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We'd like to share some of the recent letters we've received from inmates. As you read the excerpts, we trust you will gain further insights into the impact you are having on these men through your support of APM. We also very much encourage you to attend the banquet; it's our way of saying “thank you” and giving you a greater appreciation for the difference you are making.
Thank you for your letter. You know what's funny is that I have asked a couple of places that I do Bible studies with, and every time they send me information back, it has always been Alpha Prison Ministries. I've even asked a pen pal in Virginia to help me find a place and she sent me an application for APM.
Your ministry must have a very powerful impact on the community to be that strongly recommended. I will keep in touch with you and pray as 2012 comes along that my parole will be as close to spring as it can get. I am hoping and pray that God will grant me my parole then and provide me an opening at Alpha House.
To answer your question, Jesus Christ is my Savior, my Lord and King, the only Son of God who saw our Father's face. He is my protector. Without Jesus Christ in my life, I could not do anything good or worthwhile. I serve Jesus Christ rather than myself or this world.
Chris
Thank you for the insight on Steve. I have let the brothers here know that he is doing well. Let him know that we are all praying for him, and to keep on doing well. Everyone says, “Hi.”
Yes, that miracle camp and retreat looks wonderful, but who knows with the new laws if I'll be able to ever visit a place like this. Only if God's will allows it I guess. In His time and according to His will.
Thank you for forwarding that letter to the teacher for me. Those kids have done a wonderful thing and they should know that people who are incarcerated, like me, truly appreciate any kind of help so we can be rehabilitated through Christ Jesus. He is the only one who can change us. I need Him; all of us in here need Him, and everyone out there needs Him. So I am truly thankful that a bunch of school children would be interested in sharing the love of Jesus with a “leper” such as I.
I have been running 3 miles every Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 miles on Saturday. Saturdays take nearly an hour and a half to finish and the track is crowded. So, instead of being frustrated or upset at people, I pray for them. I call Saturday's runs my “prayer runs.” I do 36 laps around the track asking the Holy Spirit to enter people, and God to strengthen people. Through it all, I am strengthened myself and I am able to finish my run. What a blessing and gift of God.
My prayers are with you always. May the grace of our Lord Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be upon you each and every day.
Christian love,
Bob
I received your letter. I am so happy about my acceptance into the residency program at Alpha House. I told everybody I know about this blessing. Now there are others who are interested in Alpha Prison Ministries.
I admit that I don't know much about the program, but it did allow me to talk to others about Christ. He is there at Alpha House just as well as he is here with us (so I guess I do know more than I think I do about the program). He said that wherever there are two or more gathered in my name—there am I also.
Since my acceptance into the program, it seems as if a heavy burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I was kind of scared and nervous to re-enter into society. But now, thanks to your program, I very much look forward to getting out!
Where I was headed lacked a foundation of Christ I will now receive. It is truly a blessing to be getting out and living with people who are like minded. I see a bright light at the end of the road now.
Thanks,
Marvin
Editor's Note: We at APM try to emphasize that Alpha House is not a program, but “an environment” where residents have a safe place to build Christian character and life skills to successfully re-enter society. It still gets called a program, but oh well, it still works anyway.
Taken from Fall Newsletter, September 2011
Meet Stacy Swimp, President of the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Michigan. Stacy is a dynamic and inspirational national speaker, a dedicated family man, public servant, and outspoken Christian leader.
Stacy has accepted our invitation to be the guest speaker at the annual Alpha Prison Ministries banquet on September 26, 2011. Please plan on joining us.
To introduce you to the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Michigan and their purpose, here is their organizational mission statement:
We, at the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Michigan, believe in individual freedoms as outlined in the Constitution of the United States; equality of rights, justice and opportunity for all citizens. We believe in moral, ethical and spiritual representation as it pertains to the individual with an emphasis on pro-life choices and traditional marriage. We endeavor to educate, organize and mobilize individuals on public policies that affect us all which result in greater impact on civic responsibilities, promotion of self reliance and individual and collective empowerment.
We at APM couldn't agree more. We get to see the results as the disintegration of the family is a leading cause for men ending up in prison. Restoring the family and Christian values can prevent the tragic consequences we see prisoners having to face.
If organizations like the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Michigan were completely successful, organizations such as Alpha Prison Ministries would not be needed. Quite frankly, we'd be perfectly okay with that.
Consider this your first announcement of the annual banquet too. Please mark you calendar:
APM Annual Dinner Banquet
Monday, September 26, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Resurrection Life Church in Grandville
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2011
September 27, 2011 Update: Stacy shared a powerful example of his own life experience and you can hear his moving story using the audio controls below.
Leon,
Thank you for your wonderful letter and words of encouragement. It is always a blessing to hear from you and to know you are well.
I am reading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Wow! He puts things in an interesting perspective and really makes you think.
I am also studying from a couple of books, one of them is Holy Spirit by A. Pink. He really hit some very key points about praise and worship with the Spirit of God. This confirms a little insight I had during one of my prayer times a few weeks ago. I was praying and I started thanking and praising God. As I did so, I started crying, then in a flash, several Scriptures flashed before my eyes.
It started with 1 Cor. 6:19-20, where we are the temple of God with the Holy Spirit in us. Then John 14:17 where the Spirit of truth is given.. and he shall be in me.. Next Rom. 14:17 where we see that the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Then in Luke 17:21, we read that the kingdom of God is within you.
Through the Scriptures, I came to conclude, all within 1 or 2 seconds, that the Holy Spirit lives within me, and the kingdom of God is within me, so the kingdom of God may be the Holy Spirit.
Through this, Matt. 6:33 came to my instant thought and I am to seek first the Holy Spirit and his righteousness.. Then I will be led according to the will of God. I don't know how on target I was here, but this is what came to me.
Less than a week later, the book from A. Pink showed up from my correspondence study on the Holy Spirit. God is good.
My prayers are with you always.
Christian love,
Bob
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2011
It looks to me like Bob was pretty well on target. His terminology might not match up with the way a Bible scholar would put it, but he suddenly grasped an important principle. God himself places his Spirit in us and we are the living kingdom of God on this earth.
As you read Bob's letter, I hope you began to envision that this is what we seek to do with Alpha Prison Ministries. When we get men to study the Bible, the Holy Spirit will make it click just like it did for Bob. They will receive righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
I can't say it any better than Paul stated in 1 Cor. 2:10-12:
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
Thank you for your support. It is helping us reach more men like Bob.
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2011
Paul is a former inmate and current resident of Alpha House who has been with us since last November. Like many people, especially former inmates, Paul has struggled to find regular work. He has worked for temporary services over the last several months, but nothing has been steady, reliable, or permanent.
Several weeks ago, Paul's prayers were answered when a company offered him full time employment...a steady job!
As Leon and Paul were talking over Bible study, the blessing and apparent answer to prayer was mixed with a problem. And for Paul, it was a big problem!
The prospective job required him to work Sundays. Paul's conscience was in turmoil. He very much needed the job, but his spirit would not allow him peace. The Sunday requirement was a deal breaker for him.
