“I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
(Matt 25:36)
Our South African partners continually amaze us with their selfless concern for the “down and out.”
In addition to their efforts to help the poor in the informal settlement shanty towns around them, Maranatha has a continuing ministry to some 250 youthful (aged 17-25) offenders incarcerated in the Groenpunt Correctional Center just Southeast of Sebokeng.
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There is scarcely any group more “down and out” than youthful offenders in South Africa. Most come from a tradition of subservience and now they have been further stigmatized because of their incarceration, often abandoned by their families, and upon release return to communities where the unemployment rates reach 90%.
In February we went with a group of Maranatha leaders as they visited Groenpunt. Their goal is to befriend these young people, provide counseling, share the Gospel, initiate special events, and help to facilitate transition into society upon release.
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It is clear that Maranatha has endeared itself to both offenders and staff alike. Our group was welcomed with open arms. Though attendance was optional, nearly all of the 250 inmates participated in the event. As we left, staff and young offenders urged that we all come again very soon.
In the coming weeks STM will be working with Maranatha to see if we can help strengthen this amazing service to these troubled kids. We know that friends like you will want to help.
Thanks for all you do to respond to the challenge of Matt. 25.
Wendell Verduin