The GO Ministry is sponsoring an educational series in November 2020 highlighting the challenges faced by men and women returning to society from prison. I’ve invited Tony Mayer, who has organized and is facilitating the series to provide an introduction in this post.
With over 140,000 fellow Texans currently incarcerated, and more than 10,000 coming home to Houston each year, how are they received and reintegrated into society, especially by Christians in our community? Jesus provides clarity for us in Matthew 25:31 and following; in caring for the marginalized, the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner and the stranger you show your love for me. And Paul, in Hebrews 13:3, encourages us to: “Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them...”
If we’re honest though, the thought of visiting someone in prison or ministering to someone who has spent time in one of Texas’ finest gated communities is not appealing! Some of it may be the stigma associated with those who have a scarlet letter of “C” for convict or “F” for felon hanging around their neck. Others may fear for their personal safety, although the majority of those in Texas prisons are there for non-violent crimes. Finally, there may be a sense of shame in not being able to fully embrace them as a neighbor.
I had never been inside any prison until 2015, when I joined the staff of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP). While I had heard about the program since its founding in 2004, I had never made it a priority to volunteer with PEP. My first day at the Cleveland unit was interesting and challenging, but also incredibly fun. I was introduced to a great group of men, many of whom were as interested as anyone on the outside would be in business, entrepreneurship and our free enterprise system. They were excited and anxious about coming home—and many spoke fondly of their children, anticipating the opportunity to spend time with them beyond the typical hour on a weekend afternoon in a visitation room.
As these men came home, I saw them go to work (100% were employed within 90 days of release), start a business, and return to be the fathers that God had called them to be. Most importantly, they had a new future in front of them that was not being defined by their past. They were walking examples of grace and redemption, and the new life that Christ intends for all of us. I know that I would not like to be judged or held accountable for the worst things I’ve done in my life, and spending time with those who have come home from prison is a joy and delight as you get to celebrate their new start and new beginning.
While those prepared by PEP still faced many challenges, the challenges are even greater for the majority who come home without any preparation or support. Imagine for a moment being dropped off at the downtown bus station with just $50 or $100 in your pocket. You have no cell phone, nowhere to spend the night, no clothes beyond the oversized clothing that was given to you on leaving prison, you are unemployed, and have no social support system to fall back on. This is the reality for so many coming out of prison.
We hope you’ll join us on the first three Sundays in November to hear more about these issues, and how different ministries and organizations are working to address them. There is a great deal that the body of Christ can do to support those coming home and we’ll share the stories of members of the congregation who have been involved in this work.
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