As Leon and Paul discussed the dilemma, Leon directed Paul to Hebrews 3 and 4. Leon shared his reasoning from the passages how the Sabbath rest is no longer in a day, but fulfilled in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.
They agreed to pray over the situation and take confidence in God's promise to the prophet Samuel, “He who honors me (God), him will I also honor.”
With this renewed confidence in God and his word, Paul later met with the job interviewer and expressed that he wanted the job, but for faith reasons, he could not work on Sundays.
“We can work around that issue,” said the interviewer.
Paul got the job! Well done, Paul, and thank you, Jesus!
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
Taken from Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2011
Because Alpha Prison Ministries refuses to get stuck in a rut, we're willing to shake things up, try something new, and be different. Last year, we introduced the Seven Days of Prayer for APM, instead of the more intense forty days in the previous 3 years.
The one thing all four years have had in common is that we structured them around Mother's Day. If you've been expecting and wondering where this year's prayer schedule is, we've once again thrown change into the mix.
This year, our Seven Days of Prayer will include Memorial Day.
Like all the previous years, we won't be making you sign anything or send us a commitment card; we won't be calling you to check up or sending any prayer police to make sure you're on your knees. It's all on the honor system.
Seven Day Prayer Schedule 2011
(Although officially May 29 - June 4 which is now over, you can still choose any 7 day period to pray):
Taken from Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2011
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death (Prov 14:12, NIV).
Just as the truth of this verse could be said of many of the men we minister to in prison, there are laws which seem to make sense, but not only fail to achieve their intended purpose, they make the problem worse. Such a law took effect 5 years ago on January 1, 2006.
To anyone in prison ministry or even corrections, the dismal failure of this 5year old law comes as no surprise. Was the law based on research? No. Was it based on a known pattern to crimes it seeks to prevent? No. Would this law sound good to uninformed voters? Yes. That unfortunately is its only merit.
So what is this law we speak of? The “School Safety Zone” was increased from 500 to 1000 feet. This means that anyone convicted of a Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) offense cannot live within 1000 feet of a school or registered day care facility.
That seems like a good idea, right? Sure, but guess how many sexual crimes are conducted in this manner—they are so rare the answer is essentially none. It's rather pointless to prevent what isn't happening, so this law has zero relevance to the way sexual crimes are committed.
It isn't contributing anything to the rehabilitation of CSC offenders either. All it is really doing is making things more difficult for parolees because more than 52% of all the housing in Grand Rapids is now off limits.
This also includes our original Alpha House. Until the end of 2005, we could accept CSC offenders, but we haven't been able to for over 5 years now. Only after we obtained the new Alpha House in 2008 were we again able to accept these residents.
Even according to the Michigan Dept of Corrections own statistics, CSC offenders have the lowest recidivism (return to prison after being released). As a ministry, our experience in working with CSC offenders has been a positive one.
CSC residents are typically among the most ideal we get. They have already dealt with shame and only wish to move beyond it. They have “been forgiven much” and are among the most spiritually dynamic when the Lord has changed their heart. They respond to God's forgiveness with deep gratitude.
After already serving their time and paying their debt to society, CSC offenders are being unfairly and unnecessarily punished again. This obstacle for something as basic and necessary as housing is creating an additional hardship on top of the already difficult task of successful re-entry into society.
It's too bad this law appears to have been enacted simply for political gain because it produces the appearance of being tough on crime. Since there was no data whatsoever to justify this law, it's reasonable to conclude that it was politically motivated. Fortunately, the person who is responsible for this law is no longer in office.
In January, our Executive Director wrote a letter to our new Governor and a new Representative, asking them to call for the repeal of this law and go back to the previous 500 foot rule, which was more than adequate since a problem with the old law never actually existed. Perhaps if more of us did the same and wrote to our elected officials, we could get this failed law off the books.
There are not many people who care about the hardships faced by men who are released from prison. These men do not need more barriers put up that make it harder to re-enter society. Your voice on their behalf can make a difference, just like your support of APM matters.
Taken from Spring Newsletter, March 2011
One of our current Alpha House residents is such an exception to the rule that he is only the 4th one since Leon took the role of Executive Director in 2000. This unique trait is that he came from a stable home. As Leon pointed out in his newsletter last month, 150 of the 154 residents Leon has supervised came from broken homes.
We hope as you reviewed the video that came with that newsletter, that it was a vivid reminder that you are doing something to help transform these men into fathers that will pass on a heritage of faith. Your support of prison ministry is not just changing the lives of prisoners, it is changing the destiny of families and generations.
Satan is very strategic in his attack on fathers to destroy the family unit. Perhaps you don't often think about prison ministry as a direct counter attack against the devil, but that's what it is. God is using you to undo the damage our enemy sought to carry out.
It's very likely that you are having your share of trouble. The enemy is trying to discourage you. He's trying to tell you your efforts aren't really making a huge difference. By supporting prison ministry you are directly involved in reversing the work of the devil, so he's naturally going to try to get you to stop. God wants you to keep going and his power supercedes all the trouble the devil tries to use against you.
As for our current resident, his struggles are different than the others who come from broken homes. Right now he is having trouble getting some needed documents to prove US citizenship. That makes it harder to find work. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for making a difference.
Taken from Spring Newsletter, March 2011
Although APM actually crossed the 27 year mark a couple months ago, we do get to start 2011 at 27 years as a ministry. We thank you for being a part of that and we're looking forward to this being our best year ever!
We could easily focus on all the great things that have been accomplished over those years, and it is great, but there is still so much ahead. We're living in what appears to be the last days, and while that may terrify the world, it is exciting for believers, especially those who are involved in ministries such as APM.
Some of you probably watch the news, but hopefully not too much. Since “the just shall live by faith and not by sight,” watching the news can easily be harmful to your spiritual health. We're told in the Bible to focus on good things, the news is not known for doing that.
We are so bombarded with negative influences, even many Christians suffer from anxiety and even depression. That's really easy to do if we're looking around at the wind and the waves. It's even easier when our personal circumstances are less than ideal.
Many people receiving this newsletter could be suffering a hardship. God has not promised us an easy path. Just the opposite in fact; “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” If you're in a trial, read the entire 34th Psalm.
I for one take great comfort in the promise above and many more like it. Yes, we have trials. Yes, APM has its challenges too, but the LORD delivers us from every one.
I can say with confidence that the best is yet ahead because I'm not listening to the devil, the news, or the naysayers. Since you are a supporter of APM, I'm quite sure the devil is busy bringing trouble your way. He hates what you're doing, so it's his nature to bring you trouble.
As you receive this, many people are in the process of breaking their New Year's resolutions. But many of you have been supporting APM for a decade, two decades, or longer.
You are bringing this same hope to men who are in worse situations than the ones you face. I know from God's Word that he is pleased with that. Have a blessed year!
Taken from Winter Newsletter, January 2011
A few years ago, I wrote a feature story for this newsletter asking the question, “Does tough on crime work?” In my opinion, and the opinion of many others in prison ministry, the answer is, no. And the facts tend to support that conclusion.
A few months ago, The Detroit News ran an interesting article on the serious, growing problems of an elderly prison population. One of the more intriguing facts reported in this article stated that while the prison population as a whole grew by 18% between 1999 and 2008, the number of inmates 55 and older grew by an astounding 76%!
