Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (Full Version)

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TMeeks -> Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/12/2008 9:10:43 AM)

The plight of men and women in prison is a double tragedy.

First, most are there because their minds have held them captive through the strongholds in their brain filled with rejection, unforgiveness, self loathing or arrogance, etc. And, then they are physically captive, unable to enjoy the freedom of those on the outside.

They are doubly captive.

What are you or your church doing about setting these captives free? If they cannot be set free physically, what can we do to help them be set free spiritually, emotionally and intellectually?



rcjames -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/12/2008 10:16:10 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

The plight of men and women in prison is a double tragedy.

First, most are there because their minds have held them captive through the strongholds in their brain filled with rejection, unforgiveness, self loathing or arrogance, etc. And, then they are physically captive, unable to enjoy the freedom of those on the outside.

They are doubly captive.

What are you or your church doing about setting these captives free? If they cannot be set free physically, what can we do to help them be set free spiritually, emotionally and intellectually?


First they are there because of their choice to commit crimes.

Presenting the truth of Christ is all we can do and that is sufficient.

Thanks
RC



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/12/2008 10:55:07 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

The plight of men and women in prison is a double tragedy.

First, most are there because their minds have held them captive through the strongholds in their brain filled with rejection, unforgiveness, self loathing or arrogance, etc. And, then they are physically captive, unable to enjoy the freedom of those on the outside.

They are doubly captive.

What are you or your church doing about setting these captives free? If they cannot be set free physically, what can we do to help them be set free spiritually, emotionally and intellectually?


First they are there because of their choice to commit crimes.

Presenting the truth of Christ is all we can do and that is sufficient.

Thanks
RC

That's wonderful RC. But, the question wasn't, "what to do?" It was, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" [:)]

And, does it really make a difference how they got there? John the Baptist, Paul and John were prisoners for their faith. The thief on the cross was a prisoner for crimes that he chose to do. Did Jesus turn his back on any of them?



peace77 -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/12/2008 11:03:23 AM)

quote:

They are there because of their choice to commit crimes.


Not everyone is in prison because they have committed a crime. Some people have been falsely accused.
They may be in prison due to other people's crimes such as perjury. They may have been caught up in being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It is not our place to judge how they got there.


My church and my family is involved in prison ministry.
My husband visits the local state prison and leads bible studies in rotation with other local pastors.
We have contributed funds to prisoner's accounts. Prisoners have to pay for their own stamps, paper, and toiletries such as shampoo and toothpaste. Many of them have no income while in prison and no support from family.

We helped out with a previous church's jail ministry when they had a book drive to stock the jail library with bibles and Christian paperback books.

We are also involved in after care ministry. We provide mentoring, case management, food, meals, a place to do laundry and sometimes shelter to those recently released to help them get back on their feet.

This area of aftercare ministry is often overlooked. Prison Fellowship has realized and is now teaching that it isn't enough to bring men and women to a strong relationship with Christ inside the prison walls. They need to meet them at the door at the time of their release and meet their needs at that time to help prevent them from returning to their former lifestyle.


Peace,
Anne



WhiteWindWarrior -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/12/2008 12:11:57 PM)

quote:

First they are there because of their choice to commit crimes.

Presenting the truth of Christ is all we can do and that is sufficient.


First, may I say that of the many hundreds of the incarcerated at the State Prison where I visit each week, the overwhelming majority of these men claim Christianity as a background in their lives. A significant number of these men, about half of that number, profess that they were or are born again. The remainder align themselves with a variety of traditional Christian denominations and express varying degrees of spirituality.

My point here is, the "outside" Christian Community is woefully lacking any level of understanding of the incarcerated. Most have taken a position not based on facts but on preconceived notions about how people ended up there and simplistic notions of what a Christian can or should do.

It is clearly true they have made poor decisions as suggested here. What is also true is there are a very large number of men that have been "cast off" without so much as a thought about the ripple effect of these men that end up in prison.

