Prison Ministry
Thursday, March 23, 2006
What have I learned in nine years of Youth Prison Ministry. Maria asked me to share some info or insight, so here is a little info. I could write a book of testimonies and things I have learned. I am not the same person I was when I started this ministry.
1. It's God's Work. He is the one who is in the life changing business. We are only the rake or shovel you might say, just raking the ground, moving the dirt, planting seed. Sometimes we get to see the harvest, sometimes we just plant the seed. God told us to go and tell, He will do the rest.
2. Don't be weary in well doing for you will reap if you faint not. This ministry is very exhausting, you will grow as much as the juveniles you minister to. God will show you things about yourself.
3. Focus on Jesus. He created these kids, He loves them. He came to those who are sick and need a Physician, not to those who are well. When you are ministering to them, you must remember, He said I was in prison and you came to visit me.
4. If you only reach one child, it is worth all the effort. How much is a soul worth?
5. The number one thing you must have is Love. These kids don't really know what love is and it is difficult to help them understand unconditional love of the Father.
6. Acceptance. First thing these kids need to know is you accept them for who they are. Most of them joined gangs for acceptance. They werw searching and still are. The gangs gave them purpose, they defined them, they were their family.
7. Truth. Tell them the truth about sin. This might sound strange, but you have to give it to them raw. They have led terrible lives and you have to show them their sin, and then tell them of the Father's mercy and grace. It brings them to repentance.
8. Most of these kids are glad they were caught and they were miserable. Many of them prayed God would intervene. Most of them do not go back home, they go into foster homes, independent living, trade schools, etc.
9. These kids rarely make it without support and accountability, because they never had it. They have done as they wished their whole life.
10. You Do Make A Differance. The fact that you show up week after week speaks volumes to these kids. Although they may not always come to your services, they are waiting for you to notice they were not there. They are watching you, they want you to notice.
11. They are hurting, they are lonely, they are angry and they feel the obstacles are so great they will never be able to break free of the past. They see the dysfunction in their families, they want them to change and support them.
12. Serving in a state facility brings with it many difficulties. You have to remember you are a guest, you follow the same rules as the boys and you will have staff who do not want you there and will prevent you if they can from speaking to the boys. It's important to gain their acceptance too.
13. When I first started going to the facility, I would have boys ask over and over if we were coming back. They have seen many church people come and go, they don't believe you will continue to come.
14. One other thing which I don't focus on, I just have become a very Good Llstener and I confront when I need to, is most of these kids are manipulators and con artists. So listen to them, ask them questions and remember what they told you from time to time.
That is all I am going to share for now.
1. It's God's Work. He is the one who is in the life changing business. We are only the rake or shovel you might say, just raking the ground, moving the dirt, planting seed. Sometimes we get to see the harvest, sometimes we just plant the seed. God told us to go and tell, He will do the rest.
2. Don't be weary in well doing for you will reap if you faint not. This ministry is very exhausting, you will grow as much as the juveniles you minister to. God will show you things about yourself.
3. Focus on Jesus. He created these kids, He loves them. He came to those who are sick and need a Physician, not to those who are well. When you are ministering to them, you must remember, He said I was in prison and you came to visit me.
4. If you only reach one child, it is worth all the effort. How much is a soul worth?
5. The number one thing you must have is Love. These kids don't really know what love is and it is difficult to help them understand unconditional love of the Father.
6. Acceptance. First thing these kids need to know is you accept them for who they are. Most of them joined gangs for acceptance. They werw searching and still are. The gangs gave them purpose, they defined them, they were their family.
7. Truth. Tell them the truth about sin. This might sound strange, but you have to give it to them raw. They have led terrible lives and you have to show them their sin, and then tell them of the Father's mercy and grace. It brings them to repentance.
8. Most of these kids are glad they were caught and they were miserable. Many of them prayed God would intervene. Most of them do not go back home, they go into foster homes, independent living, trade schools, etc.
9. These kids rarely make it without support and accountability, because they never had it. They have done as they wished their whole life.
10. You Do Make A Differance. The fact that you show up week after week speaks volumes to these kids. Although they may not always come to your services, they are waiting for you to notice they were not there. They are watching you, they want you to notice.
