Why Prison Ministry?

Why Prison Ministry??

This is a question that I have asked myself more than a few times. The prison is a very dark place and most of the time it is a difficult exercise to find hope in the midst of chaos. The men and the women that are incarcerated for the most part have come to a place in life that they have not only violated the laws of God, but they have transgressed the laws of man to the extent that they have offended even the most “open” minded people in our society.

The problem remains that many people that find themselves locked up aren't broken. As a matter of fact it seems like many times the opposite occurs and they become even harder. They aren't looking for a solution to their real problem, but a salve for their pseudo issues. It is rarely their fault that they are in prison and the blame is usually pinned on some unsuspecting circumstance, person, or event. Of course this is not always the case, however this is what is played out most of the time.

To compound the problem many well meaning people within the “system” (read social engineering professionals) rush to come to their aid and hand those in the prison desert a cold glass of water. What they need is not a cold glass of water, but a baptism in the Living Water!

Instead of a confrontation with the reality of their sin they are met with a temporary reprieve of their situation never leading to real solutions only guaranteeing their plot of land on the plantation of continued poverty.

As those commissioned with the message of the King of Kings we bring a confrontational and conflicting message from the one most have heard all of their life. We as Providing Hope Ministries don’t guarantee temporary reprieve, false hope, or immediate release! What we do is proclaim and declare the Gospel

JESUS PAID IT ALL

That is what our mission in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility is a message of reconciliation and a declaration of redemption through JESUS CHRIST. More than any program that is what each and every person needs to hear ,that you cannot do anything but receive the truth of what Jesus Christ has done for those that the Father loves.

The problem with ministry today is that we want to be sin managers and not ambassadors. Whether or not you are in a prison or your living room when it comes to your problem with sin and God’s pure righteousness you bring nothing to the table.

Each and every day we count it a privilege to minister to those that have tasted the depth of their depravity and we pray that when they hear the message of the Gospel- Jesus Paid It All! They along with the sinner in the story that Jesus told about the Pharisee and the Publican can proclaim the reality that their redemption is in only one person and his name is Jesus!

With that said success in prison ministry isn't marked by raise hands and promises, but by the faithfulness of the messengers to deliver the truth. This is what we have done in the prison as Providing Hope Ministry since 2004. Our prayer is that we will be able to continue into 2013 and beyond, however that is at risk as we speak. We are facing the largest budget shortfall this year that we have ever seen. I am thankful that we serve a powerful God and that He specializes in the impossible. We need your help to continue to share the Gospel in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. Please prayerfully consider an end of the year donation to ensure that the 750 inmates each month are confronted with the truth of their situation and the only Savior Jesus Christ. All Donations can be mailed to PO Box 2103, Kingston Pa. 18704.

We Need Your Help!

As we come quickly to the end of 2012, I am asking for your consideration in making a financial donation to Providing Hope Ministries.
Providing Hope Ministries has provided chaplaincy services in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility since 2004. This is a crucial ministry that has provided the possibility of authentic hope in some of the darkest and dire moments in the lives of thousands of people over the years. We pray that this can continue until Jesus returns.
In 2009 when I was appointed the Executive Chaplain, we have been focused on the future and expanding the impact of this ministry to the Glory of God. We have seen transformed lives and people rescued by the Savior from the clutches of spiritual and physical death. We have and will continue to be His ambassadors of reconciliation (restored relationship)for a Kingdom without end.
Over the past several years, we have been blessed to receive a large portion of our operating budget from the "Logos Fund" of the Luzerne Foundation. Without this financial investment, we could not continue the ministry in its current state. This yearly donation over the last three years has contributed between 25%-50% of our annual budget. The remainder of the annual budget of nearly $75,000.00 is donated by churches and individuals who regularly support the ministry. We do receive a small stipend each year from the Luzerne County Prison inmate fund of about 8% of our yearly operating costs.As of the writing of this we have not received any funding this year from the "Logos Fund" and do not anticipate that to change. This does not change our mission and our focus of providing chaplaincy care to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. It does mean that we are at a crucial financial crossroad in this ministry. As I said before we are blessed to have nearly 15 churches that partner with us either monthly, quarterly, and some once a year from our local area. Their contribution attributes per annum about $25,000.00 which equates to about a 1/3 of our operating budget.We are blessed by the current churches that support us, but it is clear we need more churches to step into this role as we move forward. We also need individuals, families, and businesses that recognize the importance of the ministry to the inmates to continue.
As an organization we have represented Christ to thousands of inmates and others affected by the criminal-justice system in Luzerne County. We have carefully built a reputation of being a help and not a hindrance to the staff and leadership of the L.C.C.F. And they lean on us regularly to assist them in their daily mission.
Please consider making a commitment of becoming a regular supporter of this ministry that is making an impact right here in our community. If you could consider $25, $50, or $100 as a monthly donation, it would mean we are one step closer to meeting our financial needs for the remainder of this year and into 2013.Thank you for your consideration in this crucial and challenging time.

