In its drive for unceasing discipleship, Adventist Men of Area 49 SDA Church rounded up the first quarter of 2017 with a unique and passionate trip to the remote part of Dowa District where young offenders are shaped for responsible citizens. At the time of this important evangelistic trip, about one hundred juvenile inmates were held at this Biyazi Prison after convictions of various crimes.

The mood was visibly exciting and soothing for both the visitors and the inmates as happy faces could be seen overshadowing the much anticipated gloomy atmosphere of the prison environment. It took no time for the inmates to welcome the men in red neck-ties with soul winning choruses glorifying the only name of savior – Jesus Christ. The singing and dancing by the inmates could not be resisted as AMO eventually joined the jig in choruses, with bodies in free shape of a dance in harmony with the fellow brothers under locks!

The Adventist Men Ministry quickly set up the environment for sharing of the Word, mounting a podium in which Elder Dickson Nkhono read the only chapter of the book of Philemon with an inspiring and hopeful message not only to the inmates but everyone present including the Prison officials. The transformative message was about Onesmus – the one for which Paul described as “10…whom I have begotten while in my chains, 11 who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me….”.

The amazing redemption of one Onesmus while in prison is a testimony that God allowed him to be subjected to such a harsh and shameful environment in order to be saved and save others! Elder Nkhono proceeded to challenge the inmates about the possibility that God allowed their imprisonment in order to encounter Jesus and become His vessels.

In winding up the cheerful visit, various food and material support was shared to the inmates, including a healthy living book by Mark Finley which was distributed to each inmates.

The Adventist Men Organization is a department within the Seventh Day Adventist Church that is concerned with the nurturing of men for the service to God, family and the community.

FELLOWSHIP

Men’s fellowship is any event that can bring men together for the purpose of enhancing their spiritual, mental, social and physical growth.

The following are identified as some of the activities that fall under fellowship: Prayers, Bible studies, Singing, Seminars-AMO seminar, Round Fire gathering, Sporting activities, Internal and external visitations e.g. to hospitals, children homes, prisons, our members etc, A.M.O Sabbath, Cookouts, night outs and retreats.

The Adventist Men organization upholds that we need to get together because of Christ, grow together in Christ and grow forth to serve Christ…“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17”

BENEFITS OF MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

It provides them with opportunity for to learn how to live a Christian life.

It is a safe place where men learn to express love to one another

It is a place where men get to know each other in an atmosphere of love and acceptance

It is a place where men find strength to face trials, changes and personal decisions

It is a place where men are free to be spiritual

It is a place where men can worship and pray together

It is a place where men can discover their spiritual gifts and talents in order to serve others.