Since my last post, I have had many enquiries regarding my Christian beliefs, so today I am going to share with you how much my belief helped me get through some rather tough ordeals.
After our capture and once the majority of the beatings had subsided, we were taken to court for the first time. We were remanded in custody, a process which would have to be repeated every two weeks until our trial ended. On the day of the remand we would be given a pair of shorts and a shirt. At the later stages we would be given a pair of shoes. We would be taken out of our cells and shuffled down to the awaiting military vehicle. This would be the only time we would see each other and they were very strict on us not communicating with each other.
The proceedings in court were very short and then we would be taken to the police headquarters where they would hand out the mail to us prisoners. Everybody got mail except Barney and myself. Unbeknown to both of us and the police, the military withheld our mail as they thought we were not giving them the true story of our involvement in the coup event.
Obviously I was worried as to why my wife had not written and to this end I would add it to my daily prayers, asking for some kind of communication from her. Now if you have every wondered about miracles and do they really happen, let me share with you what happened on our next visit to police headquarters. Once the mail had been handed out, the Deputy Commissioner came across to me and said that I was to be escorted to the office of Commissioner James Pillay. One can imagine how this sent my brain into a spin, all the fears. Why only me? What had I done? It was only a short walk up to the office and I had no idea what to expect.
Once in the office, the head of police told his deputy to leave us alone and he offered me a seat in front of his desk. He introduced himself to me and started the conversation with a question, “Do you have any family?”. When I replied that I did, he then said, “Do they not love you?”. I told him that I was sure that they did and that it was possible that my wife would not send correspondence to me in case it made my position worse. He then asked do I have a telephone in my home. Did I know the number and did I think that my wife would be there. (I didn’t know at this time that my wife had never left our home from the moment we were captured until this call). When I replied yes, he told me that his ‘red telephone’ was one of only two lines on the island that was a safe and secure line (the other being the presidents).
You can imagine what was running through my mind and how surprised I was when he began dialing the number on the phone. Was this another ploy to get information out of me or was it something worse? I was even more surprised when he handed me the handset and I heard my wife’s voice on the other end. I was stunned and at first I did not know what to say. I remember mumbling “Hello Chubby Chops (a term of endearment), it’s me, just to let you know that we are all doing fine under the circumstances” or words to that effect. Could this be really happening? Me a prisoner awaiting trial talking with my wife back in South Africa. It did seem very surreal, my heart was racing and what an amazing feeling. This wonderful man had just done something out of compassion for another human being. I will always be grateful to him.
As I was taken back down to join the others, I was full of emotion, sheer joy and I felt as if I was walking on air. Sadly I could not share what had happened to anyone, because again we were back into solitary confinement mode, no talking when surrounded by guards. I am sure that the others felt it was something good as we spoke to each other using only our eyes. It was a very different journey back to our prison. A miracle has just happened. Yes, a true miracle.
Long after our eventual release, I was to find out that many, many friends, families and loved ones, churches and complete strangers had been also praying for our well being and release. To you all, my heartfelt thank you. I will always be in your debt. As I look back on my now 76 years on earth, I realise that many, many miracles have taken place along my journey through life. Too many to mention now, however, I will share more with you later on down the road. So one can see clearly that miracles do and will happen. Sometimes we do not recognise them. One has to keep faith and trust in the power of prayer. So no matter who you perceive your god to be, keep strong and believe.
Until next time, keep happy, stay safe and may God bless you.
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