While we can be sure that some of these people need to be locked up and kept locked up to help keep society safer, something is obviously skewed here.
What does this have to do with tough on crime? One of the leading causes of a huge spike in older adults in prison stems from bad public policy like Three Strikes and mandatory minimum sentences. Longer sentences are resulting in a higher average age for prison inmates.
The costs to taxpayers is creating a huge strain on an already troubled system. Estimates indicate it costs nearly 3 times as much to house an elderly inmate than it does a younger one.
APM has seen some of the effects of this too as we are getting older residents at Alpha House. Among other challenges, older people have a tough time finding the much needed work when they are released. Next time you hear the politically popular “tough on crime” rhetoric, hopefully you'll challenge the person who thinks it's a good idea.
Taken from Winter Newsletter, January 2011
We are excited to announce that very soon, those on our mailing list will be receiving a DVD of our new video. The response from everyone who has seen it has been phenomenal!
The feature length film is only 15 minutes, but it “tells our story” in a powerful and captivating way. The people you know that perhaps view prisoners like they are “getting what they deserve” will be moved to compassion after viewing this video.
We believe this video is anointed by the Lord to open more doors for the ministry, get more volunteers, gain more supporters, and result in more people praying for prison ministry and the people who are often forgotten because they are locked up and hidden from sight.
We hope you will share this video with others. APM is always willing to do a presentation to churches and other groups. After you share this video, many people seeing it will want to know more. Your reward in heaven for that simple effort will be great. More men will be reached, and more families will have their eternal destiny changed.
When you receive the DVD, you'll notice there are “abridged films” ranging from 3-5 minutes. Our 15 minute feature film has a condensed 4˝ minute version to suit shorter presentations. Each main area of our ministry has a 4 minute film that also tells the story of one man. And the 3 minute film highlights our volunteers who are crucial to the success of this ministry.
We hope you seize opportunities with this video. The DVD's are studio quality in every way, and make great presentations of APM.
While you're on our site, you can view the videos here too.
Taken from Winter Newsletter, January 2011
On approximately the day you receive this in your mailbox, I'll be turning 50. I mention that because I'm old enough to remember when the expression Happy Holidays did not offend anyone. Who would have ever thought a decade or two ago that we would see a day when it did?
Fortunately, the people receiving this are those who celebrate the holiday season with the kind of joy that comes with obedience. Jesus gave us the illustration of separating the sheep from the goats, and one of defining differences was prison ministry. By focusing on kingdom business, there isn't much room for the joy robbing attitudes held by the goats.
This ministry is blessed by people like Bob who was honored at our last banquet. For more than 25 years, and from the start of APM, Bob faithfully served this ministry. Many other volunteers have been with us for 10, 15 years, or longer. We have our Executive Director, Leon, for about the last decade who makes sure to follow up on every letter and email sent to the ministry, in addition to his assigned duties.
When the men we serve speak of APM, they say things like, “This is the only ministry that I know will follow through.” To have things like that said about us is the highest form of compliment.
I myself joined up with APM six years ago. In fact, at about the time you get this in the mail, it will be my anniversary date for being accepted on the board. It has been an honor to serve in this ministry and to serve with the people of APM. If you ever wonder what it's like seeing things from a board perspective, I have always been amazed.
There is no prestige in prison ministry. The people who give and volunteer are only those who God raises up. No one else would last very long. And the servant attitude is a privilege to be a part of. God is smiling on APM for sure.
As we celebrate Christmas and the holidays, it brings out the spirit of giving more, but you do that year round through your support of APM. We ask not only for your prayers and gifts to keep reaching prisoners, we genuinely thank you for being faithful. May God continue to richly bless you for it! MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Taken from Fall/Winter Newsletter, December 2010
For as long as I can remember, I have gone to church. Yet outside of Sunday morning, there was no desire or instruction involving a daily walk with God or Jesus in my family, and life was pretty hectic. As a child, I knew how to pray, so when my parents got divorced, I started praying to God (a God that I wasn't even sure existed), that he would give me a mom.
Neither parent had custody of me at the time, yet somehow I knew to pray for a mom. About a year later, I was placed in my father's custody, and we started attending a local church. I was also still praying that God would give me a mom.
Well, after a couple of months of hearing about Jesus dying on a cross for me, I began to get interested about this “New Life” and “Eternal Life” business, but I wasn't sure what I had to do, and I didn't want to do it wrong, so I didn't ask Jesus into my heart. Then one Sunday night, the pastor asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior—stating that John 16:24 says that if they ask, they will receive.
When I heard that, I believed that was the best way to get a mom. So I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and be in charge of my life. Roughly a year later, Jesus kept his promise according to John 16:24, when he gave me a mom like I had been asking. But Jesus didn't stop there. He calmed my once stormy and chaotic life, gave me so many friends that we would make a small army, and if the past 15 years are any indication of what's to come, I can't wait to see what he has planned. But the only way I'll see it is if I keep my focus on him.
Taken from Fall/Winter Newsletter, December 2010
That title above may seem shocking at first, maybe even sacrileges, or you might think we lost our mind to say such a thing. Have you ever been tempted to think that God is so far out there that he can't identify with our losses? The truth is, God is intimately familiar with loss, and it's really easy for us forget that.
We are told in the Bible that God had a very bad day before days existed. We're all familiar with the rebellion that caused Satan to fall and then take 1/3 of the angels with him. Imagine how God must have felt when that happened; any of us would be devastated if we woke up one day and 1/3 of the people we love spit in our face and walked out.
We read in Genesis how God created the universe, the world and everything in it, then he created man, the only creature created in his very own image. God had a special attachment to man, loved him deeply, and had fellowship with him every day. We all know how that story turned out. Man committed high treason against God, and God once again suffered a painful loss. That was not a good day for God.
Many evangelical Christians, which certainly includes the people receiving this newsletter, are familiar with 2 Peter 3:9 and verses like it that explicitly tell us God does not want anyone to perish. His desire is that everyone repent, yet we know that people perish into hell every day. God once again suffers these losses as well.
Alpha Prison Ministries does not win every time either. We wish we did. Our success rate is nearly 9 out of every 10 men that are crime free five years or longer after being released. But we do lose a few. We know we have a relentless enemy.
Every September, we celebrate the victories. We invite you to join us in that celebration. It is so much more than our primary fund raising event, it is an opportunity for you to witness the lives Satan sought to destroy having been turned around. It is a way for us to thank everyone who comes along side us in this battle and encourage others to join too.
And just so there's no confusion about the title, God does always reign and he always leads His people in triumph!
Taken from Fall Newsletter, September 2010
To me, John 15 opens the door to how self-discipline is achieved in a Christian's life, especially one that has previously lived a very undisciplined life. The fact that we must abide in Christ, is all that really matters. Neither circumcision nor un-circumcision matters, but a new creation (Galations 5:6), and this life that we live is not to be lived for ourselves, but to Him who died and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:15).
