ccm Cross 0008
January 10, 2011
Prison Ministry
Naivasha Maximum Security Prison
Naivasha Town, Kenya
ccm Cross #0008
GPS/DMS 0.7172° S, 36.4310° E
Additional photos after Testimony:
2684 cdd Silent Revival
Cyber Daily Devotion
Volume 12 Number 032
Today’s Author: Pastor Bill
Scripture: Romans 10:9
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” NKJV
This is Cross #0008 Testimony for Naivasha Prison in — Naivasha Town, Kenya, East Africa. This testimony is different in that it is not about a man or a woman but the testimony of the prison system in Kenya.
“Maximum Security Prison” describes the scene at Naivasha Town in Kenya. 4,000 of the most hardened criminals in Kenya are housed here. This is the sight of a silent revival of Christianity.
Four years ago Bishop Cosmas and Reverend David purposed in their heats to reach out to The Naivasha Prison for ministry.
Starting with a Lutheran Hour Bible study once a week — Reverend David visited the prison to teach his Bible class. Small at first the Bible class grew way beyond expectations as the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of inmates.
The Bible class took on a whole new dimension when Bishop Cosmas and Reverend David were introduced to C.L.I.M.B. This stands for Christian Leadership Institute of Minnesota. Pastor Bill Hieb from Riverside Ministries, in Somerset, Wisconsin introduced Bishop Cosmas and Pastor David to the college level Bible courses teaching people around the world to implement Mark 16:15:
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” NLT
Over the years as the Bible class of Reverend David in the prison grew and the inmates graduated they needed a new Biblical challenge. And C.L.I.M.B fit perfectly. The materials are sent via email and a computer and copier were purchased by Riverside Ministries so every week new and challenging materials could be hand delivered to the prisoners for the Bible College Classes.
Today there are more than 200 inmates enrolled in the C.L.I.M.B. Bible College. The first year 65 members graduated and last year 130 members graduated with a Ministerial certificate. The computer and copier from Riverside Ministries are precious commodities in rural Kenya. Every week it becomes the life line for ministry at the prison.
Two years ago Bishop Cosmas was introduced to Christian Cyber Ministries and now we adapt Cyber Daily Devotions for Naivasha Prison inmates. In the USA we are currently in 22 prisons every week with devotions. Bishop Cosmas brought the idea of the devotions to Reverend David in Nairobi, Kenya and they began to receive the weekly inmate version for distribution.
Ever since they have been printing out the inmate devotions and bringing them to class. Pastor David hands out copies of a week’s devotions and the students use the stories and inspirations of the devotions to witness throughout the prison.
Last year the idea of using the devotions in other prisons around Kenya spread to the Lutheran Hour Ministry in Kenya. John Media the director has since used the materials in 35 prisons reaching 4,000 inmates. The prison system in Kenya is said to house nearly 50,000 inmates so we have a long way to grow but the Holy Spirit is knocking down walls and opening doors.
The gospel has affected all aspects of life in the Naivasha Maximum Security Prison and changed lives. Violence is down and hearts are being changed. Several inmates have been released early to preach the gospel and the Commandant reflects that today, “one guard alone can carry out his duties where in the past we needed multiple guards to protect the guards.”
The purpose for the cross at Naivasha Prison is to give God the Glory for opening the doors of Kenya’s prisons to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And that forgiving grace is available to all who believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Father thank you for open doors for the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout all prisons in the 55 countries of Africa and around the world. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Entrance to Naivasha Maximum Security Prison
in Naivasha Town, Kenya, East Africa
Prison Pastor who oversees spiritual well being of inmates
Christian Bookstore set up for inmates
Inmates with free/exercise time in yard
Inmates during church service
Last year we made a promise to the inmates
to provide benches for them in church.
We raised the funds to make it happen.
Bishop Cosmas presented the Christian Church
in Naivasha Prison with 10 sturdy benches for worship.
The inmates were very happy with their new benches — no more
sitting on the floor or standing for prolong periods!
Cross pronounces Jesus in Naivasha Prison,
Naivasha Town, Kenya
Declaring God’s Glory
over Naivasha Prison