Donations can be accepted online at www.jub.org and by mailing to: Providing Hope Ministries, PO Box 2103, Kingston, Pa 18704.

In Our Time Of Need

"I want to thank you for your help in my time of need." S.B.

This is what we hear on a very consistent basis from the over 750 inmates we minister to. Most of those that find themselves on the inside looking out have come to a realization that they need! What it is that they need varies greatly, and sometimes we are able to help and other times we cannot.

We tell every inmate that darkens the corridors of the Luzerne County Correctional Facility (L.C.C.F) that we as Providing Hope Ministries (chaplains and volunteers) are here to help you navigate through this difficult time in your life. We can't "rescue" you only God can.

On most of our correspondence is emblazoned this scripture " In your distress you called and I rescued you..." Psalm 81:7 this scripture serves as a reminder to all that the God of the Bible is the only one who can truly rescue.

In the Rescue operation here in L.C.C.F. He has chosen to use Providing Hope Ministries at this moment as His instruments of reconciliation (restored relationship.) for that we are very grateful, and we recognize that it is a privilege to be able to minister to those that the Father holds in close position to His heart- the modern day orphan. Those who have felt the cold embrace of prison bars more than the warm embrace of a loving Father. God is not satisfied until all His Children have experienced the reality of redemption through His love.

Every single month as long as we have the financial means to continue we as Providing Hope ministries accomplish the following right here in our local prison with the aim and goal of proclaiming God the Father's redemptive justice.

40 hours of direct chaplaincy care to the inmate population and staff. This is accomplished through Bible Studies/worship services/classes. Answering on average 35-40 inmate requests per week. One on one biblically centered pastoral counseling. Regular walk-through of the inmate housing areas. Any deaths in the family of the inmates are handled by our chaplaincy office. We are also responsible for all volunteers and clergy that enter the facility.

Our volunteer core of 35 individuals, many who are local pastors and leaders, from 17 different churches in our local-area conduct on average about 15 hours of Bible Studies/worship services per week. Most weeks we see about 100-120 inmates coming to these services and hearing the truth of God's word that redeems and transforms sinners into sons and daughters.

We also distribute a large amount of Bibles and other spiritually centered books to help the men and women grow in their knowledge of God every single week.
The reality is all of this cannot continue and grow forward without consistent financial support from partners and churches that believe in the mission of ministering to the modern-day orphans in the county prison.

When it comes to our funding sources, I would like to clear up a few misconceptions. Providing Hope Ministries does not receive any government funding from any local, state, or federal entity. With the exception of a small annual stipend from the commissary fund at the prison. All of our financial support comes from local churches, organizations, and individuals.

Jubilee Ministries (www.jub.org) based out of Lebanon, Pa. Has been an incredible mentor and partner. However, as an organization they made the decision in the beginning to assist us but not support us financially. We are grateful for their help, but since coming on staff as the Executive Chaplain I have heard "doesn't Jubilee support you" so much I felt it was necessary to address it now. No they do not financially support us and if and when we do not have our own financial support, they will not continue the Luzerne County prison ministry.

We are at a crucial place in our history where the need in the prison has not decreased, but our funding is in desperate need of an increase. We are grateful for the few churches that have partnered with us, but we need many more so that we can continue this crucial ministry that has a resounding affect on all of us.