This new creation and life that is to be lived by the spirit cannot be achieved without Christ—we are to reckon ourselves dead—we are crucified with Christ, we are to pick up our cross of the previous undisciplined life and tell Jesus we are going to follow him. Well, where are we going to follow him to? Where did Christ go with his cross?
The self-disciplined life is the life that no longer lives for itself—for there is no good thing in the flesh, the flesh profits nothing, but the Spirit gives life. John 15 is the resurrection. The remaining, that which could not be shaken, is the life that is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3).
The branch cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, it will wither and die or be thrown on the fire to burn...a Christian who has the war going on between the flesh and spirit, cannot produce self-discipline in his life apart from Christ. Christ alone will conform the undisciplined areas into obedience, into success, and into victory.
“I am the Vine and ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: (self-discipline) for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). If I don't abide in Christ my works will be evident, self-discipline will be nonexistent, old habits will not be broken, and sin will not be overcome.
How could it? My old nature has its path carved, it knows which way it wants to go, and who am I to tell it any different? It needs to be put on the cross and left there—everyday—possibly a few times a day, or a few times an hour.
Jeff (an Alpha House resident)
Taken from Fall Newsletter, September 2010
The following is a testimony from Greg, a current resident at Alpha House:
Prior to getting saved, I grew up going to church with my family, but after church, I would do what I wanted to do. Pleasing my own flesh, this life I lived led me to prison. In prison, I went to church, but after service, I went back to my cell to do what I wanted to do.
While I was in prison, I was told about Keryx—a four-day Christian walk with the Lord. After this weekend filled with the love of the Lord, I turned to Christ. I saw not only that my life hurt the family I loved, but I needed to put to death my flesh.
After my Keryx walk, I started to follow Christ. This was a true blessing. I would serve the Lord by helping others. I used my spiritual gifts of helps and giving. In doing so, God has blessed me; I grow deeper into God's Word and love daily. Before I would get revenge on those who did me wrong, but now I leave it all to God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
When you trust in the Lord with all your heart, you will start to see the Lord doing a change in your life, and not lean on your own understanding. What you think is right may not be God's way, so before you lean on your own understanding, seek the Lord. He is the Light of this world, and he will not steer you wrong.
Greg participated in a TV interview featuring APM that aired earlier this year. See the video below:
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2010
Dear Leon,
I hope this letter finds things going well for you, and the Lord is blessing all you do. I am about to wrap up my stay here and return to community. I want to thank you for putting me in touch with Living Water for a place to possibly go to when I leave here.
I finished up my first level of New Creations Bible Study and I'm eagerly awaiting my Bible. I also started my second level.
I have been praying that I am able to leave here on the 2nd or possibly the 1st of July. My reason for concern is transportation from here to there. They do get you there if you are without transportation, but that can take an extra 2-3 days. The reason I say July 1st or 2nd is due to whether my parole agent is taking a four day holiday weekend.
I am having some apprehensions about my return. I need to get myself some spiritual support and I want to get involved with AA. There is also getting caught up on the way things have changed out there in the last 18 years.
I know there will be many challenges out there and I will have to remain strong in the Lord, and He will allow things to fall into place in His time. I need to resist myself wanting to take charge, for I feel it will just create problems.
Well, I'm going to close with asking you to pray for me in regards to my return.
Thank you and God bless,
Steve
This letter outlines concerns and challenges many prisoners face upon re-entry, challenges that APM seeks to help these men deal with successfully. Please pray for men like Steve (he was paroled this month) and pray for APM to have more mentors, volunteers, and supporters. Be sure to attend our upcoming banquet where you will see some of the men whose lives have been transformed by Jesus Christ.
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2010
Life happens. We live in a fallen world, and in prison ministry, you get to see just how far that fallen state can lead to. Our enemy the devil is well practiced at the art of getting us to focus on all the ill. The news media makes its living off showing us everything that is wrong.
With all this bombardment, faith can be undermined if we don't strive to keep it healthy. The Bible even declares “the good fight of faith” is just that, it's a fight. We're in a war, but it's not against people.
God gives us insight into the fact that while it looks like circumstances or politicians or something else we see is the problem, the real problem is spiritual forces. People can become pawns when they believe the lies our enemy tells them, but the real source of the problems is not what we see.
We as believers are given everything we need to defeat these foes, and we're told many times in Scripture to build each other up, and keep reminding each other of the victory we have. The devil can't take us down without first getting us out of faith.
The best weapon we have is our mouth. With it we pray, we quote God's word, and we defeat the enemy as long as we don't use the same mouth to contradict God's promises. James 5:16 tells us that our prayers are powerful and effective. But James also warns us how powerful our tongues are for evil.
While Satan wants to direct our attention to the problems, God wants to direct our attention to the victory. It's already won! This month, we're encouraging you to use the weapon of your mouth to do the devil some damage. PRAY. Don't muddy the water with words of doubt, expect victory!
There are judges who would like to take that right away from you, but if you use the weapon demons fear, prayer, they can never take it from you. So pray for us for seven days (see below), pray for the situations that would otherwise get you down, pray for our country, and pray about everything else too.
Taken from Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2010
You probably have those times when you get tempted to wonder if something is worthwhile, especially ministry, serving, and giving. Sure, we know intellectually that it is, but getting that deep in our spirit can be more challenging.
Hopefully, the newsletters you get from APM will help. You may have noticed that when you receive our newsletters, there is no crisis where we beg for money. This newsletter is to inform you, thank you, and encourage you, because what you do really makes a difference.
After our January printed newsletter went out, APM lost a close friend of more than 15 years, Rodney Raterink, which was announced here on the web page version of the newsletter. Although it is sad to see our volunteers and supporters in a casket, it also gives us the opportunity to be reminded of the difference they have made.
It was obvious at Rodney's funeral that he had an impact on many people. In addition to friends and family, many former inmates also attended and a couple of them took advantage of the “open mic” to testify of the impact Rodney had on them. Many of these men are followers of Christ directly as a result of Rodney's service to the Lord.
Whether you volunteer like Rodney, give of your time and money, donate goods and services, mentor an inmate or former inmate, provide a job for a parolee, or pray for APM, the impact you have will go on long after you are enjoying your rewards in heaven.
The fact that you care about prisoners is a gift from the Lord so you can make a difference. There's no glamor in it, and very little recognition in this life. Fortunately God does not place his value on people based on their circumstances. No matter how small you think your contribution is, God has a way of multiplying it beyond what you even imagine.
Inmates can not only see change in their own destiny, the cycle that would otherwise ensnare their children can be broken. God can take anything you offer him, and you never know when it might potentially impact thousands of souls.
Taken from Spring Newsletter, March 2010
Many of you receiving this newsletter would have very little difficulty answering that question, but we feel it is important to outline our mission and purpose regularly. For the benefit of those who are new, or to help you pass the word on about our ministry, this will serve as an informal guide to briefly explain our purpose and how we achieve it.
Our mission statement:
To evangelize and disciple men who happen to be prisoners and former inmates
There is probably no better basis for prison ministry than the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 25, “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” In the context of that statement, Jesus was declaring that he himself is the person who is in prison. God places great value on every person, and his word is very specific in mentioning prisoners.