After you have sat down with incarcerated men with a background in Christianity and occupations including bankers, teachers, truck drivers, tradesmen, accountants, ministers, Sunday School teachers, preachers, among many anothers and of course the unemployed or criminally employed and sadly veterans that have found themselves in places they never would have believed before they got there. Yes, there are also the crazies "inside" intent on self-destruction and obviously more difficult to work with, but it this very element that needs to be reached by the "outside" Christian Community.

The question posed is what can we do?

The answer is clear...Jesus asked of us very little but what He did ask was quite direct..."I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me." (Matt 25:35-36)

Presenting the Truth of Christ is essential, and that happens in a variety of ways in prison but Jesus said when He was in prison you came to me. How can that be accomplished? If you are truly concerned about the encarcerated and the thousands of families that are left behind, involvement will require a lot of hard and often misunderstood work. The are assorted ministries that are involved in Christian prison ministry and volunteers are always needed. There are also a few Christian ministries that work with those left behind, the families of the incarcerated.

A more important question is why would we even consider visiting the incarcerated? Again our Lord was very specific, because "...you did it unto Me." (Matt 25:40)

So long as the outside Christian Community is content with the building of bigger and ever more secure prison facilities with increasingly more stringent sentencing guidelines the problem will not go away. It is a testament to the failure of the wider Christian Community to address the problems we all face. Perhaps it stems from our indifference and ignorance towards the plight of those going through difficult periods in their lives but from where I sit this problem continues to grow at an alarming rate. We cannot standby and allow the growth of a prison population that has increasingly become a warehousing and logistical situation with little effort towards rehabiliation back into the communities we live.

Most states will see better than half of their prison population back on the streets with little direction within a 10 year period or less. We need and must get involved and find ways to get these men not only reconciled with Christ but also with their fellow man, and finally find ways to set their feet to pathways that are more productive.

To all Christians may I also add there are untold thousands affected by those that have committed crimes, including victims, relatives of victims and the same is true of those in prison, nearly all have families, moms, dads, wives, loved ones, relatives. It is a huge ripple that we must all ponder because when someone is involved in a crime those left behind are often left out of the Christian Community because of the affiliation and so there is a twofold loss that needs to be considered.

Not an easy subject and no easy answers but there is a tremendous need!



rcjames -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/12/2008 12:14:42 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks
That's wonderful RC. But, the question wasn't, "what to do?" It was, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" [:)]


Well excuse me.

What am I doing? I work the local and county jails on a regular basis, support and visit with Prision Fellowship and other groups at State and Federal places of incarnation. Many of the men and a few of the women at our Church do the same.

We also have a group that gives counsel, support, and job training to those who have paid their debt to society and gotten out.

I assume others are doing the same.

Thanks
RC



WhiteWindWarrior -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/12/2008 12:24:06 PM)

peace77 ~

God Bless your efforts "inside" and you are right on with regard to those "falsely accused" as I have met a few and their stories will cause you to wonder about the justice system. At the same time I make no judgements about these things, I am not a lawyer but one sent by God to visit with these men, conduct retreats and spend time with them one on one. I accept these men as creations of God that have gotten off the road and need a little help getting back on the road.

The interesting thing I have found is these men know (those justly convicted) why they are there and do not want sympathy, just acceptance as another human being on the planet.



WhiteWindWarrior -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/12/2008 12:27:02 PM)

rcjames~

quote:

I work the local and county jails on a regular basis, support and visit with Prision Fellowship and other groups at State and Federal places of incarnation. Many of the men and a few of the women at our Church do the same.

We also have a group that gives counsel, support, and job training to those who have paid their debt to society and gotten out.


Duly noted...and a commendable effort...more folks needed in this work!



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 7:55:46 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks
That's wonderful RC. But, the question wasn't, "what to do?" It was, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" [:)]


Well excuse me.

What am I doing? I work the local and county jails on a regular basis, support and visit with Prision Fellowship and other groups at State and Federal places of incarnation. Many of the men and a few of the women at our Church do the same.

We also have a group that gives counsel, support, and job training to those who have paid their debt to society and gotten out.

I assume others are doing the same.

