RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (Full Version)

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peace77 -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/14/2008 11:59:52 AM)

quote:


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?


There are some formal programs for aftercare ministry. What we are doing is not a formal program. It is an extension of the in prison work that a team of pastors does. The team (which includes my husband) took turns visiting the Deaf inmates. When a Deaf inmate was released last year, housing was found for him ahead of time. On the day of his release, one of the pastors met him and drove him to several stores to purchase clothing, a warm coat and other necessary items. He left him at the shelter housing program. 2 days later, we drove him to the probation office, to get an ID card, and to the Social Security office. On Christmas, we hosted him at our home for a holiday meal. Another of the team pastors provided a cell phone and a meal on New Year's Day.
When the requirements of his probation conflicts with the rules of his shelter program, he stays overnight in our home. He has also been assisted in solving problems (case management) and mentored by the team members and another agency that serves Deaf clients.

We are working in conjuction with Prison Fellowship and looking for funding to increase the number of participants that we can serve as the only aftercare program in the US for for Deaf men is full.


Peace,
Anne



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/16/2008 9:32:54 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: zamdad

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.

Looking back, how effective was the treatment for sex offenders. These seem to be people that most write off.



zamdad -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/16/2008 4:03:47 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

quote:

ORIGINAL: zamdad

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.

Looking back, how effective was the treatment for sex offenders. These seem to be people that most write off.


In the five years I worked in this capacity, I worked with over 100 offenders. Of the group, only one was convicted of a new sex offense. He was unable to pass his polygraph and it was learned that he was continuing to molest his victim. One of the problems I see in trying to measure outcomes like this is that we look at arrest and conviction statistics. While the majority of men and women who went through our program made readical transformation to their lives, there were the handful that seemed to want to continue in their ways. While they could verbalize the material they learned and even help others to see the benefits of change, they were so entrenched in their ways they were not about to live out these changes.



rcjames -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/16/2008 4:44:36 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: zamdad
In the five years I worked in this capacity, I worked with over 100 offenders. Of the group, only one was convicted of a new sex offense. He was unable to pass his polygraph and it was learned that he was continuing to molest his victim. One of the problems I see in trying to measure outcomes like this is that we look at arrest and conviction statistics. While the majority of men and women who went through our program made readical transformation to their lives, there were the handful that seemed to want to continue in their ways. While they could verbalize the material they learned and even help others to see the benefits of change, they were so entrenched in their ways they were not about to live out these changes.


Do you have a breakdown on the background of the 100 (pedeophile, predator, date rape, etc. and the positive/negative results of each.

Thanks
RC



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/16/2008 8:03:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: zamdad
In the five years I worked in this capacity, I worked with over 100 offenders. Of the group, only one was convicted of a new sex offense. He was unable to pass his polygraph and it was learned that he was continuing to molest his victim. One of the problems I see in trying to measure outcomes like this is that we look at arrest and conviction statistics. While the majority of men and women who went through our program made readical transformation to their lives, there were the handful that seemed to want to continue in their ways. While they could verbalize the material they learned and even help others to see the benefits of change, they were so entrenched in their ways they were not about to live out these changes.


Do you have a breakdown on the background of the 100 (pedeophile, predator, date rape, etc. and the positive/negative results of each.

Thanks
RC


That would be interesting to me also. Was there any success at all with pedophiles, for instance.



zamdad -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/16/2008 10:23:50 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

quote:

ORIGINAL: zamdad
In the five years I worked in this capacity, I worked with over 100 offenders. Of the group, only one was convicted of a new sex offense. He was unable to pass his polygraph and it was learned that he was continuing to molest his victim. One of the problems I see in trying to measure outcomes like this is that we look at arrest and conviction statistics. While the majority of men and women who went through our program made readical transformation to their lives, there were the handful that seemed to want to continue in their ways. While they could verbalize the material they learned and even help others to see the benefits of change, they were so entrenched in their ways they were not about to live out these changes.


Do you have a breakdown on the background of the 100 (pedeophile, predator, date rape, etc. and the positive/negative results of each.

Thanks
RC


That would be interesting to me also. Was there any success at all with pedophiles, for instance.


I don't have a breakdown. I am no longer working for the organization and I don't believe that we kept stats to try and break down between pedophile, date rape, stranger rape, etc. From my observations, most offenders fit into several categories. While there were a number of men who had molested prepubescent kids, they had also offended against adult women. It seems that we want to place offenders into categories that bring their behavior into categories or boxes that we can understand. So many of the offenders I worked with had multiple victims or had multiple partners which may have given them access to additional victims.

One particular offender that comes to mind, one that could talk the talk, but not apply it to life, had molested the daughters of a former live in girlfriend. Several years later he had another girlfriend that was giving him access to her grandkids. Before sending him to prison, I learned that he had a string of girlfriends that all had kids or grandkids and he had access. He was sexually involved with all these women and was having sexual thoughts about the kids he had access to. I saw him as a predator who sought willing victims that gave him acces to unwilling victims.