The things that God can do in the life of one redeemed prisoner is nothing short of amazing. At our 2007 APM banquet, our guest speaker was Jerry Dash who once was a prisoner, and is now involved in VIP Mentoring, a ministry that reaches out to the families of prisoners. This helps break the cycle of prisoner's children becoming prisoners themselves.
At our 2008 APM banquet, our guest speaker was Mike Benson, another former prisoner who is now Captain of The Conquerors International Strength Team. The Conquerors travel worldwide using feats of strength to present a gospel message. They are even able to minister in public schools, and the ministry team has seen thousands of people commit their lives to the Lord.
Not all are so dramatic, nor do they need to be. What is the value of one person or family? One man who is transformed can become a real father, raise his children to follow God, work an honest living instead of being a burden to taxpayers, and even minister to others so they don't fall into the same trap that sent him to prison.
Statistically, for every three people who are released from prison, two of them return in a short period of time. Our success rate is about 87%! So instead of 2 out of 3 ending up back in prison, nearly 9 out of 10 are now productive members of society. In addition, many are actively serving in the kingdom of God.
So how do we do it?
Taken from Spring Newsletter, March 2010
For those of you who attended our annual banquet in September, you heard Chaplain Thompson speak of how state budget cuts are affecting prisons, prison ministry, and the volunteers who minister in prisons. While much attention has been given to the economy and how it impacts our everyday life in society, the situation in prisons has never been worse.
The irony is, while many volunteers are still willing to serve in prisons, the staff cuts and prison closings make it difficult, sometimes impossible, to provide the required supervision to allow the volunteers in. We still have a great need for volunteers, and the rewards are even greater because of the additional challenges we face.
There is yet another frustration that prisoners are forced to deal with. In order to meet their earliest release dates, they are required to meet certain criteria, such as getting a GED or completing programs. The waiting lists are so long that they miss meeting these requirements on time, meaning they are denied parole through no fault of their own.
So while the budget cuts are supposed to be saving money, how can that happen if taxpayers are spending over $30,000 per prisoner per year keeping them longer? We obviously won't solve this problem in a short newsletter, nor is that our purpose as a ministry.
However, we must still function regardless of the current challenges. The need for ministry has never been greater. The need for God's grace and blessing in the lives of prison inmates has never seen such a ripe harvest field.
It would be so easy to focus on the problems. We live in a world which is very good at that, and sometimes we get infected by it, but our God is always bigger than the problems. When things seem their worst, that's when our faith is tested the most, and when God can be God if our minds are renewed by his word.
Prison has always been a place where men have the chance to lose their hope. Right now it's worse, but the gospel shines brightest when the darkness is even darker.
Taken from Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2009
We don't talk about our web site or the email it generates too much in our newsletters, do we? As of this month, our web site has been live for 5 years, and the “web guy” writing this has been doing the APM newsletter for the same amount of time. You may have also noticed that the design has been upgraded this month to reflect a new look with the new APM logo unveiled at our September banquet.
It's hard to believe that was 5 years already since launching the web site. So what has it done for Alpha? It shows up on page 1 of Google for several key terms, even #1 in some cases, so we reach out to people seeking ministry. We are contacted by family members of those in prison. We offer hope to those looking for help we can provide. We've even had volunteers sign on with us after finding our site and investigating us further. And much more.
Our director, Leon, does an awesome job; he responds to every request. If a mother contacts us about her son in prison, that son receives a letter from Leon. Not all Leon's letters get answered, but Leon is meticulous about seeing that he makes the effort to follow through.
Not all the email is requesting something from us either. We have former inmates and Alpha House residents drop a line just to say thanks and express how much APM has meant to them. We have been told on many occasions that we were the only organization that consistently responds. This applies to email, web site inquiries, phone calls we receive, or letters from inmates. My 5 years with APM has been a privilege because of the people I serve with, and the standard of excellence this ministry has.
Following are just a couple excerpts from recent emails:
I am in need. I have a son in prison and I want so much to know that he is being ministered to. I sent him a number of postcards and I am not sure he is getting them. I am concerned that he is writing me off. He doesn't let me in on hardly anything, and I am very concerned. I am in the dark as to a lot of things concerning him. When he was in jail before heading to prison, I sent a letter in to him so I and his sister could come in and see him, but he was sent off to prison, and the letter was sent back to me.
He has a young son and now his wife is divorcing him. That is a lot to take. I would like you to look into to seeing if you can get his young son on the Angel Tree list or equivalent for Christmas.
I pray for God to surround Nathan, and that no weapon formed against him should prosper. I want a spirit of forgiveness to flow and not a bitter root. I want him to be ministered to with the gospel, and to let my son know that in Jesus, he's a new creation and that he is loved very, very much. God bless you, and it will be a comfort for me to know that my son is being ministered to in the Lord's love.
Leon, it was nice being there last night. Me and my wife had a great time and saw the true love of Jesus in people. I was at the T's 4 Him house for little over 2 yrs, and was the house manager for over a year. I'm one of the ones who gets out of prison and who is so thankful for what I have, most of all, who I am in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).
I am laid off work right now, for the last 2 yrs I've been working as a wood finisher. Elmer and Dan are mentors to me. I'm 48 and will always need wisdom from good, Christ-like people. My wife is retired from AT&T, she gets a small pension every month. With me being laid off it gets hard at times, but starting November, we are going to be sending Alpha a donation every month. Won't be a whole lot but something.
I did 14 years, been out over 4 years, been sober over 5 years. When I gave my life to Christ in prison, I gave it all up and picked up the cross and marched. Please, if you need me for anything: to help you talk to people who need help, if you need me to help with my truck for anything, just let me know, and let me serve. I don't want nothing at all. Just to be apart of prison ministry.
Taken from Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2009
If you have been noticing something and wondering if it's real or imagined, it's very real. Yes, God's people, even in America, are under attack like never before. It's not just from the political system with new laws that seek to undermine religious freedom. And it's not just public opinion straying away from biblical values either.
The attacks are from demonic forces and also manifest themselves directly into the lives of Christians as strife, marriage and family problems, financial hardship, sickness, fear, and a host of other afflictions that are the tactics of the devil. These problems have always been with us, but lately, they are increasing in volume, severity, and frequency.
You probably know someone, perhaps several people, who have been hit with these demonic attacks—maybe even you are among them. Are God's people doing something wrong? Has God's protection left us? No...quite the opposite. If you are fighting the good fight, you are a target for the enemy, and he seeks to undermine your faith.
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that we are in the “season” of the end. The idea of a one world government brought on by an economic collapse is more feasible than we have ever seen before. We know from prophecy that this will happen in the end times, and the Scripture warns that the enemy will step up his attacks on believers.
The increase in demonic activity is just further evidence that the end is near. The devil's time is short and he knows it. He is lashing out against us in a futile attempt to dim our light in these dark times.
But God still reigns! We are still overcomers. We are more than conquerors. God's promises to us are even more real during times of testing. When we overcome with our faith, we grow stronger.
The Bible describes a “turning away” from the faith in the end times as the devil goes about deceiving during his final time on the Earth. Jesus even asked the question, “When the Son of Man returns, will he find faith on the Earth?” The answer is obviously yes, but the question demonstrates that many will not stand firm to the end as we were instructed.