Thanks
RC

Do you go in as a group or more one-on-one visiting? And, what do you find is the most helpful thing that you've found to share with those prisoners that claim to know Jesus Christ? Is there any pattern in their lives that contributes to the choices that thay made that got them there?



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 8:18:15 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: WhiteWindWarrior

peace77 ~

God Bless your efforts "inside" and you are right on with regard to those "falsely accused" as I have met a few and their stories will cause you to wonder about the justice system. At the same time I make no judgements about these things, I am not a lawyer but one sent by God to visit with these men, conduct retreats and spend time with them one on one. I accept these men as creations of God that have gotten off the road and need a little help getting back on the road.

The interesting thing I have found is these men know (those justly convicted) why they are there and do not want sympathy, just acceptance as another human being on the planet.

I first became acquainted with prisoners as a child. I grew up at the edge of a prison complex that included facilties for hardened criminals (3yrs to life), less serious offenses (1-3 yrs), a woman's prison and, later, a 'Youth Center' which was an experiment to keep younger dangerous criminals from older hardened criminals.

The facility for the 1-3yr prisoners had various ways for the locals to come into contact with the prisoners. There was a prison run barber shop, a car wash and a fantastic baseball field where we watched them practice and play along with actually using it as our Pony League 'home field' when they watched us play. I don't have any negative memories at all of my interaction with the prisoners. But, I can't say that for the teams that played us.

The prisoners thought it was their job to give us the home team advantage by being... well... the very characture of prisoners that people fear. So, here were guys that were in for something as small as public drunkeness yelling at the apponent's first baseman, "Hey you!!! If you catch that ball I'm gonna cut your heart out!!! I KNOW where you live!!!" ... and then they'd laugh to beat the band. WE knew these guys were harmless enough; but, the other team sure didn't!! So, we won a LOT more games at home then we did at the other fields! [:D]

They make for hilarious memories but they also served to humanize the prisoners. They weren't numbers to us, they were, as mush as possible in a situation like that, friends and just 'guys' doing some time.

But, as I got older I realized that most of them didn't have the childhood that I was living. And, while they didn't dwell on it, every now and then they would say something that shined a bit of light on the fact that something was missing in their life that I had, a dad that loved me.



rcjames -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 10:26:52 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks
Do you go in as a group or more one-on-one visiting?


I have participated both ways over the years. I find that one on one is more effective than "Holding services" or visiting in groups. (some institutions will not permit the one on one).

quote:

And, what do you find is the most helpful thing that you've found to share with those prisoners that claim to know Jesus Christ?


Not to give you a short answer TMeeks, but I share the Gospel with them.
Many prisoners (and many folks in the pews at our local Churches) think they are saved, but when you talk with them it is evident they are not. Christ speaks to this in Mat. 7;

(Mat 7:21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

(Mat 7:22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

(Mat 7:23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

This is one area that I think is sorely overlooked by those who minister to prisoners (and non-prisoners as well).

quote:

Is there any pattern in their lives that contributes to the choices that thay made that got them there?


Lack of dicipline in their lives, and thinking the world owes them something seems common, but mainly just the same attitudes as those everywhere who reject picking up their cross and following Christ.

I wish you well in your endeavors.

Thanks
RC



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 10:46:06 AM)

quote:

Lack of dicipline in their lives, and thinking the world owes them something seems common, but mainly just the same attitudes as those everywhere who reject picking up their cross and following Christ.


Thanks, RC.

Do you find that there are any patterns in their backgrounds or way of thinking that might make it more difficult for them to recognize the love of Jesus? If so, what seemed to help in the way of making the greatest breakthoughs?



captainfraulein -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 11:07:29 AM)

The Gospel is what we share. I have not gone for awhile but I went to prison to share the Gospel. We were told by some volunteers "it really helps if you have a prison background yourself" meaning the kids accept you more.

I found the juvy kids wanted to learn more about the Gospel though when we presented it to them.

You have to simplify it a bit...a lot of them had never heard of the Prodigal Son!



