Once again I have landed behind bars. Paul and I have been going for a week now to Pollsmoor Prison. One of the songs that we sing every time is "Yes, He Did", which ends, "...and He brought joy, joy to my soul." He also brought JOY to their cells, with the Good News that can set the young men free from their sins. One cell/dorm was so enthusiastic that when we walked in, they all came laughing, thronging to shake our hands and greet us happily.
Another cell looked like a cross between a parlor and a church altar. Someone is very skilled and artistic, making sofas, armchairs, and an altar out of mattresses and blankets. Huge and small candles, as well as fan-shaped decorations, were made from blankets and clothes. An attractive rug or two adorned the floor. Bibles with their pages bubbled over rested on the altars. It was amazing and artful.
The inmates have been quite responsive, in asking the Lord to forgive them and take them to Heaven. Some cells are excellent singers, too. Interesting how the different cells seem to have their own personalities.
After we finished in one, a guy started tearfully asking Paul something, but after a bit, Paul realized the guy was talking in Afrikaans, so simply told him that the Lord could help him. The others were laughing at his crying, which earned a scolding, and they sobered up; they did try to hold him back when he tried to leave with us, but he pulled away from them. An inmate scrubbing the hall took him gently and led him back, telling me as he passed that the other wanted to go home. That was right after Mr. Mqwati told us that many of the young men like being there, and consider it their home (and their mothers like them being there so they'll get fed). My nephew used to minister there, and told me the same thing. Still, the whole situation is sad. But Jesus came to bring hope.
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