Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:1-3

PURPOSE

The aim of our prison ministry is to engage residents of the County Correctional Work Center and the local jail, encouraging them to follow Jesus Christ and become his disciples. Our God is a God of a second chance and every inmate is seen as a potential work in progress for the Lord. The ministry also provides services to inmates outside Rutherford County on request.

PROGRAMS

The ministry creates SMARTER (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, timely, evaluate, and readjust) programs for individuals depending on their needs to help curtail recidivism. Christ is the center and focus of every program within this ministry. The following are areas of concentration:

1. Daily individual (one and one) bible studies

2. Group bible studies (first and third Mondays) every month.

3. Bible Correspondence program (With God I Can Fly) mailed out daily

4. The ministry provides Counseling and re-entry program to former inmates

5. Former inmates (once released) are engaged in small disciple-making groups for accountability, how to use spiritual tools to overcome daily challenges, and empowerment.

OPPORTUNITIES

The program currently needs:

• Men and women who can write to encourage inmates (some of whom are lonely and without any family members).

• Christians who can pray regularly for inmates by name.