AlwaysR8chel -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 12:29:56 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

Do you go in as a group or more one-on-one visiting? And, what do you find is the most helpful thing that you've found to share with those prisoners that claim to know Jesus Christ? Is there any pattern in their lives that contributes to the choices that thay made that got them there?

.
.
.
........ There is so much to prison ministry.

One thing that works for one 'minister' will not work for another.

The most important thing I've found is to pray... "LORD, please empty me... so they can see you."

Sometimes I go in with devotionals... sometimes I just go in and listen...

It's different every time I go....

Just go.



The biggest pattern I see in our county is the broken family unit.... almost always caused by drug addiction.

Because of the addictions.... many of the inmates are equated emotionally to third graders.



I just walk with them.... as best as I know how.

I just tell them about Jesus.... as best as I can.

I just take the time to challenge their 'thinking'.... and to offer them a better way through Christ.

Just take time.




...... makes me smile to see all who care about those behind the walls.



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 1:14:00 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: redwhiterose

The Gospel is what we share. I have not gone for awhile but I went to prison to share the Gospel. We were told by some volunteers "it really helps if you have a prison background yourself" meaning the kids accept you more.

I found the juvy kids wanted to learn more about the Gospel though when we presented it to them.

You have to simplify it a bit...a lot of them had never heard of the Prodigal Son!

Thank you, redwhiterose.

I can imagine that most of them have little spiritual background.

You mentioned that they want to know know more about the Gospel. What kinds of things are you talking about? What questions do they ask?

Thanks for helping us make this a great discussion.



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 1:18:22 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: AlwaysR8chel
quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks
Do you go in as a group or more one-on-one visiting? And, what do you find is the most helpful thing that you've found to share with those prisoners that claim to know Jesus Christ? Is there any pattern in their lives that contributes to the choices that thay made that got them there?

........ There is so much to prison ministry.
One thing that works for one 'minister' will not work for another.
The most important thing I've found is to pray... "LORD, please empty me... so they can see you."
Sometimes I go in with devotionals... sometimes I just go in and listen...
It's different every time I go....
Just go.

The biggest pattern I see in our county is the broken family unit.... almost always caused by drug addiction.
Because of the addictions.... many of the inmates are equated emotionally to third graders.

I just walk with them.... as best as I know how.
I just tell them about Jesus.... as best as I can.
I just take the time to challenge their 'thinking'.... and to offer them a better way through Christ.

Just take time.

...... makes me smile to see all who care about those behind the walls.

Thanks, AlwaysR8chel. It makes me smile too. [:)]

You mentioned addictions and broken families. Can you explain that a bit more?

And, you also talked about the emotional levels of the inmates. Can you also explain that in a bit more detail? How do you think the addicitons and emotions are related?

And, I like the fact that you challenge their thinking. I'd like to know more about that too.

Thanks for helping us to probe this kind of ministry in more depth.



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 1:35:07 PM)

quote:

Most states will see better than half of their prison population back on the streets with little direction within a 10 year period or less. We need and must get involved and find ways to get these men not only reconciled with Christ but also with their fellow man, and finally find ways to set their feet to pathways that are more productive.


Thank you WhiteWindWarrior,

All of your posts on this have been very helpful. But, I wanted to followup on this one aspect.

One of the reasons that I'm interested in this subject is precisely the issue of the revolving door. While I know that we need to bring the basic message that Christ is the Saviour, and that if they are believers or become believers they have the Holy Spirit to guide them, my experience in the past is that they have trouble getting a handle on it because of their patterns of thinking.

You allude to this when you talk about being reconciled to BOTH God and their fellow man. It seems to me that the gangs in prison thrive because so many of these prisoners have been unable to establish healthy relationships otherwise. Gangs represent a form of bonding. Is this true?



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 1:41:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: peace77
quote:

They are there because of their choice to commit crimes.

Not everyone is in prison because they have committed a crime. Some people have been falsely accused.
They may be in prison due to other people's crimes such as perjury. They may have been caught up in being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It is not our place to judge how they got there.
...
We helped out with a previous church's jail ministry when they had a book drive to stock the jail library with bibles and Christian paperback books.
...
We are also involved in after care ministry. We provide mentoring, case management, food, meals, a place to do laundry and sometimes shelter to those recently released to help them get back on their feet.