Our vision is clear and the future of what we would like to accomplish is truly God centered and bold as we seek to provide spiritual solutions to the problems that we see in front of us. We would like to expand our ministry to meet the needs of the silent victims of incarceration (the family of the inmates) and to provide a bridge back into the community for the inmates who are serious about transformation and reconciliation.

Until we get to a place of financial stability in our current operation, we cannot move forward with those plans. We need your help to continue to "Provide Hope" to those broken and bruised by sin and its consequences.

I would ask that you would prayerfully consider supporting us regularly in the amount of $25, $50, or $100 so that we can enter 2013 financially stable and able to focus on the mission in front of us.

You can donate online by going to www.jub.org and clicking on "donate now" and selecting Providing Hope Ministries, or you can mail donations to PO Box 2103 Kingston, Pa. 18704.

As a pastor and ministry leader for over the last decade I will admit to you that this is one of the most difficult things I have had to do - ask for money. This need is so important that I have to overcome my own limitations and swallow my pride and say please consider partnering with us. Our local community matters and every dollar you invest stays here. Make a difference!

Inside Out Revolution

Here is an article that I just finished for our brand new official newsletter... make sure to sign up so you can receive them straight to your inbox.

The Imperfect Journey

Inside Out Revolution

by Rev. Jim Wilbur, D.Min. - Executive Chaplain

If you have a pulse then the horrendous news coming from Aurora Colorado has not escaped your attention. In the midst of my day today I briefly caught a news personality talking about the case and they mentioned that a possible defense could be "irresistible influence." Simply meaning that the accused shooter could not help himself and was not able to stop his own actions.... or could he???

As I reflected on that I could not help think about what the Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:6-8 about the state of fallen man...
     
"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." 

The stark reality is that BUT for the grace of God you or I could be sitting in a jail cell in Aurora Colorado. The truth is evil is present all around us and is manifested on a daily basis. It is clear that as a society we are making a wholesale move away from a Biblical ethic and then look amazed when things like this happen. Not to long ago I had a brief interaction with the young man who is accused of taking life in our community. On a daily basis those of us who minister inside the prison come face to face with the depravity of man, but so do you.

The Inside Out Revolution is when by grace through faith Jesus Christ reaches in and replaces our hearts of stone with a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26.) Until that moment scripture tells us we couldn't't please God even if we wanted too! I have to continually remember this as each and everyday I interact with many different people who have made decisions that have impacted their lives in major adverse ways.

As we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the inmates they are instructed that through repentance and faith they can live a life of forgiveness, freedom, and to the full. I heard of one survivor in the Aurora shooting who when interviewed on a national talk show stated that he wanted the accused shooter to know - " I forgive you." Whether that young man ever bows his knee to the Creator of the universe or not, he has had a tangible demonstration of what redemption produces... forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ.

Continue to pray for us as we continue the mission of being ministers of reconciliation in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. It is our prayer that the redemption of God does not stop with the individual prisoners, but as their lives are changed that redemption will have a holistic effect on their families and the overall community.

Imperfect Journey Continues...

I wanted to share with you just a couple more highlights of the amazing things that we see in the prison on a regular basis. As I have said before we are in a war (for hearts and minds) and the battle is long, but victory is sure. Along the way you meet some incredible wearied warriors that have tasted and seen that the unintimidated redemption of God is REAL!

Here is a couple more that I hope encourage your heart to press on and to keep supporting this ministry with your prayers, time, talents, and treasure.

A young lady who was a practicing Wiccan met with Chaplain Heather and thanked her for Providing Hope Ministries (chaplains and volunteers) because "her eyes have been opened to see she worshipped the created thing rather than the Creator" thanks to the ministry she has a "changed view."

Another young lady who is pursuing all that God has for her in this difficult time in her life was very thankful that she found Jesus (rather He found her) when she least expected it- " I wasn't looking for the Lord, but He found me and now I surrender to Him completely and I pray I don't leave him at the gate. I have every intention to take Him home w/me...I met a man in jail He wasn't in the toilet or the vents He was in my heart all along."

