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,