This area of aftercare ministry is often overlooked. Prison Fellowship has realized and is now teaching that it isn't enough to bring men and women to a strong relationship with Christ inside the prison walls. They need to meet them at the door at the time of their release and meet their needs at that time to help prevent them from returning to their former lifestyle.

Peace,
Anne

Thank you Anne, for these suggestions.

Can you explain a little more about how the aftercare ministry works? Is it a formal thing or more of a one-on-one mentoring program? And, is there an average time that a released prisoner will take part in something like this?



captainfraulein -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 2:16:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks


Thank you, redwhiterose.

I can imagine that most of them have little spiritual background.

You mentioned that they want to know know more about the Gospel. What kinds of things are you talking about? What questions do they ask?

Thanks for helping us make this a great discussion.


My pleasure, you are so welcome. I have to agree with AlwaysR8chel, "just do it!" it is hard to explain how it since every place can vary. The juvy hall I have gone to...it varies weekly! Kids get in and out from 2 weeks to 6 years, depending on the crime. New kids on the block.

Sometimes I would walk in there and most of the kids were African-American. Other times, mostly Tongan. Other times, mostly Hispanic. Sometimes a bunch of whites. Sometimes a lot of Asians. So my audience varied a lot.

My group was African-American, Asian and white. Being a woman worked against me sometimes with the boys...they were hungry for mentors and did not see me as often as one. Other times, they were so lonely for their mom/aunt/etc...they would be more respectful. It was noted sometimes they were less rowdy if we had women speaking.

I got laughed at for having a Valley-girl accent. I have tried to get rid of it, but it is permanent.

But I have had one boy...I will never forget him...keep thanking me personally. It was as though God spoke to him through me whenever I shared. He looked like one of the Wayan brothers (Living Color) and told me "He was going to be a preacher". I remember telling the kids.."thank you" and he said "no...THANK YOU!" and he shook my hand. I still get teary eyed. I hope to meet him in heaven one day...he is out of juvy. I would love to run into him sometime on earth!

One kid who had murdered kept me awake at night. He is the one that looked like Denzel Washington. Smart kid. Killed someone in his family. He is in San Quentin now. I got so upset about his unrepentant attitude and embracing New Age stuff...and anger at the wrong people (us many time...Christians) that I felt like quitting. He disrupted every lesson we did.

One time I spoke about the Italian mafia. I did not know why I broke that up, but one Italian kid got very angry. Turns out he had family in the mafia!

God puts things on your heart...you just do not know what will happen. Be ready for anything. We had one the experience of an older lady falling and the jail getting very angry at us (suing could happen etc.) It is important people be healthy enough to not fall and such. The jails are not cushy places.

The Quesions ranked on how often they were asked by different kids:

  • If God made marijuana, then why is it bad?
  • Who made God?
  • How do you know the Bible is true?
  • How did they decide what went into the Bible?
  • Why does got make some people if He knows they will go to hell?
  • Why do you come here?
  • How old are you?
  • Where do you live?



AlwaysR8chel -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 4:24:49 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

You mentioned addictions and broken families. Can you explain that a bit more?

.
.
.
.
......... I don't even know where to begin.... all your questions make me laugh... you remind me of a friend of mine! [:D]

Many of the people I work with come from broken homes... single parent homes... parents who'd rather buy drugs than groceries... leaving the kids to fend for themselves.

I can't even begin to tell the tales of abuse I've heard...

Drug addictions drive people to make very bad decisions that have a damaging effect on their family members forever.


quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks
And, you also talked about the emotional levels of the inmates. Can you also explain that in a bit more detail? How do you think the addicitons and emotions are related?

.
.
.
.
........ when people are consistently using drugs, it damages their brains. I've seen pictures of the different brain damage coke and meth does to a brain. Those drugs basically eat holes in the brain.


