PRISON MINISTRY

A team flown by MAF brought hope, comfort and Bibles to prisoners suffering harsh conditions in three jails in Madagascar.

In December 2022, MAF organized a series of flights over three days to visit prisons in the towns of Mananara, Maroansetra and Mandritsara.

Prison Visit Ministry

According to the UN Human Rights office, in 2019, Madagascar counted 24,000 prisoners, 60% of whom were in pre-trial detention and the rest were sentenced.

In Maroansetra, a town located in the NorthEast coast of the island, there are 234 prisoners that are detained in the prison: 212 men, 2 teenagers aged of 14 and 15 years old, and 20 women (one with a baby). The life conditions are deplorable, with limited resources for survival. It takes 3 to 4 days to reach the town’s prison, so when the family of the detainees are not able to bring food to them, roots of manioc are cooked as their unique meal of the day. In average, a quarter of the food distributed is provided by the families who travel to the prisons. The cells are overcrowded, and the terrible living conditions, malnutrition, and lack of medical care are almost like a reflection of the poverty in the country.

Bringing Hope

The message of the Gospel was shared with the prisoners and several bags of rice along with food supplements were distributed to the prisoners. For them, it was an end of year celebration.

Pastor Solofo, who has been working alongside MAF for a couple years, was one of the passengers. His main ministry is to preach the Gospel and distribute Bibles to prisoners. During the visit, prisoners gathered in the courtyard as Pastor Solofo shared the love of Jesus Christ, giving a glimmer of hope to the detainees. Country Director Patrick Keller says, “Having visited prisons myself, I can only imagine how many tragic and sad stories Pastor Solofo must have encountered in his 17 years of prison ministry. Nevertheless, he continues to faithfully minister to hundreds of prisoners, bringing light, hope and encouragement.” His words are so impactful and encouraging that many prisoners responded to the message of the Gospel and were ready to commit their lives to Christ. The time of prayer was of great comfort to them.

Assessing The Life Conditions

Tantely, one of the other passengers that joined the flight. He heard about MAF 5 years ago and rejoiced at the idea of flying with us as this was his very first flight with MAF. He had two missions: to ensure prisoners are looked after in a humane way and to prepare them for their re-entry in society.

“MAF contributes greatly to the work of the Ministry of Justice in Madagascar for the Malagasy administration lacks the means to subsidize the trips,” he said.

Access to most of the prisons is difficult due to the conditions of the road so Mr Tantely has not been able to travel and visit the prisons in the last 10 years.

His presence is of great importance to the ministry as it involves face-to-face contact with detainees and prison staff, allowing him to observe and assess the conditions of life of the prisoners. As he observed the deteriorating living conditions, he concluded that the main needs of the prisons are proper medical care and food.

On the day of our visit in Mananara, a woman gave birth after being detained for three months. A doctor was contacted to deliver the baby and provide basic care to the mother and the baby. That same day, she was released thanks to an early decision by the general attorney.

Bible Distribution

Ravo, who works in the capital of the island, Antananarivo, in a Christian library, also joined the flight. MAF transported boxes of Bibles for distribution in the three towns. Mr Ravo explained, “The population expects to receive the good news of the Gospel. People are so thankful when the Bibles are handed over to them.”

For many years now, he has been distributing Bibles to isolated places, in 22 different locations across the island.

“Thanks to God, MAF exists, and we can go to the unreachable areas of the island. The airplane is the solution for us to distribute Bibles, Christian literature and share the Word. We are simple tools used to reach out to them (prisoners). Glory to God for this good work,” he said. Ravo wished God’s blessings upon the MAF team and future collaborations to bring more help, hope and healing.

Prison Main Entrance gate distribution

Aeodrome - Mr Rivo, Betty

Jurgensen with MAF, Ps

Solofo, Mr Tantely, Pilot Patrick Keller