In John 10:10, Jesus gives us the devil's mission statement; the devil only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. God wants to bless us, and the devil wants to steal that blessing. Jesus came to give us life, but the devil would just as soon kill us. The Holy Spirit gives us power, but if the devil can deceive us, he will destroy that power.
As the days around us get darker and darker, the church is to shine brighter. As people are hit with financial disaster, God's people who are blessed are a beacon of hope. As the world plunges into sickness and plagues, God's people demonstrate life, health, and wholeness. Is it any wonder the devil would want to derail us so we fail this mission?
If faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we don't see, as we are told in Hebrews 11:1 (NIV), then the strategy you can expect from the devil is to cause you to focus on circumstances so you get your eyes off from faith. Satan has a talent for making circumstances appear to contradict the promises in the Bible. Faith will transform our circumstances to comply with the promises in the Bible, but we must be certain and trust God even when we don't yet see.
Our enemy is working harder than ever to discourage people from trusting in God and the promises in the Bible. He can't touch our salvation, but if he can weaken our faith and get us to believe subtle lies, we miss out on God's best because nothing in the Kingdom of God comes without faith. As you see or experience the devil's attacks, stand firm, because faith is your victory and you will grow stronger when tested.
Read the following excerpt from Ephesians. The devil and his cronies have nothing on us!
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2009
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure.
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2009
It seems lately there is no shortage of bad news, but there is no shortage of good news either. Paul tells us in the Bible that where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. As the world around us gets darker, God's light shines brighter.
The devil is attacking families and seeking to destroy the core fabric of our culture. Through your support of APM, you are directly helping to destroy the devil's work and bring hope to hurting people and their families.
As Leon, our Executive Director, has pointed out on a number of occasions, he has observed a consistent pattern with men we have ministered to through Alpha House. During his time with APM, he has overseen 129 Alpha House residents, and 126 of them were from broken homes!
There is a specific reason that the purpose of this ministry is “to disciple men who happen to be prisoners and former inmates.” Men are the leaders of the family, and many are in prison. To reach them is to break a pattern the devil plotted and schemed to create, and mend a broken home he sought to have as collateral damage.
The numbers for the US are alarming: overall, 1 of every 54 adult men are incarcerated. Among minorities, it is even worse. For Hispanic men, it's 1 of every 36, and for blacks, it's 1 for every 15! For young blacks in the 20-34 age group, it's 1 out of 9!
Almost anyone confronted with these numbers would agree that this problem is terrible. But the people who support this ministry go one step further. You are helping to do something about it.
Is the problem huge? Would it be easy to get discouraged? Yes, but we are not judged by the size of the problem. We hear the words, “Well done,” by doing what we can. Every person reached represents an entire family.
Taken from Spring Newsletter, March 2009
Over my four years of returning to prison, I have given out the address to Alpha House, along with your name (Leon) to contact, to many men. And because of the position and influence God has given me as a primary service leader, liaison to Chaplain Bible Studies “Iron Sharpens Iron” men's movement leader, I have shared info about Alpha House to literally hundreds of men.
Iron Sharpens Iron involves men meeting weekly in small groups of 3-4 men (the same men each week) for coffee, snacks, and fellowship discussing topics and answering questions that are designed to allow each man to examine himself—then share with the other men in that group. As the men get to know each other better over time, trust and respect develop—leading to more open sharing, more transparency and taking off the masks we often wear, more commitment and accountability, and a healthy, intimate relationship with other men.
God is really blessing and prospering this! It takes place right in the prison housing units. We have 40 men that meet every week in my unit!! Praise God, and it is happening all over the compound! It is a need that God is meeting. Please keep this ministry lifted up before the Lord as it is transforming men's lives.
Thank you,
Bill
Taken from Spring Newsletter, March 2009
Lord, I call upon you to deliver me from these troubled times I've gotten in,
Lord, I allowed this world's desires to drag me into its darkened den.
Lord, I'm a prisoner behind brick walls, bars, chains, and barbed wire fence
Which seems to have no end, I had to call upon your only Son for deliverance.
Lord, I ask and pray for you to open my eyes, and teach my heart to love again,
So I may have eternal life with you in heaven.
Lord, my life has been full of sins. It probably started around age 9 or 10, when I stole from a friend,
Which gave the devil a foothold into my life.
Lord, I call upon you for deliverance from all my sins.
Lord, I ask you to take away the devil's foothold I let in...
Lord, I pray for one more chance.
Lord, I promise to spread my wings and take a stance,
Against all evil that tries to advance my way.
Lord, I promise not to fly back to my old ways.
Lord, I'll take my stance firmly in your name,
Which is Jesus Christ, who was slain for all our shame.
Taken from Spring Newsletter, March 2009
We have been looking forward to sharing with you a story behind a story. Now is that time as we reveal God's blessing on this ministry, and how he worked out details that blessed another ministry and the people they ministered to.
In our September 2008 newsletter, we announced that in late August APM had acquired a new Alpha House. Through previous newsletters, we shared with you how we have been needing this and were actively seeking a new Alpha House for several months. Many of you have been praying, so you will especially enjoy reading more details about how those prayers we answered.
As we began our search for a new Alpha House, our plan was to seek a larger facility and sell the current one. Because of state laws and zoning, we had some above average challenges. It's no secret that the current real estate market makes things even more difficult, but we also knew God is bigger than those barriers.
Buying a new complex would not have been the toughest part. Finding a buyer for the current Alpha House had a newer problem because of the mortgage crisis. Funding for “investment property” is all but impossible right now.
We tell you these problems not to lament the situation, but to share how our awesome God raises his people above circumstances. Another ministry called T's 4 Him was facing their own set of challenges, and here's where the story gets even more interesting.
The T's 4 Him ministry, like APM, helped former inmates integrate successfully back into society. They provided not only housing, but mentoring and life skills through integrated job training designed to build character and dignity. T's 4 Him residents lived and worked together in a controlled, Christian environment.
The work that these residents did was construction. They learned the skill while working with a licensed contractor. Not everyone stayed in construction after completing the training, but many did, and the experience was valuable either way.
When the ministry began, they were able to acquire distressed properties from the city of Grand Rapids and restore them to new condition for selling. When the city discontinued that program, the ministry began building new houses and then selling them.
As changes in the housing market began to threaten the feasibility of this ministry model, things in the natural would have looked bleak. T's for Him could no longer continue, but God is faithful and had a solution. Their situation was the perfect opportunity for APM, and the compatibility of the two ministries meant that their current residents would still have a place to stay.
So God provided a new Alpha House that was already being used for prison ministry. There is yet another benefit to the way the Lord worked this out so perfectly. Whenever local residents learn that a facility is housing “ex-offenders,” they are understandably concerned. Over time, that concern not only subsides, they gain an appreciation as the neighborhood is actually improved because of the Christian standard.
Many of the neighbors we already had with Alpha House, who were also apprehensive at first, have expressed that they were wrong, and would be sorry to see us go. Neighbors of the new Alpha House are relieved that it is still run by a ministry.