It seems that the majority of offenders committed their crimes within the family structure. Step kids and/or kids of cohabitation relationships seem to be the largest pool of victims. While most of these offenders would be classified as pedophiles as a result of the crime, they are not truly pedophilic in that their arousal template is much broader.



captainfraulein -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/26/2008 2:56:01 PM)

I was reminded once again that the system is not perfect to correct people. I notice the boys were treated like little kidlets..."I am going to count to 10 and those empty seats in the front better be filled up in the front! One! Two! Three, four..."

I know they do things to end up there, but that is painful to watch for me.

The kidlets sit slumped in their chair...eyes downcast. They are HUNGRY some of them spiritually. They feel so inadequate. What they don't realize is how much God loves them and forgives their sins.

Once some of them get it, it is fascinating and mind-boggling to watch...all my sorrows and cares disappear as I see some of them accept Christ. So awesome.

They "get it" more than some adults in fine houses...they get how empty, bankrupt the they are....we all are. That God loves us in our imperfection and muddy-deep-sin.

Some of these kids get cards to go some place else after prison for help. Any problem I ever had pales in comparison to the challenges these kidlets face. Yet they have found the hope! They understand.

There are just no words to share prison ministry. There is no perfect formula. Every night is different ... vaguely, you get a sense of what should be emphasized.

So awesome.



AlwaysR8chel -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/26/2008 3:47:36 PM)

.
.
.
.
....... oh man! Yeah!

"I was introduce to dope when I was 5 years old..." was the beginning of a life story I heard last night.

Breaks my heart.... truly.

Way to be... RWR.... way to be.... [;)]



captainfraulein -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/26/2008 3:59:17 PM)

Amen sistah Rachel! I enjoyed hearing "religious people stop us from sinning". That was so cute! We were pushing "Only God can stop us from sinning", a concept that is deep and hard to fathom for me, even now...



jmelisha -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/27/2008 10:17:05 AM)

Well, I have heard from a lot of people, some I agree with and some i didn't. I can speak from experience. I was in prison. I was released in March of 2007. I did committ a crime, but because God's grace and mercy he forgave me. I am now walking with God. God is blessing me in my spiritual life. I love God with all my heart. I currently have a prison ministry, and I do more than pray and sing. See I can relate to them because I be in their places.

I am currently taking legal classes. I help with modifacations. I believe in second chances no matter what the charge is. God forgives, but man try and hold it against you for years and years.

I am currently going to jails and prisons to minister to people. I am trying to reach the young ones as well. I am 33 years old and a mother of one son.

My apartment is fully furnished, I have a good full time job, a new car, and I am in a good ministry where the people there walk in love and they don't critize or judge me.



AlwaysR8chel -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/27/2008 10:49:09 AM)

^
.
.
.
.
.
......... wooooot!!!


God is soooo good!!! [sm=icon_smile_super.gif] [sm=dance.gif]


Restoration doubled.



captainfraulein -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/28/2008 1:31:37 AM)

I praise God for your wonderful testimony, jmelisha! It is so encouraging to hear! [:D]



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/30/2008 6:14:20 PM)

I did not read all the replies. I thank the OP'er for bringing up this much-needed topic!

Gosh, for all of you already involved in ministries at jails or prisons I think it is absolutely wonderful.

And what tremendous insight on this thread!

I am writing a Bible Study for women that I hope to be able to take into the jails because it is going to be geared towards these types of desperately needy souls for whatever reason.

If it is fruitful, I hope also to write a similar one geared towards the high-school/college age to "catch them"[;)] hopefully before they become so desperate.

Here is a peek at it. I need to edit and format it more and to get the whole understanding of this day's study one would need to read the verses I reference in the Gospel of John...

http://forums.christianity.com/Glimpses_into_My_Bible_Study/m_3210821/mpage_1/tm.htm#3211474



TMeeks -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/30/2008 8:00:21 PM)

I'm very, very pleased with how this thread has developed. I have purposely just been lurking to see where it went and let it go where it needed to go. Thank you!

This morning, we had a guest pastor bring the message and it was perfect for this topic. I've asked him for a copy that I could post on the web. When I have it, I will post it to one of my blogs and provide a link.

In the meantime, you might take a look a the Scripture that was the basis for the message. I'm not confident that I can remember, precisely, the title of the message. But, I believe it was, "Your Failure is NOT Your Future"

Luke 22:31-32
31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

It's just a few short verses; but, there is a treasure of hope in these verses for those who have or will fail. And, Bobby Manning, of the Washington Bible College did a wonderful job at pulling it out! I hope to have it in the next day or two.


Again, thank you! And, please keep contributing on this vital subject.



CherishedbyGod -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/30/2008 8:22:43 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: TMeeks

I'm very, very pleased with how this thread has developed. I have purposely just been lurking to see where it went and let it go where it needed to go. Thank you!

This morning, we had a guest pastor bring the message and it was perfect for this topic. I've asked him for a copy that I could post on the web. When I have it, I will post it to one of my blogs and provide a link.

In the meantime, you might take a look a the Scripture that was the basis for the message. I'm not confident that I can remember, precisely, the title of the message. But, I believe it was, "Your Failure is NOT Your Future"

Luke 22:31-32
31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

It's just a few short verses; but, there is a treasure of hope in these verses for those who have or will fail. And, Bobby Manning, of the Washington Bible College did a wonderful job at pulling it out! I hope to have it in the next day or two.


