OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE
Prison Visitation – This activity requires a background check and clearance. People who opt to be volunteers typically act as facilitators and guides for bible studies and related events. These volunteers are prohibited from many other prison ministry activities such as Mentoring, Pen Pal, Parolee Church Escort, etc. It also requires a commitment to the ministry because inmates cannot congregate for faith-based activities without having a volunteer present. This isn’t for everyone, but it can be very rewarding. Please contact us for details and/or to request an application.Prayer Partner – This activity involves using intercessory prayer to accomplish things. (James 5:16b) God prevails when our own efforts fail. We’ve seen amazing changes take place in the last few months. We attribute this to God’s faithfulness in answering prayer. We would ask those who participate in this crucial element of ministry to keep in mind the inmates, their families, and their victims. Pray that they might receive healing and the saving knowledge of Christ our Savior. Prayer warriors can sign up here!
Pen Pals – This is a fairly simple ministry that can bear incredible fruit. The participant would write to a Christian inmate regularly to encourage him in his daily walk with the Lord. Prison can be a terrible place where days drag on seemingly forever. A cheerful letter of encouragement from a Christian brother or sister on the outside can go a long way to making life bearable. Please contact us for more information or to get started.
Mentor – This is probably the most personal aspect of Christian ministry wherein a volunteer takes a newly released individual “under his wing” while he adapts to life in free society. The first couple months after being released are the most critical. The prospect of finding a supportive church, getting a job, driver’s license, apartment etc. can be daunting for someone who hasn’t made life decisions for a number of years. Typically it would involve starting a relationship with an inmate while they are still “inside” pending release or parole. This rewarding ministry is understaffed because regulations prohibiting “in-prison” volunteers from working with inmates upon release. If you want to make a real difference in someone’s life, this could be your ticket. Contact us for more information. The mentoring ministry is sponsored by Prison Fellowship.
Parolee Church Escort – The stigma of being a sex offender stays with an individual long after they are released. Even though they have accepted Christ and been renewed by His Holy Spirit, they must nonetheless comply with very strict conditions for entering society. One of these requirements is that someone escort them to church. This calls for a person who understanding enough to be non-judgmental, and love enough to be seen in the company of a convicted sex offender. It’s easy to develop this attitude if we can only remember that, except for God’s grace, we could have had the same weaknesses. We are all “works in progress” where our spiritual growth is concerned. Are you mature enough in your faith-walk to help someone who has stumbled? If so, please contact us.
Donate a Study Bible – What a wonderful gift that keeps on giving! We are always in need of study bibles at the prison. The preferred versions are KJV, NASB or NIV, but we’ll take whatever you’d like to donate. We believe that, as the Bible states, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” 1 Timothy 3:16. We further believe that ”The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12) While there are many places to purchase bibles, we would recommend Christian Book Distributors. CBD is owned by Christians and they offer a great selection and competitive prices.
Music Ministry – Has God blessed you with a special gift? Has He laid a burden on your heart to share your gift with someone less fortunate? Music is a wonderful way to evangelize, encourage, reprove and admonish. Inspired music has the power to reach further into someone’s heart than words alone. If you feel led to share your ministry of music or positive Christian Testimony, please contact us.