The story doesn't end there either. Last month, the APM board voted unanimously to accept former T's 4 Him board member, Elmer DeRitter, as the newest member to our board. We are pleased to him with us, and that answers another prayer.
Taken from Winter Newsletter, January 2009
First of all let me express my thanks for the wonderful evening we shared on September 23. It was a terrific experience. Great food, wonderful fellowship, meaningful music and a very inspiring speaker in the person of Mike Benson made for a very memorable time. We're looking forward to next year already.
Secondly, thank you for the opportunity to serve as an Alpha volunteer. From my first contact with you a year ago, it was clear to me that serving Christ in this ministry was divinely directed. During this time I was in a transitional phase in my own faith and struggling with how and where I fit into the organized church puzzle.
Alpha's undenominational approach was exactly what I needed in my life. Frankly, God's call to return to the Catholic Church was a surprise to me, but after answering this call the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, culminating with my hiring as the Catholic Chaplain at the Saginaw County Jail this spring. I was hired precisely because I had a wide and varied experience in working within and across denominational barriers.
When we stay Christ centered, the issues of doctrine and dogma that we Christians too often allow to separate us recede into the background, and Jesus stays first and foremost, where he truly belongs. While this is something I've always known in my heart, it was my work with Alpha that demonstrated how this works in the practice of jail and prison ministry. I shall always be grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to expand my own horizons and grow into this ministry that God has called me to.
It is my hope and prayer that I will be able to use this position to help the Alpha program move forward, serve the cause of Christ in more prisons, and expand into new geographical areas. We'll discuss this more in the future as the Lord directs.
Yours in Him,
Phil
Taken from Winter Newsletter, January 2009
Every year as we launch into the holiday season it marks a vivid contrast between us as Christians and the society we live in that is getting increasingly dark. Not only do we see it in the way we celebrate the holidays, and our attitudes, we will be seeing it even more as people face an uncertain future.
As a supporter of APM, you already know we need to “fix our eyes on Jesus,” and to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,” but the days ahead will sort out those who practice this from those who only know their lines. Those who do not fully trust in the promises we have in the Bible have much to fear right now, but none of us need to be among them.
So how do we respond when it looks like all hell is literally ready to break loose? Do we respond in the flesh and cut back on our giving? We could easily do that, rationalize it, and tell ourselves that God would understand. The problem with that response is that God and his kingdom are not subject to any earthly economy. If we trust him anyway, it gives God the opportunity to show he still rules no matter what is going on around us.
Philippians Chapter 4 is loaded with advice about how we should respond. When we present our requests, we do it with thanksgiving because we know that God and his word will never fail us. His peace floods our hearts beyond comprehension. The well known verse 13 tells us that we can do anything through Christ who gives us strength, and it is in the context of God's people who give.
Most Christians seem to love verse 19 that promises God will meet all of our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus, but again, Paul is writing this to people who give generously no matter what. So the promise is true, but like many things in the Bible, it's conditional. Those who trust God with their money have nothing to fear.
As a supporter of APM, you don't need to be told these things, but a reminder is always beneficial. May you be encouraged to keep trusting God even if everyone around you is in panic. May you be in his word enough to counteract the news and other negative influences you are bombarded by in daily life.
Psalm 37:18-19 tells us, “The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.” Later in verses 25-26 we read, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.” (NIV)
How appropriate it is that Paul wrote the book of Philippians while chained in prison. He was ministering the gospel even while he was chained. He was among the first to be involved in prison ministry, and the Philippians were sending support to him while he was in prison.
The prevailing theme in Philippians is joy. While Paul could have been lamenting about the harsh conditions he was in, his book about joy was written during one of the times he was suffering the most. It's easy to be happy when everything is going well, but God's peace and joy supercede external forces.
All the evidence suggests that things in our economy are going to get bad, really bad. But this is the chance for people of faith to overcome it. Everything is well with APM, and we are believing our supporters will be blessed so they can continue to be a blessing.
Faith is so powerful that you will always get what you are truly expecting. Expect great things from a great God who is always true to his word. Thank you for your support.
Taken from Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2008
I have been keeping very busy. I've been staying up late (2-3 am) every night and really delving into God's word. I spend time reading my Bible, working on studies, reading devotionals, and praying and meditating on His word. Since I've been doing this, I have been so blessed. The spiritual connection I feel with the Lord has been awesome, and I enjoy having this relationship with Him. He continues to reveal spiritual truths to me as I grow spiritually in His grace.
I started a memory program too. I'm working on 2-3 Scriptures per week to start. I already have many Scriptures in my head, but I wanted to really “hide His word in my heart,” so I'm memorizing a lot more. Last month I memorized Psalm 32, and this month I've memorized Ephesians 6:10-20. I feel these habits I'm creating are going to help me in many ways. First, to occupy my time. Second, to help me to grow spiritually. Then, to help me break bad habits by replacing them with good ones. And finally, to help me from sinning against the Lord.
I received a blessing from the Lord. My birthday was in August, and I received some money from my family. So after tithing and checking my finances, I still had some left over. So here's $5.00 for Alpha to do with whatever is needed. I hope it helps.
Love, prayers, and blessings in Christ,
Bob
Editor's Note: The $5 gift received from someone in prison is very significant. Here is a person who's study of God's word is sure to bear much fruit.
Taken from Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2008
As many of our supporters know, Alpha Prison Ministries has been seeking a new facility for Alpha House. We had the current one on the market to sell and were actively seeking a new, larger facility. Neither was successful because God had a better plan.
One complication we faced was due to some changes in the state law a few years ago. While the law had good intentions, it creates more problems than it solves. Our intent is not to criticize the law, but we do have to work with it.
APM has successfully ministered to men of many different backgrounds. God changes hearts regardless of the past. We have past residents who are productive and crime free many years after their experience with Alpha House.
The new law meant that some of the men we have successfully ministered to could no longer be accepted for residency. In our search for a new facility, we had to contend with this law.
That problem is now solved, and we are once again able to accept men based on their desire to know God rather than based on their offense. Thank God that he does not judge us on our past, or use it to determine our future.
Praise the Lord for our new Alpha House shown below!
Alpha Prison Ministries purchased the current Alpha House in 1999 to house, disciple, mentor, and help ex-offenders as they try to successfully integrate back into society. While the statistics show that well over 60% of parolees return to prison, that rate is less than 15% for the men who have been Alpha House residents. That means almost 90% of the men we have ministered to are crime free even after several years!
So while your tax dollars are funding a corrections system with a success rate of approximately 33%, you are making a bigger difference by supporting prison ministries with nearly 90% success rates.
On August 29, 2008, Alpha Prison Ministries officially acquired our newest Alpha House to expand our ministry capability to more men. We can once again accept residents who we were prevented from being able to accept due to changes in the state law a few years ago. These men have proven in the past that God can change any heart, and now we can continue to give them the same chance for success when they are released from prison.
We thank God that for opening this door to a much needed opportunity to minister to men when they are released from prison.
Taken from Fall Newsletter, September 2008
Today, Mike Benson heads up the Conquerors International Strength Team which reaches people all over the world with the gospel after they captivate attention with amazing feats of strength. This unconventional style of ministry has brought many people into the kingdom of God.
