'I was in prison and you came to visit me'

Throughout the coronavirus crisis, prisons have largely been ignored by the media. But an outbreak in one could be deadly. Inspired by scripture, two groups in Mozambique decided to reach out to help protect prisoners from the virus.

These two groups are connected to two of Tearfund's local church partners. The groups meet regularly to read the Bible and apply its teachings to their lives. They also save money together to help lift themselves out of poverty.

When news of the pandemic reached them, they decided to put their faith into action by protecting some of the most vulnerable people in society.

God-given
Both groups delivered 40 bars of soap and 50 facemasks to a local prison. This gave prisoners the means to better protect themselves from the virus.

It was a gesture marked with love, and it came straight from the Bible. The groups shared that they were inspired to do this because the Bible calls us to remember those in prison.

‘I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:36,40)

Called to love
As uncertainty continues to mount around coronavirus and the measures we must take to help prevent its spread, let us keep our eyes focused on Jesus and what he calls us to do.

‘Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters… Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.’ (Hebrews 13:1,3)

Please pray

Lord Jesus,
We thank you for these groups in Mozambique and how they are helping protect prisoners from coronavirus and sharing your love.
Let the glory be yours.

We ask that you highlight, in our own lives, how we can serve the most vulnerable, especially in these trying times. We ask you to be our guide as we follow you in our prayers and actions where the need is greatest.
Let the glory be yours,
Amen.