From vision to calling: Bulawayo woman finds purpose in prison ministry

MRS Estinah Mashingaidze from Hillside, Bulawayo recounted her life-changing calling to serve prisoners. She never considered prison ministry until a powerful vision from God compelled her to preach to a specific inmate, complete with a cell number.

Guided by Hebrews 13:1-3, which instructs us to remember those in prison and those suffering, Mrs Mashingaidze (71) embraced this mission. In 2004, she received a vision about catering to prisoners, but it took five years for her to fully respond to this calling.

Finally, in 2009, she embarked on her prison ministry — she reached out to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).

ZPCS was more than delighted to work with her as they believe that rehabilitation extends beyond them. It necessitates a collaborative effort across society, with churches playing a vital role by providing spiritual guidance and support to inmates. Despite having no prior experience with prisons, Mrs Mashingaidze was welcomed by the ZPCS, granting her access to their institutions.

“The calling was clear. During a prayer group session, a vision for prison ministry emerged. Together, we began praying for it to become a reality. Fifteen years later, this ministry has flourished, though not without its challenges.

“One of the biggest hurdles is ensuring we have necessities to share with the incarcerated. Food is particularly important when sharing the word of God. It fosters a sense of community and allows us to connect on a deeper level.

“Our ministry offers hope and support. We preach the word, reminding them of the possibility of freedom and reconciliation with loved ones. Additionally, we provide tangible support with toiletries, food and clothing. However, the true power lies in human connection. Society can play a crucial role by showing love through visits, counselling and even offering food donations.

“Their need for connection is profound. We are not just a ministry; we become their extended family. Over the years, we have assisted with examination fees, food containers, clothing, hygiene products and even educational resources. We have even held a bead and necklace-making workshop at Mlondolozi Prison, fostering creativity and a sense of accomplishment,” said Mrs Mashingaidze.

Mr John Mwembe, from Binga and a former inmate who served over eight years in prison, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the amnesty declared, which led to his release on April 19, 2024. His freedom came as a result of the impactful ministry of Mashingaidze, which he greatly benefited from during his incarceration.

“In 2015, I found myself facing a 15-year prison sentence. However, thanks in large part to the ELCZ Prison Ministry, I was released after only eight years and six months. Their impact on my life was truly transformative.

“The ministry brought me spiritual growth through powerful preaching. They instilled hope in me, reminding me that one day I would be free again. They encouraged me to hold onto my faith and trust in God. Today, I am incredibly grateful that their message of hope became a reality. They were more than just mentors; they felt like prophets sent by God.

“Beyond spiritual guidance, the ELCZ Prison Ministry provided invaluable support. Reverend Mbongeni Dube’s counselling sessions were a lifeline and his positive influence will forever be a part of my story. They even gave me the opportunity to sing in their churches alongside fellow inmates, fostering a sense of community even behind bars.

“Their material support was also crucial. They provided clothing, food, and toiletries like soap, toothpaste and hygiene products. These necessities may seem small, but they made a significant difference in my daily life. The ELCZ Prison Ministry offered me a beacon of hope, guidance and support during a difficult time. Their dedication to the well-being of incarcerated individuals is truly inspiring,” said Mr Mwembe.

He added that upon his release, Reverend Dube, on behalf of the ELCZ Prison Ministry, welcomed him back to society by hosting him and inviting him to preach and sing alongside his brothers.

“The ELCZ Bulawayo East Parish continued their incredible support upon my release. They provided a new phone, money for groceries, and even helped my daughter, Delicate, enrol in a computer course at the ELCZ Njube Centre. They truly went above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition back into society.

“My time in prison wasn’t entirely wasted. I learnt valuable lessons about trust, faith and the importance of community. Participating in the ‘Voice of Praise Choir’ fostered a sense of belonging, and I am proud to have completed my high school education and even become a maths teacher.

“Now, my focus is on rebuilding my life. My top priorities are reuniting with my family, reintegrating into the community and finding a job or starting a project. To my fellow brothers who were released: Never give up hope. Stay on the right path. Seek God’s guidance and find a church community for support. Counselling and spiritual guidance can be invaluable tools for your journey,” he said.

Reverend Dube of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe, serving in the Bulawayo East Parish, stressed the church’s commitment to ministering to prisoners. He drew inspiration from the book of Hebrews, which urges the faithful to empathise with those incarcerated and mistreated, reminding them that they are all part of one body.

“Our church feels a deep responsibility to serve our brothers and sisters who are incarcerated. We minister to them in two ways: through the word of God and acts of charity. We share the message of hope and redemption found in scripture. Additionally, we donate essential items like food, clothing and hygiene products.

“We firmly believe that those in prison deserve compassion, not rejection. Many find faith in Christ during their incarceration. We support their rehabilitation and offer a welcoming community upon their release. Our inspiration comes from Matthew 25: ‘For I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and in prison and you visited me.’ We see the face of Christ in these individuals and believe they are worthy of God’s love.

“Furthermore, we recognise the challenges faced by the Government and prison services. We strive to alleviate those burdens by providing essential needs. We understand the economic hardship in our country, which can limit access to basic materials like clothing for work projects. Finally, recognising the spiritual hunger of many prisoners, we share the word of God, offering them an opportunity for solace and transformation,” said Reverend Dube.

ZPCS National Public Relations Officer Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi acknowledged the pivotal contribution of churches in supporting the correctional system’s efforts to rehabilitate inmates.

“Churches play a crucial role in supporting the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. Collaborating with correctional authorities, they develop programmes focused on practical skills and knowledge. These programmes might include vocational training, life skills development and educational initiatives to equip inmates for a successful reintegration into society.

“The support doesn’t end upon release. Churches often offer after-care programmes that provide ongoing assistance. This can range from helping ex-convicts find employment and secure temporary housing to offering crucial counselling and spiritual guidance.

“Beyond churches, society as a whole can contribute to the reintegration process. Collaboration with correctional facilities and rehabilitation institutions opens doors for various forms of support. Volunteering within these facilities, providing skills training workshops, and offering resources for inmate rehabilitation initiatives are all impactful ways to make a difference,” said Asst Comm Khanyezi.

She further stated that the ZPCS has introduced a range of programmes and initiatives aimed at enhancing the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.

“ZPCS facilitates regular visitation programmes that allow inmates to maintain contact with their families. These visits provide an opportunity for bonding and re-establishing connections, which can contribute to a smoother transition upon release and have introduced the Family Week concept, where offenders are provided with extended time and allowed many visitors inside correctional facilities to interact. This initiative aims to strengthen family ties and encourage family support during the rehabilitation process.

“ZPCS in collaboration with a local television station runs Another Chance Programme, a television factual series that gives offenders a platform to meet those they wronged to apologise for the wrongs they did. This programme promotes accountability, reconciliation and the potential for forgiveness.

“ZPCS also organises meetings with traditional leadership where some community members are invited to understand the role of ZPCS and the need to give offenders second chances. These engagements aim to foster community understanding, support, and reintegration for inmates,” said Asst Comm Khanyezi. — @Lo7246Lovelyn