By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service (ZPCS), will host a Prison Fellowship Sunday at The Salvation Army Beitbridge Corps in Dulibadzimu this Sunday.
The event aims to bring hope and restoration to prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims of crime.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, The Salvation Army Prison Fellowship Secretary, Brian Matura, said the day is a special occasion observed by The Salvation Army to highlight the importance of prison ministry.
“Prison Fellowship Sunday serves as a time for the church to reflect on Christ’s call to serve ‘the least of these’ (Matthew 25:36). It aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by prisoners and their often-forgotten families, encourage community involvement through prayer, support, and participation in prison ministry, and promote forgiveness and restoration through God’s redemptive power,” he said.
Matura added that The Salvation Army provides comprehensive support to inmates and ex-inmates through various programs that promote rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Our prison ministry offers spiritual guidance, counseling, and emotional support to help inmates strengthen their faith and develop life skills. After release, we provide practical assistance such as food, clothing, and other essentials. We also offer professional counseling to help individuals reconcile with families and address substance use and mental health challenges,” he explained.
The Salvation Army further supports community reintegration by helping former inmates reconnect with their families and rebuild their lives.
This collaboration with ZPCS also includes participation in Prison Family Weeks, initiatives that strengthen family bonds and provide emotional and spiritual support to inmates.
Through this partnership, the two organizations continue to provide resources that enhance rehabilitation efforts, offer spiritual guidance, and extend correctional support to inmates and staff alike.
“We are expecting a number of families and community members to witness this event,” Matura said.
“This partnership demonstrates The Salvation Army’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations and promoting rehabilitation and reintegration. By working together, we can make a lasting positive impact on the lives of inmates and their families.”