Is God calling you to minister to those in prison?
In Matthew 25:34-36, Jesus calls us to minister to all and to become sheep, not goats so that we might inherit the kingdom and spend eternity with Him.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For 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, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Earlier in the year our congregation was asked to consider if God was calling them to prison ministry, specifically Prison Fellowship ministry at Sussex Correctional Center (SCC) in Georgetown. We watched a DVD and heard from residents at SCC about the need for volunteers and the impact it has on their lives when “we” the body of Christ come in to “visit”. It reminded us of Jesus words “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,” such commanding words from our Lord and Savior asking us to see the face of Christ in everyone.
On September 27, 28 and 29, a three day evening bible study seminar will be held at SCC. First time guests may attend as many days they choose, one day or all three. The seminar format is a 30 minute opening which includes prayer, congregational singing, special music, and introductions. The speaker then takes about 35-45 minutes to teach, followed by small group discussion with a facilitator assigned to each group. New volunteers or guests would be placed in a group with a seasoned facilitator, and all they have to do is then observe how things are handled. Volunteers would need to first be at the prison gatehouse by 5:45. The seminar would conclude each evening at 8:30.
If you are interested in “testing the waters” of prison ministry please contact Kim Book by e-mail kim@victimsvoicesheard.org or by calling 302-644-9184. I will need to confirm your desire to attend the Prison Fellowship seminar by August 15th.
You will never know what God has in store for you or how He can use you to bless the lives of others until you step out of the boat and walk by faith, trusting God for all things.