Thank you again to those that support Providing Hope Ministries financially you are putting your money smack in the middle of what the book of James calls "pure religion" and it will not return void.

GO......MAKE....Revolution

Greetings all,

   I am writing you on this beautiful June morning in the hopes of encouraging your continued support of our Lords ministry. I would like to start by bragging about my new baby boy that was born just three days ago. His name is Andrew James Iorio and he weighed in at a healthy 9lbs. I also have a three year old named Gabriella and now am the proud father of the so called "million dollar family." Last night was the first night we were all together in our home and let me remind you parents, that a newborn is a joyous but overwhelming experience.

   It is a time of celebration and important transition in a families life. I am instantly reminded of the joyous but overwhelming transition it is for our released inmates returning to their families and communities. The vision God laid on the chaplains team at Luzerne County Correctional Facility the last three years has been "Reentry". I am proud to tell you that your chaplains are a part of the newly formed "Luzerne County Reentry Committee" formed with the purpose and mission of helping released inmates make better choices upon their release. Our God is in control and He gives the vision to His children along with the provision to see the fight finish in a victory. (2 Timothy 1:7) tells us: For the Spirit God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline. He fights for us! He puts us in the right places at the right times to do His work and perfect will.
 
   This past Thursday, I was invited into Luzerne County Judge Amesbury's office to talk about serious matters. It turns out that with the cuts of federal, state, and county money, the church is being looked upon as one of the limited solutions in solving the recitivism rate in Luzerne County. Along with the assistance of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Services, our chaplains department, and Judge Amesbury came up with some great solutions and immediately put them into plan. Every Thursday there is a bail hearing set and we will be in attendence helping the Judge place those into Christian rehabilitation services who show a history of relapse into crime and chemical addictions.

   Gods love is deep, its wide, and it covers us. Now is the time in our country like never before that the church of Jesus Christ must take a seat at the table of our government and area agencies and reach out the loving hand of God. This is what God is doing in Luzerne County and we can do a whole lot more your support and financial blessings.
 
 It is obvious that our government is in a time of transition also. As you celebrate our country this summer, help us in our fight and calling to help all those in transition. Please remember that our Lord is the only tour guide that can help us find our way. Without you, this will not continue. We love you and your voice is heard inside and outside the prison. We can reach those inside the prison with the Gospel, please allow us the opportunity to help them when they get out. (Mathew 28:19) " Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." We follow Jesus's command here.
 
This past month, we seen ten men in our M Block population accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. We then baptized all ten and continue to minister to them weekly. During a day at the prison filled with chaos and turmoil, these men on the M block were seen on the "yard" in a prayer circle. I can go on and on with stories like this. Our Jesus said go and make disciples. That is what we must continue to do as a team. We love you!!!

In Gods Love,
LCCF Chaplain: Rev. Andrew T Iorio

The Unnamed Warrior

One of the most difficult things to accomplish while ministering in the criminal justice arena is to "quantify" results. It is really not different from any other area of ministry except that the individuals we minister to are under an immense amount of pressure to "prove themselves."

An individual who is in prison and makes a decision to turn from their wicked ways and change the way that they view God, themselves, and the world is looked at many times as a "jail house" convert. Comments like "oh you just got religion to get out of trouble" are often heard and many times echoed by the masses.

In prison the only way to "prove" life change is time, time, and more time. Most of these men and women have made promise after promise only to fall on deaf ears of those that they have manipulated and maligned in the midst of their descent.

That is why when I share something from inside I say that is a snapshot of "an imperfect journey." The truth is we ALL are on a imperfect journey. I am not able to judge intentions or heart change only take someone at their word.Only God can judge a heart and we as humans can only evaluate actions.

With that being said I wanted to share with you another snapshot of an imperfect journey that I came across today.

I recently mentioned the book "Gifts of Freedom" that has had a tremendous impact on many of our inmates. Today I received some books back that an inmate returned since they were being released or transferred. In that pile was a partially completed "Gifts of Freedom" book with no name in it.

I wanted to share some of the thoughts of this unnamed warrior. I say unnamed warrior because that is who he or she is. They are "warring" for their future and destiny.

