Article January 2, 2012 Issue

Christian Science opens prison doors

By Gervais Sindayihebura

First published in Le Héraut de la Science Chrétienne, the French edition ofThe Herald of Christian Science.

During our lifetime, we may face difficult times, and we may have to struggle to find answers and solutions. However, my own experience has shown me that when a situation is particularly challenging, and when it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, divine solicitude always manifests itself in the middle of our problems, bringing complete resolution.

On June 28, 2006, I was arrested and imprisoned with a group of colleagues. Our arrest was linked to a theft of goods from the company we were working for. I worked night-shift security there so that I could go to school during the day.

The political, social, and security situation in Burundi was not good, since our country was just coming out of more than a decade of civil war. In my heart, I had absolutely no hope for my future, which is the reason why I had committed that dishonest act. Finding myself in prison, I started thinking that I was cursed. I felt very stressed and discouraged at the idea that I was going to spend five years or more in prison. As the weeks went by, my confinement became particularly painful.