The Maula state prison is located here in Lilongwe. Nearly everyday we pass by it. Many of the ABC staff and graduates have felt led to minister at the prison. One current student, Charles, feels a special calling to ministry at Maula. He was saved while in prison here himself. He now is a Senior and he knows that when he graduates he wants to form his own non-profit ministry designed especially for Maula prison ministry. Our family loves Charles. When Gidgi left in February she left most of her clothes here in order for them to be given away to people who needed them. We felt that the women of Maula prison could benefit most. We contacted Charles and he was thrilled to set up a time that we could go out and minister to the people and hand out the clothes. I can't believe we have been here for an entire year and haven't been to the prison yet. It was amazing and we can't wait to go back!
The women in the Maula prison are there for various reasons but mostly for minor offenses like stealing food. They serve anywhere from a few months to a few years for these minor offenses. If their children are nursing the babies are allowed to keep them with them.
After passing out clothes to the women's side we went to the men's side where many were waiting in the chapel for church service. Pastor Bruce Hanlon from ABC delivered a great message after which the men broke out in joyous song and dance.
The men were handed Christian tracts and soap that was made in a local village. The women of that village are being taught by another missionary to make soap in order to sell it and create a living for their family.