In a summary of chapter one subtitled "what's my purpose what went wrong" this is what they said to answer the question "what are the things you can do in the pursuit of His destiny for you?"
Response: I know Him a little better, no I don't understand completely, I must stay in this book and the Bible to keep up on what I am destined for.

Another question that was asked was in regard to accepting the gift of salvation and this is what our unnamed warrior said "I have received, but I am weak, my plan to grow spiritually is to keep close with God and to be able to live a better life so far it is very difficult."

I will share one more response with you that encapsulates what is needed, but not always acted on by those transitioning from prison. The question was asked about practical things that needed to be done to embrace "new life" and their response like so many we work with was "go to church, read scripture, and pray. Yes there are a lot of habbits [sic] I need to change, I will change friends, and relationships."

All that you or I can do is take them at their word. This snapshot is very similar to what we hear on a daily basis. There are many imperfect warriors that are wrestling and warring for their future and destiny. Pray with me that they maintain their will to fight to victory.

Unintimidated Redemption

Only the most notorious crimes and criminals make it on the front page of the local paper. Those involved in those stories you read live (at least temporarily) where we work on a daily basis.
The redemption of God is not intimidated by an above the fold story of the newspaper and that was evident the other day as ten of our "higher profile" men made a decision to be baptized as a result of a Bible Study led by our very own Chaplain Rev. Andy Iorio. He has been using a book titled "Gifts of Freedom."
This book written by Greg Rice (www.giftsoffreedom.com) has made a noticeable impact in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. Over the past three months or so we have given out (by request) nearly 100 of these books.
Here is a little about this book " it is about 12 gifts which God offers to each of us. As we accept, unwrap, and use these gifts, we develop a more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father, thereby unlocking incredible freedom in our lives; spiritually and even physically in many areas. I believe that most Christians neither receive nor use all of these gifts to develop that closer relationship with their Heavenly Father. Either they have never been taught about them, or they don't fully understand them. This series will give both new and mature believers the information they need to receive all that God has to offer them, as well as draw them into the Bible."
And it has, as a result there are currently three Bible Studies in the prison that are using this book as a starting point and the discussion and study that begins in the classroom usually continues on the "block" (living area.)
This book is one of the tools that God is using to transform people from the inside out on a regular basis in our local county prison.
I wanted to share that with you and remind you how grateful that I am for people like you that make it possible. I would ask that you consider or continue to support Providing Hope financially so that stories like this will not only continue, but multiply.
You can now give online at www.jub.org our Proving Hope link is on the top left of the page. Thanks again.

I Dare You! To Make a Difference

I Dare You...To Make A Difference!

For a ministry like Providing Hope to remain effective it is imperative that we continue to have volunteers with a passion for transformation volunteer their time, talents, and treasure to minister to the incarcerated. Since becoming a part of this ministry several years ago I have been blessed at the dedication displayed by those in the Providing Hope Ministries family.

In 2012 that incredible dedication has continued, but like anywhere else people have to move on to other areas that are demanding their attention. With that said we have some rare ministry opportunities available in the prison for those that may have an interest. Currently we have some weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly volunteer opportunities. If you have the time and the passion for a life changing endeavor we have the opportunity and we will provide the training.

Here are the current ministry opportunities available immediately:

Weekly worship service for the male inmates on Sunday at 5:00 P.M. on the 4th and/or 5th Sunday each month.


Weekly worship service for the female inmates on Sunday at 6:00 P.M. on the 2nd Sunday each month.

A bi-weekly male Bible Study that is held on Saturday evening at 8:30 P.M. You would be partnering with a current volunteer and would alternate weeks with him.

I also need a dedicated and consistent person to facilitate our " Inside Out Dads" fathering class on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 P.M. We have all the materials and teaching outline for you to use this proven program that was created by the National Fatherhood Initiative.

We are also currently forming a select group of transitional coaches to work closely with inmates that have been identified by the newly formed reentry committee as individuals that need faith-based support in their overall re-integration strategy. If selected you would be assigned an inmate(s) to meet with several times while they are still incarcerated and then continue that coaching relationship once they are released. You would be a crucial member of a team that would be committed community transformation. We will provide the training and support you bring the passion and dedication to see lives changed. Contact me for more details about this special opportunity.

