On Friday, Sept 19th, the Greater Augusta Pastors' Society Inmate Ministry (GAPSIM) held a strategic planning meeting at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Vassalboro, Maine. There were 15 people present desiring to plug in to this expanding ministry that purposes (1) to lead incarcerated men and women to Christ, (2) equip them to walk victoriously in their newfound faith, and (3) assist them in transitioning to their new life of freedom outside the Kennebec County Correctional Facility (KCCF).
Currently, GAPSIM has 3 teams that goes in to KCCF to preach and teach the gospel. All 3 teams are reporting that lives are being changed as they minister to these inmates. Team 1 goes into the jail once a week (on Sunday afternoon) and ministers to a rotating segment of the jail population (minimum security, medium security, maximum security, women). Team 2 goes into the jail once a month and ministers to the female population. Team 3 goes into the jail once a month and ministers to the male population.
There is a growing desire and commitment to provide mentoring to interested and willing inmates that begins while they are in the jail and continues for a period of time after they are released. The "reentry" of inmates into society is one of the key elements in grounding these men and women into God's Word and a healthy community that can support them in walking with Christ, and walking free from their "old" life. Many inmates need assistance in starting afresh...finding a new place to live, getting a job, receiving assistance with food, furniture and clothing, and much, much more.
Many of these inmates are incarcerated because of crimes committed to support their drug addiction. We believe that as we bring the Word of God to these men and women, and faith rises in their hearts, they can walk in the freedom that Christ has obtained for them already. Society is ready to put these people out to the curb like garbage. Jesus Christ has a far better plan! The Lord has already spoke about His plan for the inmates, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer 29:11, NLT)
There are many facets of God's plan to bring them out of the slavery they have settled for in their lives, and this plan requires an abundance of laborers...from mentors, to letter/card writers, to those that preach and teach the gospel, to leaders to organize and strategize, to those who will pray for the incarcerated men and women as well as those ministering to the inmates. Will you ask the Lord if He wants you to put your shoulder to the load?
Currently, GAPSIM has 3 teams that goes in to KCCF to preach and teach the gospel. All 3 teams are reporting that lives are being changed as they minister to these inmates. Team 1 goes into the jail once a week (on Sunday afternoon) and ministers to a rotating segment of the jail population (minimum security, medium security, maximum security, women). Team 2 goes into the jail once a month and ministers to the female population. Team 3 goes into the jail once a month and ministers to the male population.
There is a growing desire and commitment to provide mentoring to interested and willing inmates that begins while they are in the jail and continues for a period of time after they are released. The "reentry" of inmates into society is one of the key elements in grounding these men and women into God's Word and a healthy community that can support them in walking with Christ, and walking free from their "old" life. Many inmates need assistance in starting afresh...finding a new place to live, getting a job, receiving assistance with food, furniture and clothing, and much, much more.
Many of these inmates are incarcerated because of crimes committed to support their drug addiction. We believe that as we bring the Word of God to these men and women, and faith rises in their hearts, they can walk in the freedom that Christ has obtained for them already. Society is ready to put these people out to the curb like garbage. Jesus Christ has a far better plan! The Lord has already spoke about His plan for the inmates, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer 29:11, NLT)
There are many facets of God's plan to bring them out of the slavery they have settled for in their lives, and this plan requires an abundance of laborers...from mentors, to letter/card writers, to those that preach and teach the gospel, to leaders to organize and strategize, to those who will pray for the incarcerated men and women as well as those ministering to the inmates. Will you ask the Lord if He wants you to put your shoulder to the load?
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