Generally (and please know this is a general statement), inmates are lacking many emotional and social skills. Working with them sometimes feels like we are working with 9 yr olds in a grown-up's body.



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 4:58:31 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: redwhiterose

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks


Thank you, redwhiterose.

I can imagine that most of them have little spiritual background.

You mentioned that they want to know know more about the Gospel. What kinds of things are you talking about? What questions do they ask?

Thanks for helping us make this a great discussion.


My pleasure, you are so welcome. I have to agree with AlwaysR8chel, "just do it!" it is hard to explain how it since every place can vary. The juvy hall I have gone to...it varies weekly! Kids get in and out from 2 weeks to 6 years, depending on the crime. New kids on the block.


Were you ever able to set up an ongoing Bible Study or was it simply providing some type of service on a regular basis?

quote:

Sometimes I would walk in there and most of the kids were African-American. Other times, mostly Tongan. Other times, mostly Hispanic. Sometimes a bunch of whites. Sometimes a lot of Asians. So my audience varied a lot.

My group was African-American, Asian and white. Being a woman worked against me sometimes with the boys...they were hungry for mentors and did not see me as often as one. Other times, they were so lonely for their mom/aunt/etc...they would be more respectful. It was noted sometimes they were less rowdy if we had women speaking.


My experience has been that the concept of 'respect' is very important to these teens even though they are seemingly disconnected.

quote:

I got laughed at for having a Valley-girl accent. I have tried to get rid of it, but it is permanent.


[:D][:D][:D]That would NOT be a problem for me. However, Southern Redneck might be! Can you say 'Ya'll!' [:D]

quote:

But I have had one boy...I will never forget him...keep thanking me personally. It was as though God spoke to him through me whenever I shared. He looked like one of the Wayan brothers (Living Color) and told me "He was going to be a preacher". I remember telling the kids.."thank you" and he said "no...THANK YOU!" and he shook my hand. I still get teary eyed. I hope to meet him in heaven one day...he is out of juvy. I would love to run into him sometime on earth!


Lord, may this young man be living in the very center of your will and, if not, may you begin to speak to him to draw you back to yourself.

quote:

One kid who had murdered kept me awake at night. He is the one that looked like Denzel Washington. Smart kid. Killed someone in his family. He is in San Quentin now. I got so upset about his unrepentant attitude and embracing New Age stuff...and anger at the wrong people (us many time...Christians) that I felt like quitting. He disrupted every lesson we did.


New Age and the occult, among young people, often seem to end up badly.

quote:

One time I spoke about the Italian mafia. I did not know why I broke that up, but one Italian kid got very angry. Turns out he had family in the mafia!

God puts things on your heart...you just do not know what will happen. Be ready for anything. We had one the experience of an older lady falling and the jail getting very angry at us (suing could happen etc.) It is important people be healthy enough to not fall and such. The jails are not cushy places.

The Quesions ranked on how often they were asked by different kids:

  • If God made marijuana, then why is it bad?
  • Who made God?
  • How do you know the Bible is true?
  • How did they decide what went into the Bible?
  • Why does got make some people if He knows they will go to hell?
  • Why do you come here?
  • How old are you?
  • Where do you live?


Very interesting list. And, pretty good questions for kids not having much background in the Christian faith.

Thank you so much for that!



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 5:07:58 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: AlwaysR8chel
quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks
You mentioned addictions and broken families. Can you explain that a bit more?

......... I don't even know where to begin.... all your questions make me laugh... you remind me of a friend of mine! [:D]


I used to do television interviews. I can drive people crazy with questions sometimes! [:D]

But, I'm interested in what you have to say and what your experiences have been.

quote:

Many of the people I work with come from broken homes... single parent homes... parents who'd rather buy drugs than groceries... leaving the kids to fend for themselves.

I can't even begin to tell the tales of abuse I've heard...

Drug addictions drive people to make very bad decisions that have a damaging effect on their family members forever.


