Upon his arrival at Nyarugenge Correctional Facility, Andrew Corley was welcomed by the S/SUPT Patrick Muragizi, Director of Nyarugenge Correctional Facility, who explained how RCS collaborates with Prison Fellowship. By touring in various vocational training areas where inmates learn different skills as part of their genuine rehabilitation process. The visit continued in the main courtyard, where inmates and detainees had gathered joyfully to welcome him. He was deeply touched by testimonies from some inmates who shared how the spiritual teachings provided by Prison Fellowship helped to open their hearts and transform their lives, leading to inner freedom.

Mukamuganga Esther, who is serving a sentence for murdering her husband, testified that the teachings she received from Prison Fellowship Rwanda helped her to accept herself and her situation.

She said, “After I was imprisoned and began serving my 15-year sentence, it was very difficult for me to accept my punishment. I lived in isolation because of the crime I had committed and constantly struggled with despair. One day, someone approached me where I was sitting and encouraged me to attend the teachings offered by Prison Fellowship. I started following them, and day by day they transformed me. I felt liberated and realized there was still hope for life. I have now served 12 years of my sentence and am close to being released. My heart has healed, and I am now in a position to help others who are struggling, just as I once was.”

Sezibera Celestin, who was convicted of genocide crime and sentenced to life imprisonment, but had previously denied his involvement, said that the teachings helped soften his heart and led him to acknowledge his role in the Genocide.

He said, “Before, I did not want to admit the role I played in the Genocide because my heart was hardened. However, after following the teachings of Prison Fellowship, I was liberated and accepted my responsibility because the teachings had deeply penetrated my heart. I acknowledged my role and asked for forgiveness, and I felt my heart set free. Truly, these teachings helped me greatly, because without them I would not have died with a free heart, but now my heart is at peace.”

The President of Prison Fellowship International, Andrew Corley, expressed his joy at the positive role the organization he leads has played in helping inmates. He encouraged others to participate in the teachings so that they may return to society having received salvation.

He said, “Being here is not the end of your lives. After completing your sentences, you will return to society. Committing a crime is not the ultimate issue; what matters is how you respond afterward. The testimonies I have heard deeply touched my heart because the teachings of the organization I represent have helped those who followed them to open the doors of your hearts, be set free, confess, and soften hearts that were once hardened. I thank God and also thank the Rwanda Correctional Service with whom we work hand in hand every day. We will continue striving to ensure that God’s name is glorified, because this is not our work alone—it is God who does it. I love you.”

Prison Fellowship International is a faith-based, non-governmental organization whose mission is to spread the Word of God in prisons and correctional facilities around the world, with the aim of helping offenders not to remain trapped in despair, but instead to experience inner freedom and receive salvation through the teachings provided by the organization, which help them to reflect on and transform their lives.