“Unbind him, let him go free!” *
Over the years I have been amazed how the newsletter to promote Our Lady’s messages reached so many far-off places. One such destination was a maximum security prison in Zambia. This prompted a response from one of the prisoners which is reproduced below:
• Max-Sec Prison, Death-row Ward, Kabwe, Zambia, 10th December 2004.
“My dearest brother in Christ, Bernard: Loving greetings in the sweet name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who binds our hearts together in one bond of Christian love. I hope and pray that my letter finds you in good health. As for me, I’m striving, despite prison hardships. As you well know prison can’t be a bed or roses. Uncertainties do occur.
“Please allow me to introduce myself to you briefly. My full name is Humphrey M Daka, a prisoner condemned to death, age 32 years old. I was arrested on 1st April 1999, convicted and sentenced to death on 16th January 2001. I’m still waiting for my case to be reviewed by the Supreme Court. My case for review has been delayed due to financial constraints.
“I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour right here in prison and I am now a born-again Christian. Before being imprisoned I led a very bad way of living where I had no regard for God at all. I praise the Lord that He made me come to my senses and allowed to be converted. My new birth not only enables me to call God “Father”, but it gives me countless brothers and sisters in Christ. This has encouraged me to write you , and I’m very much confident that I shall find favour in you, my dear brother in Christ.
“I’m in receipt of your magazine called “The Medjugorje Message”. It means a lot to me as I’m a devout Catholic. I thank God for discovering The Medjugorje Message which opened new doors of understanding God much better than before. Your magazine has brought great joy and peace to all I’ve shared it with.
“It is for this reason thaat I’m requesting you to be sending me copies of this magazine. You may also send me the new 16-page tabloid newspaper (Dear Children) that tells the story of Medjugorje. Moreover, I would like you to be praying for me during this time of my suffering. Most times I feel lonely, due to the fact that I do not have anyone visiting me. Both my parent are dead and I come from a poor family. My abrupt incarceration has dealt my family a devastating blow as I was their sole provider.
“If there are any Christians who may be willing to write to me, you are free to give them my name and address. If possible you may publish my letter in your magazine.
“May God’s infinite love and Mary’s peace be with you, and may the saints always intercede for your intentions. With every good wish and I hope to hear from you soon!!!
“Your brother in Jesus and Mary, Humphrey M. Daka”
• I did add Humphrey to my mailing list, sent via the prison chaplain, but never heard from him again. Although Humphrey had been sentenced to death by the Zambian justice system, the last executions in Zambia were carried out in 1997, seven years prior to Humphrey’s letter. In December 2022 capital punishment was officially abolished by the Zambian government.
* The Raising of Lazarus (John 11 : 43)
• Marys Meals Charity continues its good work in Zambia, feeding 605,000 children every school day.
• I’m now of an age where I’ve started downsizing and disposing of bits and pieces kept for many years. More recently I came across a folder of testimonies people sent to me over time for publication in a monthly Medjugorje newsletter I used to produce and post out. The length of some of the testimonies prevented their publication as the newsletter was restricted to 16 pages.
The first newsletter – a two-page effort – was distributed in June 2002. The final issue was produced 14 years later in October 2016.