I used to think that they were destined to be damaged forever; but, Dr. Caroline Leaf's book really changed my mind on this. I now believe that even those that have suffered so much at the hands of their parents can be freed from the awful consequences that we see in their lives. I thank God that new research has shown us more clearly how to apply the Scriptures with these broken lives.

quote:

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks
And, you also talked about the emotional levels of the inmates. Can you also explain that in a bit more detail? How do you think the addicitons and emotions are related?

.
........ when people are consistently using drugs, it damages their brains. I've seen pictures of the different brain damage coke and meth does to a brain. Those drugs basically eat holes in the brain.

Generally (and please know this is a general statement), inmates are lacking many emotional and social skills. Working with them sometimes feels like we are working with 9 yr olds in a grown-up's body.

They haven't learned to think correctly. And, they were enver given the love and intellectual stimulation that growing brains need to thrive. Depriving children of love stunts minds as well as bodies. Just reading your description I was wondering how widespread the lack of bonding is among this population.



WhiteWindWarrior -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/13/2008 9:25:18 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

quote:

Most states will see better than half of their prison population back on the streets with little direction within a 10 year period or less. We need and must get involved and find ways to get these men not only reconciled with Christ but also with their fellow man, and finally find ways to set their feet to pathways that are more productive.


Thank you WhiteWindWarrior,

All of your posts on this have been very helpful. But, I wanted to followup on this one aspect.

One of the reasons that I'm interested in this subject is precisely the issue of the revolving door. While I know that we need to bring the basic message that Christ is the Saviour, and that if they are believers or become believers they have the Holy Spirit to guide them, my experience in the past is that they have trouble getting a handle on it because of their patterns of thinking.

You allude to this when you talk about being reconciled to BOTH God and their fellow man. It seems to me that the gangs in prison thrive because so many of these prisoners have been unable to establish healthy relationships otherwise. Gangs represent a form of bonding. Is this true?

Bonding is an integral part of the mutual safety for inmates in medium & high security prisons. Without that essential element an inmate will quickly find himself at the mercy of those with less than desirable traits. I might add there are very strict imaginary boundries that inmates live by and at the top of the list is respect. Violation of that rule will bring swift justice, unfairly or not it happens.

There are other forces at work that tend to seperate and divide, race certainly but also religion. Muslims are very clannish sticking very close together as are those of the Spanish community. Complicating these oddities is the peculiar application of justice "inside" against certain types of criminals. Child sexual molesters rank at the bottom of the pecking order, followed closely by sexual molesters, then on up the line to the armed robbers, drug lords, murderers etc, each having their own special place in prison life.

As an aside, two of the closest Christian friends I have in prison happen to be both convicted murderers, one of them a very young man 27 now, faces life without the possiblity of parole. The other is also facing two life sentences and only in his 30's. No sympathy needed here by either of these young men, they fully understand why they are there and fully haved accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour, the first man 2 years ago the second when he was a very young kid before he got tangled up in his crazy life of crime but recommitted his life to Christ while in Florida serving a sentence on an unrelated conviction. [sm=shakinghead.gif][sm=crazy.gif]

The walk these men face as Christians is particularly tough since in prison there is little obvious incentive to live for Christ as a lifer, but they do, and for the most part faithfully. At the same time because of their invisible "status" in prison they command a lot of respect and have been instrumental in advancing the cause of Christ. Many turn to them because they know they are Christians and have watched them in their daily walk and have demonstrated a steadiness in their faith that is real. [sm=icon_smile.gif][:)]

Gangs are not prevelant at the prison where I enter, but they are there. You would not notice them as gangs until something goes wrong and then you will find evidence that gangs do indeed exist. CO's at the facilities I enter are constantly on the lookout for evidence of gangs and routinely work to divide and seperate by either block where they are housed or an outright transfer to another facility to break them up.

Christians bond together inside also but because it crosses some of these imaginary lines that inmates establish it is much harder to maintain their Christian relationships inside because of these pressures. Not impossible...just a lot more difficult. Pray for them. Prison is a hostile environment to be a Christian and not for the faint of heart. [sm=unsure.gif]

It is the reconcialiation to their fellow man that's the toughest for Christians in prison and outside prison. I don't know how many times I have heard from men how much they love the Lord but can't stand the other guy on the same pod or in some cases in the same cell. Seems to me Jesus summed it up pretty well when He was responding to the question about the two greatest commandments; He said simply "to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and the second is like unto it, to love your neighbor (fellow man) as yourself."