11. They are hurting, they are lonely, they are angry and they feel the obstacles are so great they will never be able to break free of the past. They see the dysfunction in their families, they want them to change and support them.
12. Serving in a state facility brings with it many difficulties. You have to remember you are a guest, you follow the same rules as the boys and you will have staff who do not want you there and will prevent you if they can from speaking to the boys. It's important to gain their acceptance too.
13. When I first started going to the facility, I would have boys ask over and over if we were coming back. They have seen many church people come and go, they don't believe you will continue to come.
14. One other thing which I don't focus on, I just have become a very Good Llstener and I confront when I need to, is most of these kids are manipulators and con artists. So listen to them, ask them questions and remember what they told you from time to time.
That is all I am going to share for now.
posted by Live, Love, Laugh | 9:11 PM
18 Comments:
Thanks for sharing these thoughts. It is this kind of perspective that can cause you to remain "instant in season and out of season".
May God bless your ministry to these youth with much fruit of transformed lives.
Thanks Gordon, I am humbled that God could use me, I was unsure when I first approached this ministry. It only took one visit to convince me we were meant to be there.
Wow!
That is really a great perspective.
"Focus on Jesus." That's the most important, and hardest, thing of all.
Thanks for a good post.
God has graciously opened similar doors for me and the church where I serve here in Indiana. Your insights are invaluable to me as I enter this field of juvenile incarceration. Here they call it the "D Home. God bless you. I may come back for questions from time to time!
Transformation is an action requiring patience and love. I wish your ministry much success.
Wow, what fascinating insight. Thank you so much for sharing. I can see you have learned a lot!
You've painted a clear picture of what it's like. I believe you have to be emotionally strong to deal with these kids. I know you're making a difference in what you do, and I've been praying for a "cause" to become involved in. Shortly after praying about it, I read something on your site about a boy whose life you touched.
I came from Cuba at an early age without my parents, so I know what it feels like to think you are all alone in the world. I would love to let other kids in on the truth and give them hope.
Thanks for sharing, Dana. You continue to inspire me with what you've done and what you're doing.
Wonderful and wise insights!! I have passed along your blog to my 21 year old son who works weekly with troubled jr. high youth who desperately need Jesus, love, structure, etc. etc. through Reach Akron. (OH)
I do not know your testimony or life story. I don't know much of anything other than I like the way you write but I'm thinking that perhaps there is one thing that might have been left out.
Familiarity. A person is always more receptive to somebody who has "been there, done that".
I can only imagine that the Lord placed the burden for this ministry upon your heart because He knows what you have been through.
I'm only guessing. Forgive me if I'm wrong and I mean nothing negative in any way.
I posted! =)
You can delete this!
Hi Dana! Can't wait to meet all the boys in heaven on that day and to see the cloud of the mass of glory and to experience the weight of His greatness and glory as He knits everthing together for His good and His glory. God BLESS you dear sister of the Lord Jesus (and your mom).
I appreciate the sharing.
What hurt chuildren.
What a harsh world.
Hi LLL
I have one for you..
Being Gods child He sent them to you to watch over and like you said.... love.
You are His Arms
Thanks That great
Doug
Excellent thoughts. Without people who did this, many of these prisoners would have NO hope. It's true that most of them are 'conning' themselves and others when they are 'converted' but there are enough that are genuinely affected that makes it worthwhile.
May God continue to bless your ministry!!!!
Be blessed
Go Mom!
You and dad do so much, the few things you have shared on this website don't even begin to compare to the actual sacrifice and hard work that you have put in for those boys. I am so proud to have such great parents.
I love you!
Dana, you just continue to amaze me. Thank you for letting God use you in this ministry. And thanks for sharing your insight! You are one incredible lady.
Dana, you are a special person to be sharing your God given talents with these boys. Your reward will be great I'm sure. So many have talents they are blessed with and don't share. I try by teaching Sunday school and leading a bible study group but I still feel there is something more for me out there.
My mom does a prison ministry. Sometimes I forget and when I call home my dad will say "She's in jail" and I have to think twice on that one! LOL! But she really feels good doing it.
Thanks for sharing, I may have to forward this one to her.
Post a Comment