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Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/12/2008 9:10:43 AM
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TMeeks
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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?
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/12/2008 10:16:10 AM
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rcjames
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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
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/12/2008 10:55:07 AM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1357
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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?
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/12/2008 11:03:23 AM
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peace77
Posts: 1174
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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
_____________________________
I GoodSearch for Deaf Missions.
Raise money for your favorite charity or school just by searching the Internet or shopping online with GoodSearch - www.goodsearch.com
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/12/2008 12:11:57 PM
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WhiteWindWarrior
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From: The cold North side of the Mountain
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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!
_____________________________
"...I was in prison, and you came to Me." (Jesus) Mat 25:36b
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the Day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6
~ A fellow brother and servant in Christ Jesus ~
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/12/2008 12:24:06 PM
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WhiteWindWarrior
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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 was in prison, and you came to Me." (Jesus) Mat 25:36b
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the Day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6
~ A fellow brother and servant in Christ Jesus ~
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/12/2008 12:27:02 PM
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WhiteWindWarrior
Posts: 124
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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!
< Message edited by WhiteWindWarrior -- 3/12/2008 1:18:18 PM >
_____________________________
"...I was in prison, and you came to Me." (Jesus) Mat 25:36b
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the Day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6
~ A fellow brother and servant in Christ Jesus ~
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 7:55:46 AM
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TMeeks
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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?
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 8:18:15 AM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1357
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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! 
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.
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 10:26:52 AM
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rcjames
Posts: 4591
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From: Oklahoma
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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
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 10:46:06 AM
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TMeeks
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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?
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 11:07:29 AM
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captainfraulein
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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!
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 12:29:56 PM
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AlwaysR8chel
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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.
_____________________________
"...life is for the living. And I am still living.
And I intend to do more than just merely exist on this planet; I intend to live my life. " -Sharon-Marie
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 1:14:00 PM
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TMeeks
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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.
< Message edited by TMeeks -- 3/13/2008 1:23:29 PM >
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 1:18:22 PM
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TMeeks
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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.
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 1:35:07 PM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1357
Joined: 1/27/2007
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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?
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 1:41:19 PM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1357
Joined: 1/27/2007
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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?
_____________________________
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 2:16:19 PM
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captainfraulein
Posts: 527
Joined: 5/2/2005
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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?
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RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free - 3/13/2008 4:58:31 PM
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TMeeks
Posts: 1357
Joined: 1/27/2007
Status: offline
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ORIGINAL: redwhiterose
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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?
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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.
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I got laughed at for having a Valley-girl accent. I have tried to get rid of it, but it is permanent.
That would NOT be a problem for me. However, Southern Redneck might be! Can you say 'Ya'll!'
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
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