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!