(in remembrance)
Rev. E.J. Anderson
(in remembrance); Rev. Robert A. WaltonAssociated Ministries - Angel Goddess Ministry; Universal Life Church; ULC Christian Fellowship; UCFM Evangelistic Association; The Church of the Seven Planes Prison Ministries - AICAP Prison Ministry; AGM Prison Outreach; Adopt-A-Prisoner
January 2002
Dear Pastors:
As you may be aware, as of this year 2002, over two million men and women are incarcerated in Canadian and U.S. Prisons combined. This does not include those in jails, juvenile detention centers, or on probation or parole. Chances are high that you have one or more members of your own congregation with a loved one who has been, or is currently in prison.
Certainly there are other prison ministries such as ours, doing much to bring the Word of Jesus christ to our brothers and sisters behind bars. We have become awre that far too many inmates seem to "check God at the gate", when they are released back into society. Whether paroled or discharged, they return to their familiar lifestyles, which results in their eventual return to prison.
This cycle has lead many to believe that these brothers and sisters had not truly given their lives over to Christ. This may be true for a small percentage. However, we have ministered to and befriended prisoners for years and have come to know many who have truly accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour. They regularly attend chapel services and demonstrted a sincere desire to follow and serve Christ. Yet once on the outside, they didn't follow through. In speaking with many who returned to prison, we discovered tht the mere thought of walking into a free-world church had unexpectedly become intimidating, even terrifying for some.
It is understandable that the newly-released prisoner would perceive these new situations as threatening. Certain that the whole congregation can spot them as being "ex-cons", they become convinced that their past will not be forgiven and they will never be accepted. They are often still struggling with believing God truly accepts them or with forgiving themselves. Consequently, they allow rejection to take over. With such an attitude, in the battle tht our God-fearing brothers and sisters never knew was even being fought, Satan wins again.
What we are asking of you and your congregation is simple, yet very important. We would like you to "adopt" one or more prisoners, who are expected to be released in your area. What this entails will vary, according to your church's interest/ability. It could include correspondence and/or visits prior to release, picking them up from the bus station, visiting them in their new home, taking them to church for a while, and introducing them to others. We would prefer to match our inmates with members of your congregation of the same sex,or with a married couple.
Bear in mind, many of these prisoners do not have any close family ties. We do not want them to become dependent on your church. Our desire is for them to be assisted during the difficult transition from life on the "inside" to life on the "outside". For some, this change is similar to the culture shock that foreigners experience when moving to a new country.
Whether they need employment, housing, or just a welcoming smile, it is our prayer and goal to find members of the Body of Christ, who are willing to reach out to soon-to-be-relesed prisoners. Even the smallest congregation has something to offer.
We ask you to prayerfully consider whether you should become involved in our Adopt-A-Prisoner ministry. If you are interested, or have further questions, please contact us by email at: law.union.news@hush.ai. Please note: We are affiliated with A.I.C.A.P. (Alliance of Incarcerated Canadians in American Prisons); A.I.F.A.P.(Alliance of Incarcerated Foreigners in American Prisons); A.I.F.C.P.(Alliance of Incarcerated Foreigners in Canadian Prisons); and "The Pampered Prisoner ".
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev.Dr. Alphonse B. Gucci .
/sikh