If you are interested here is what you will need to do:

Fill out an application.
Pass a security background check.
Agree to the Providing Hope Ministries philosophy of ministry and to abide by our volunteer guidelines.

Here is what we will provide you:

A copy of the book "Prison Ministry" by Len (the best single volume book on practical and cultural aspects of prison ministry)

Quarterly volunteer training.

Ongoing support to equip you to minister in the correctional system.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call or email me. The email address is: providinghopeministries@gmail.com or call me at (570) 817-7983.

The Imperfect Journey

One of the most difficult things to do in prison ministry is to quantify "results" of our activity as chaplains. I could share with you numbers and data to try and describe what is actually happening on a daily basis, but it still falls short of telling the real story of the day to day transformation that can and does occur.

It is important for us to share REAL stories of REAL people and about their pursuit of God while incarcerated regardless of how messy it is sometimes. For those of us in the trenches on a daily basis we are not intimidated or distracted by the imperfect journey. I recently heard someone say that a follower of Christ is not defined by perfection but by PERSEVERANCE!

Here is a snapshot of that journey from the inside:

" The Lord has sent me a blessing, I was completely misguided until my celly came and I realized the importance and his role in my life. He is extremely knowledgeable of the Bible, be it through studies or just common knowledge, and has brought me through some of my hardships. Though he snores like a bear, its David pinned Goliath and I'm winning the fight with the swords you've provided and the armor the Lord has dealt me. Thank you and please continue to pray for my safe return to His sight I'm still studying, but at least NOW I know who GOD is." ---- A.B.

That is the voice of a young man who is on a continuous search for truth and as he continues to ask questions he is being drawn closer to God each and every step along the way.

We have the incredible privilege to see things just like this on a daily basis. It is your continued prayers and financial support that will enable and empower us to continue this ministry in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. Keep praying and keep pursuing for yourselves to know God for who is really is!

Blessings,

Rev. Jim Wilbur, D.Min.
Executive Chaplain

Fresh Perspective From the Ground

This is an article from Chaplain Andy that will be featured in our upcoming newsletter and I wanted to share it with you. 2012 is going to be an incredible year for Providing Hope Ministries as we minister to the broken!

Hello all,

 

Its that time of year again for me to say hello to all of our friends at Jubilee and Providing Hope Ministries. This is a very exciting but challenging time of year for us and it is simply not possible for us to press on without your help and donations. While most of us enjoy the blessings that God provides us during the holidays, the inmates and families that we serve are struggling in all sorts of areas. I would like to share one inmates struggle this holiday season with the hopes of touching your heart. I was on Duty this past Saturday morning conducting a women's addiction class when a Corrections Officer came in and informed me that the class would be canceled due to a security issue. That issue would prove to be a dark time. An inmate attempted to end his life that morning. Most of us cant imagine the pain, suffering, and inner torment that would lead someone to choose death as a reasonable option. This is our ministry! This is our calling! A chaplain is someone who provides hope to the hopeless in times of confusion, darkness, and fear. At Luzerne County Correctional Facility, we are Providing Hope Ministries! Without your prayers, support, and donations, there would never have been a chaplain there to take the call in this darkest of hour. Within the hour, this individuals life was saved by the brave staff and the chaplain was called to do his job. His job is to provide hope by separating darkness by the love of Jesus Christ. This inmate asked for forgiveness from God on his knees that day and was equipped with a Bible and daily Christian counseling since the incident. I can't make it any more clear that none of this would of happened if it was not for you. This is a regular day in prison life and it takes a special person to provide the funding for a hope providing ministry. (James 5:20) "Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins"

This is a special ministry God has called us to. This is a life and death ministry. We see God save peoples lives. This would not be possible without yours. I love you and may the Father bless your socks off this new year.

 

                                                                                                                                                              

In our Fathers love and Grace,

                                                                                                                                                                                   LCCF Chaplain: Rev. Andrew T Iorio