On October 26, 2017, I was at Kirikiri Medium Prison (now Correctional Centre), where I was handed a letter (see the actual letter posted).
It was a letter of anguish. Though written in smattering English, it was meant to invoke deep pity for the author and spur the recipient to action. The inmate who wrote it wanted help in securing his freedom.
I was at the Prison with @Lamboginny to secure the freedom of 27 inmates whose fines we paid by raising the sum of N850,000 for them via social media.
As I was informed about the letter, I fought back tears. He didn’t know the letter would no longer be necessary. He had written the letter and planned to give it to another inmate who had announced to fellow inmates that his relatives would come to pay for his freedom that day.
The letter reads, unedited:
“Hi bros, is me your guy UC (name withheld). Please am in a little trouble and I need your help. On 25 last month, I am with a friend in Festac when the policemen came and arrested me and the other guy ran away.
“The next day they send us to court and ask us to call anybody to bail us and U no I lost my phone. Please bros I need your help seriously. Bros please all I need from you is to come with my ATM and your own so that we no what to do. May God bless you. Corprate please and please.
“Am in Kirikiri medium prison. When you come Mile 2, enter bike and ask for the prison.”
On that day, over eight years ago, the author of the letter walked out a free man with the letter undelivered. He was one of the 27 inmates freed after their option of fine had been paid and documentation sorted. He wasn’t expecting freedom but God shocked him pleasantly.
I almost cried when I saw him shouting for joy in the Prison Controller’s office when he was told that he had become free because his fine had been paid. I can’t forget the Controller’s words, “This man here has paid your fine. Now, you’re free.”
It was at that point that he brought out the letter he had written.
When God steps in, stories change suddenly. One moment in prison… the next, shouting for joy. Your own good news can come just as quickly. Share on XCuriously, the man who should have delivered the letter and who was dreaming of freedom ab initio still remained behind bars, as his relatives didn’t come for him that day.
The one who wrote the letter got out before the person who should have delivered the letter. Amazing grace!
May the Lord grant you a pleasant surprise this week. May you receive good news unexpectedly. May your restoration come suddenly. You will shout for joy. In Jesus’ Name
When the Lord brought the prisoners back to Jerusalem, it seemed as if we were dreaming. Then we were filled with laughter, and we sang happy songs. Then the other nations said, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are very glad. (Psalm 126:1-3 New Century Version)