Ex-convicts join in prayer walk to fight social ills
The group believe they can fight crime, substance abuse and gangsterism through prayer and unity
A three-day prayer walk was held by a team made up mostly of former inmates from Modderbee Correctional Centre from December 8 to Saturday December 10.
The group, working in conjunction with the Luthemba Lethu Community Project, a Section 18 Non-Profit Organisation, believes they can fight crime, substance abuse and gangsterism through prayer and unity.
A team of volunteers from churches, ministries and the communities of Daveyton, Tembisa and Kempton Park took part in the initiative.
Organiser of the walk, Pastor André Roodt, said their vision was to see the walk becoming an annual event and to inspire other individuals to take a stand against the destructive influences affecting both young and old in their communities.
“It is no secret that crime, substance abuse and gangsterism are negative factors ravaging many South African communities. This group of individuals believe they can be part of the solution by rallying members of the community together and fighting these evils through prayer and unity. Through their own life’s experiences, they have come to realise that crime comes as a result of poor choices and can be a symptom of spiritual bondage with true freedom only being found in Jesus Christ.
“They are no longer satisfied at hearing complaints about this with little to nothing being done,” said Roodt.
On Thursday, December 8, the group walked from Tembisa Stadium to Tembisa Police Station, where they prayed with members of the SAPS before heading back to the stadium.
On Friday, December 9, the team, together with volunteers from churches and the community, started walking from Daveyton Stadium to Modderbee Correctional Centre where they were received by the Head of the Correctional Services.
They prayed together for the inmates and the officials before heading back to the stadium in Daveyton.
On Saturday, December 10, which was the third and final day, the group was to initially assemble at Barnard Stadium but instead met at Sir Piere van Ryneveld and walked to Kempton Park Police Station while escorted by the police.
The group met with Station Commander Brigadier Bertha Kgoroba.
The former inmates made a confession of their sins and asked for forgiveness.
