KAXL February Community Partner of the Month

“Lock ‘em up and throw away the key!”…a widespread attitude toward criminals as society struggles to find a solution to serious crime. The truth is, though, that most of today’s prisoners will be returning to our communities. The majority of them will re-offend and serve additional time. An extremely high recidivism rate would cause many to believe that there is little hope for criminals to be rehabilitated, especially those who have committed the crimes we find the most detestable. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, however, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation”, and prison ministers find that many of the incarcerated have a great spiritual hunger and are responding to a clear presentation of the Gospel and the opportunity for ongoing discipleship.

A new day has come for ministry to prisoners, ex-offenders and their families. While “traditional” prison ministry is still greatly needed, a much stronger emphasis on “re-entry” has emerged and Prison Fellowship is one of the organizations leading the charge. Chapel services, evangelism, Bible studies and special events are now coupled with new efforts to better prepare men and women for life after prison. This new wave of ministry includes long-term curriculum, mentoring, networking among Christian ministries and secular organizations, and encouragement to local churches to see prison and re-entry ministries as a critical part of the Church’s local mission. Factor in efforts to work more closely with prison and DOCR personnel and hopes are high that we can see more men and women coping successfully with life after prison.

What are some ways a person can get involved? Some of the greater needs and opportunities for involvement include mentoring (for both men and women), facilitating “transformational ministry” classes, volunteering with Celebrate Recovery (a ministry partner with Prison Fellowship), and serving as a church representative. Volunteer trainings are currently being scheduled, and interested individuals can get additional information by calling the local Prison Fellowship office at (661) 399-3267.

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