sound was emanating from a prison.

Several men came to shake our hands before we left. We greeted each one. Mpepo told us later that this was a big step for many of them. It is not considered good to greet and shake hands with the Zungo (white people). Of course, this is entirely different in the churches, but this is true in the prison. Therefore, I was surprised with the number of men who greeted us.

I stepped forward and specifically greeted the man with the tan shirt. To my surprise, they allowed him to step into the vestibule with us. He told us that his name is Davis Bocheli. He was a hospital employee and was charged with stealing drugs. His case is currently in appeal. But he lamented that his job is gone, and much of his hope too. Rich prayed over him. We also discovered that all inmates wearing white are convicted. All wearing non-white clothes are charged but still awaiting court. Ironically, I wore a white shirt to prison today!

We left and talked with Mpepo on the way home. I said that the prison walls seemed very short and insecure. What’s to keep a prisoner from jumping over? He said that if a prisoner escaped, the community would beat him and even kill him. Wow, how different from jails in the US.

I sensed the Lord with us today. Thank you to all who fervently prayed.