Again, thank you! And, please keep contributing on this vital subject.



I'm shocked! You a lurker[;)]

Yes, that verse you quote, I love. Jesus did not say If you turn back, He said to Simon Peter when you turn back[:D] There was no doubt in the mind of our Lord that Peter would be an overcomer.

Yes, please do post the message. Thanks for starting the thread...



Memaw. -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/31/2008 7:03:53 PM)

I just wanted to stop in and say thank you to those who are reaching through the razor wire to give bread to those who are starving.

My son has been incarcerated since August '99.
I have watched him go from a punk kid of 18 to a strong man of God.
He is involved in the music ministry (learned to play guitar, drums and bass guitar) as well as writing songs.

It blesses me to know that these men (and women) are not forgotten, that there are those who truly have a heart to minister to them and are faithful in that ministry.

Before he was locked up, I had this image of what an inmate was, and over the years God has shown me truly what an inmate is.

An inmate is a son, a daughter, mother, father, brother, sister or grandchild.

They are people just like we are, who need Jesus just as much as those of us on the streets do.

Again, thank you.



colliefan -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (3/31/2008 9:15:55 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmelisha

Well, I have heard from a lot of people, some I agree with and some i didn't. I can speak from experience. I was in prison. I was released in March of 2007. I did committ a crime, but because God's grace and mercy he forgave me. I am now walking with God. God is blessing me in my spiritual life. I love God with all my heart. I currently have a prison ministry, and I do more than pray and sing. See I can relate to them because I be in their places.

I am currently taking legal classes. I help with modifacations. I believe in second chances no matter what the charge is. God forgives, but man try and hold it against you for years and years.

I am currently going to jails and prisons to minister to people. I am trying to reach the young ones as well. I am 33 years old and a mother of one son.

My apartment is fully furnished, I have a good full time job, a new car, and I am in a good ministry where the people there walk in love and they don't critize or judge me.


Praise God!



captainfraulein -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (4/2/2008 12:32:39 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Memaw.

I just wanted to stop in and say thank you to those who are reaching through the razor wire to give bread to those who are starving.

My son has been incarcerated since August '99.
I have watched him go from a punk kid of 18 to a strong man of God.
He is involved in the music ministry (learned to play guitar, drums and bass guitar) as well as writing songs.

It blesses me to know that these men (and women) are not forgotten, that there are those who truly have a heart to minister to them and are faithful in that ministry.

Before he was locked up, I had this image of what an inmate was, and over the years God has shown me truly what an inmate is.

An inmate is a son, a daughter, mother, father, brother, sister or grandchild.

They are people just like we are, who need Jesus just as much as those of us on the streets do.

Again, thank you.


I agree. I was kicked off jury duty once for saying I saw those in jails "as people". The prosecutor did not like that statement. I have heard so many stories of heart break. I will never forget the first teenage girl I met in juvy hall...this very sassy African American girl.

I was afraid to approach her...I was afraid a white woman would set her off more, but I felt God telling me to. I had even told her to be quiet more than one time during the bible lesson, even though inside me I was thinking "she is going to go off on me".

Well, she acted kind of huffy when I first sat down next to her and asked her about herself. But within 5 minutes...her face changed and the little girl came out. She cried, tears running down her face, and asked me honestly if "it was selfish of her to miss her mother up in heaven".

After that, my own problems got so dim and I also understood the facade these kids put up...to intimidate you...it is just a mirage. Deep down, they are all kids wanting comfort.

And we have the greatest healing ever...the Gospel of Jesus Christ. [:D]



Ignited-Faith -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (4/2/2008 1:34:25 PM)

One day I was reading a book by Franklin Graham.
I think the book was called: "Rebel with a cause."
I read a Bible verse from the book;
"...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40
The Lord impressed Prisoner's on my heart.
I began to pray for them, and I asked the Lord what I could do?
The thought came to me;
"I could write to a Prisoner and become a Pen-Pal."
I talked to people at our Church, and they found a Woman who is in for life. The Lord opened the door for me to write, and the Woman and I wrote back and forth for many years! She is a Christian, and God is useing her in many ways to minister to those in Prison with her!
Later, my Husband and I along with our friend the Deacon of our Church, went to a boys Prison for Prison Ministry! Some boys seemed angry, some seemed happy we could come.



dd964vet -> RE: Prison Ministry - Setting Captives Free (5/13/2008 11:06:11 AM)

This is a great thread!

I could use some advice from you all. I am the Faccilitator for our churches Recovery Ministry. In the past the local Aftercare ministries have reffered people to us and we are working with them to develop a pre-release contact "initative". Either by mail or if possible in person we will contact a person coming up on release and try to establish relationship prior to thier walking out the door. The primary objective here is of course to begin to lay ground work for sustained sobriety on the outside, but I could really use some guidance in regards to how best to procede. Any thoughts?

I guess if there are say 2 or 3 most important things to remeber, what would those be?



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