Author: Pastor Felix Mumbi

Region: Southern Africa

After a wait of almost one year the Live School at a prison in central Africa finally opened its doors recently

We thank The Lord for His faithfulness because the road to this extraordinary event was fraught with all sorts of problems. The final permission to finally start the school was only given few hours before the official opening. However what The Lord has opened no man can shut!

The idea of setting up a school within prisons was conceived after Apostle Eddie H. Radebe had a prompting in the spirit to reach those confined in prison but are also loved by God

The Ministry was informed that the Chapel where the School was to take place was just a bare hall. It became necessary to raise money to purchase not only the stools to be used as a temporary arrangement, but also other needs like a TV set, a DVD player, stationery, and a bicycle for the facilitator.

The 29^th of January, 2011 will always remain as a memorable day for both the Ministry workers and the inmates. The previous day a team led by Apostle Radebe had some lengthy discussions with the Officer in charge. By the grace of God he later on relented , and finally granted permission.

The School "opened "its doors at around 09:00 hrs. After the opening prayer by Rev. Radebe, the congregation went into a time of praise and worship. The Regional Chaplain, Reverend Tembo welcomed the Antioch Ministry team comprising of Apostle Radebe, Pastors Brian Seleta and Peter Ngoma, Mrs. Ngoma and the author. She encouraged the inmates to count it as a blessing for them to be allowed to be part of what was taking place. She also urged them to be devoted because she was convinced that the course content will definitely change their characters. She pledged to support the School.

The devotions were conducted by Apostle Radebe who exhorted the inmates to consider the fact that they could be there for a purpose. He challenged them not to feel bitter but to continue to seek God who knew everything about them. He also extensively quoted the scriptures relating to the life of Joseph starting from Genesis 37. He wrapped it all with a call to forgive .Everyone present joined in the prayer as the inmates were led even in the sinner prayer.

As the Apostle was concluding, the Gideon's Vice - President, Dr. Mulambia came to distribute bibles.

Pastor Brian Seleta, the chief facilitator spoke to the class and introduced the School and explained how it will operate. Books and other stationery were distributed. Pastor Seleta after consulting both The Regional Chaplain Reverend Tembo and the Prison Chaplain Mr. Christopher Chomba, announced that the classes will run for 3 hours every Saturday and 1 hour every Sunday afternoon.

Apostle Radebe was called to say a few words after the Prison Chaplain had once more encouraged the inmates to take everything seriously. In his closing remarks, He urged the trainees to apply themselves so that they too one day could help many to find Christ. He also closed in prayer.