There it is simple isn't it? And furthermore Jesus went on to say ALL the LAW and ALL the PROPHETS hang on these two commandments. Most people don't have much trouble, professing at least, the "first great commandment"...but it's the second one where folks run into a brick wall... "Wow, I love God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit is incredible! Now what's this stuff about the second commandment?"[sm=smile-l.gif]



rcjames -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/14/2008 10:24:33 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks
They haven't learned to think correctly. And, they were enver given the love and intellectual stimulation that growing brains need to thrive. Depriving children of love stunts minds as well as bodies. Just reading your description I was wondering how widespread the lack of bonding is among this population.


TMeeks,

I am not disagreeing with your statement just adding to it.

And many of the inmates are just pure ole onery folks, nothing that Jesus cannot fix. But with many there are no excuxes, no enviromental causes, no abuse, no neglect; just mean honery folks that do not play by the rules.

Thanks
RC



zamdad -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/14/2008 11:57:33 AM)

quote:

One of the reasons that I'm interested in this subject is precisely the issue of the revolving door. While I know that we need to bring the basic message that Christ is the Saviour, and that if they are believers or become believers they have the Holy Spirit to guide them, my experience in the past is that they have trouble getting a handle on it because of their patterns of thinking.


TMeeks, you are getting some good advice and asking some great questions. I have worked in the corrections system for 16 years. Five years of juvenile detention, two years in an adult close security prison and nine years as a probation officer. I am now a police officer.

Having worked with "offenders" both inside and outside the walls, the issues are vast and complex. It seems that we want to understand "them" by placing them into boxes to help us understand things on our terms. Yet, each of them is an individual that has a unique history and unique needs. Sometimes, as the church, we minister with our canned approaches to reach the masses when what's needed is discipleship.

I think that, first and foremost, anyone who desires, wants or feels led to work with offenders needs to be strongly grounded in Christ and needs to be firm, fair and consistent. They need to be led by the Holy Spirit and careful not to fall victim to manipulation. I have seen way too many people volunteer to work with offenders only to be taken advantage of because their desire to help someone takes an unhealthy turn as they seek to defend the offender or prevent the offender from suffering anymore hardship. Then there are those who are called who are very perceptive and minister to offenders well. Unfortunately, the latter is far and few between.

For five years of my porbation officer career I worked with sex offenders in the community. Part of my duties was to co-facilitate sex offender treatment. Not only did I get to particiapte in their treatment, but I got to visit them at home, at work, in the community, and to visit with their families, employers, and friends. I was able to see if they were living what they were learning in treatment. if there were inconsistencies, I was able to bring that to the treatment group. As a result of this experience, I think I learned something about discipleship that I think we, the church, miss out on. Much of what we do when interacting with others barely scratches the surface of life issues. We have to be able to get beneath the mask and confront the "stinkin thinkin" that lurks beneath the mask. I think many of us are afraid to do this because it means having to examine the log in our own eye before looking at the speck in the eye of another. It's easier to keep things at a surface level than to do that close examination. BUt, Christ calls us to love our neighbor as ourself. If we are going to truly love another, we have to be able to to look in the mirror and like what we see in order to be strong enough to build up and equip another.

I too think the Prison Fellowship has the best handle on this. They are working diligently to develop mentors for offenders that will be there for these men and women outside the walls as well. I also think that Chuck Colson has the right idea in that we need to focus on and challenge worldview. The goal of the corrections system is to change behavior. Yet, how do we change behavior? If we can't change thinking, people tend to go back to what they know because it's comfortable. Even if they know the results are negative, there is comfort in the familiar. We have to change thinking which means we have to change attitudes, beliefs and values. I think this is where true repentance comes into play. When our thought lives reflect a change in attitudes, beliefs and values, we are transformed into the character of Christ.



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