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'FATHER THOMAS'

only did he want to convert me to Mormonism, he also wanted me to help find other people who were 'in need', as he put it.

'We are looking for someone to help other people to understand. That person is you, Thomas. God has chosen you. The word is only just arriving in Bolivia, and we want to give everyone the opportunity to share in our beliefs.'

Fat Joe explained his master plan: he wanted to open a chapter of the Mormon Church inside the prison itself and he wanted me to be the head of it. They would cover all the expenses and send me the materials and money required to set everything up. He needed a decision soon because he was heading back to the United States in a few days. It was a grave responsibility; if I said no now, I would be denying other people the opportunity of being saved.

'I don't think I know enough to teach other people,' I said, hesitantly. 'There's no way I could read your whole bible in such a short time. And to be honest, I'm really not sure about it myself . . . I just . . . I'd feel guilty accepting if I didn't truly . . .'

'That's OK. You don't have to believe in everything one hundred per cent right now. As long as you have an open mind and you think there's a chance to learn about our ways. In the meantime, you can still give other people hope. There's nothing hypocritical about that. You're a good person, Thomas. Anyone can see that. People listen to you.'

When he put it that way, I didn't see anything wrong with agreeing to being a Mormon, at least for the time being. I didn't have to commit myself completely, but everybody would benefit: the Mormons would get their church, other people would have the chance of being saved and I could make some money on the side.

'OK, then.'

'That's fantastic,' Fat Joe shook my hand. 'Welcome to the church, Thomas.'

'Thank you.'

And that's how I became Bolivia's first ever Mormon priest in prison. Father Thomas. It had a nice ring to it. Even nicer than Thomas the tour guide.

I kept my word to the Mormons. Well, sort of. The money arrived first, then a week later a whole bundle of bibles and promotional