But it has not always been this way. Mike was once convicted of armed bank robbery and sentenced to prison. While at Jackson State Prison in Michigan, Mike was reached through the efforts of a prison ministry.
As Mike attended a prison ministry event back in 2000, he listened to former mafia member and ex-prisoner, Rocco Morelli, tell his story about how Christ had changed his life. Mike gave his life to the Lord, and now is using his gift to minister the gospel to others.
We were privileged to have Mike as our guest speaker at this year's APM annual banquet.
To learn about the Conquerors International Strength Team, visit their web site at www.theconquerors.net. Encourage others to visit this web site as well.
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2008
Congratulations! It is now scientifically proven that your statistical chances of living a long, healthy, prosperous, and fulfilled life are way above average. It's always interesting when secular science confirms the truth of the Bible, and this is yet another case to add to the list.
We know from the Bible that it is more blessed to give than to receive, that when we give, it will be given to us, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, and, that whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Anyone who puts God's Word into practice will always find out it's true.
When you hear a book title called Why Good Things Happen To Good People, you might assume that it's a Christian book. It's not. Authors Stephen Post, Ph.D. and Jill Neimark demonstrate objective, scientific research that studied generous people, and the effects that unselfish love and generosity had on their lives.
The benefits of generosity include not only financial blessing as generous people tend to become very prosperous, there is now qualified evidence showing that they live longer, healthier, and happier lives, are very creative, loyal, have a sense of humor, and more. The best way to be sick, broke, and miserable is just be selfish.
It's important to note that generosity is not just about money. Those who give of their time by volunteering and helping others reap the same benefits. Those who volunteer a couple times a week are better off than those who vigorously exercise 4 times a week. Wow, prison ministry should make you live to 120!
Taken from Spring Newsletter, March 2008
Regardless of whether you like math or hate it, the term "to the power of" that we use to denote an exponent (like 26 for example) is very accurate in describing what it does.
Perhaps you have heard the example of asking someone if they would rather have one million dollars or $1 doubled every day for 30 days. If you choose the latter, you would have $1 on the first day, $2 on the second day ($3 total), and so on. Your first week would provide $64 on the 7th day for a whopping total of $127 for the week. That may seem small, but on the 30th day, you would receive $536,870,912 and your total income would be over a billion dollars!
For those of you who attended our banquet back in September, you witnessed the power of exponentials at work. The one-on-one discipleship/mentoring that APM uses produces men of character who often pass on their training to others. These in turn mentor others. It starts with 2 people, those 2 produce 4, those 4 produce 8, and so on. APM will celebrate 25 years in 2008, and it started with one person.
Our guest speaker for the banquet, Jerry Dash, told of his experience 25 years ago of being reached by a prison ministry. Jerry now heads up a ministry of his own providing support and mentoring to the children of prisoners.
The person who reached Jerry all those years ago probably has no idea of the impact he has had. That one-on-one attention that Jerry received is now being multiplied thousands of times over. Children who statistically are very much "at risk" to become prisoners are instead being reached and given hope.
If you have ever thought that a little bit doesn't matter much, remember the power of exponentials. Here is one more true story to keep in mind. Two young men showed up a special church service several years ago and found the church packed. They were about to give up and leave when an usher took notice of them. The usher went out of his way to find them a seat. Both of those young men became Christians as a direct result of that church service. One of those young men was Billy Graham.
Taken from Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2007
As our state and country both face the largest prison population in history, the added woes of budget problems in Michigan bring a dilemma our state did not need. Locking up prisoners costs the taxpayers a lot of money. Letting them go free has a lot of people even more concerned.
Let's face it, politicians are ill equipped to provide answers. Since so-called reforms were initiated in the 1990's, prison populations have grown bigger, and so has the need for funding. More people are being locked up, but many are incarcerated for non-violent offenses. Now the State of Michigan wants to release over 5000 of these inmates to help trim the budget.
The public concern is understandable. Detroit neighborhoods where many of these parolees would be located are already battling high crime rates, low employment availability, and large numbers of taxpayers leaving the state. These parolees would be entering a situation where their odds of success are very much against them. If they can't find work and housing, they could easily turn to crime.
West Michigan fares better than other areas of the state. Our economy, though not perfect, is stronger. A big advantage we have is our people of faith. We do not need to accept the curse of a bad economy when we serve a God who wants to bless us.
We also have the answers to these problems. Jesus Christ is the only one who can change the heart of any person. He can transform a murderer into a messenger of life. He can take the person who was a thief, and change them into a generous giver.
Your support of this ministry helps alleviate a serious problem. You may not receive much recognition in this world for your efforts, but we thank God for you. There will come a day when the Lord himself will proclaim your deeds for all to know. You will get to hear those words, "Well done!"
While so many around you is saying how bad things are, your giving means you can proclaim the promise of Phil. 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Taken from Summer Newsletter, July 2007
This milestone of becoming number one is now a reality, but it's nothing to be proud of. The United States now leads the world in the number of people it has in prison. We now surpass both Russia and China, countries whose populations far exceed our own.
The US only has about 5% or so of the world's population, yet we have 25% of the entire number of incarcerated people. Whoa, wait, stop, read that again; yes, let those numbers sink in, and don't just glaze over them as your read! We imprison about 7 times more citizens per capita than most countries on the Earth.
Our social attitude of "lock them up and throw away the key" isn't working. The "tough on crime" mentality is good for getting political votes, and it makes Americans feel safer even if it is false sense of security, but in practice, it has been a miserable failure. Since our prison population now exceeds two million, it is also very expensive. It would be easy to get discouraged. We live in a culture that wants to hide these people from view, hoping the problem will just go away if we can keep it out of sight and out of mind. Our society is focused on terrorism and the war, so this problem doesn't get the attention it deserves.
As irony would have it, this hidden problem is also a breeding ground for more terrorism. Extremists are recruiting in prisons. These prisoners already have animosity toward society for locking them up and discarding them, so they are prime targets to be recruited as terrorists.
As a supporter of prison ministry, you are having more impact than you probably realize at solving this problem. You are telling prisoners that they still have value and they are not forgotten. You are combating the lies that would lead them to become terrorists. Our prayer is that more people will be like you and choose to take action. Thank you for reaching out and caring.
Taken from Winter Newsletter, January 2007
I just wanted take this time to thank you and Alpha Prison Ministries for allowing me the opportunity to take part in your residency program. I cannot truly express the great joy and peace that you have added to my life by accepting me.
It's a real blessing as well as an answered prayer knowing that I have a parole placement with a positive environment and Christian foundation. It confirms the Lord plans to continue the good work in me in which He started. And it also proves the Lord performs miracles for those who are faithful, not that I need any more proof.
I realize that I still have a ways to go before February, 2007, but I can honestly assure you that my heart or desire for residency will not change. I will see the parole board in either November or December and I will keep you posted on an actual release date as soon as possible.
I will continue in my studies and do my best to reflect Christ Jesus' life in my daily walk.
Again, I just want to thank you and express my sincere gratitude, and may the Lord's peace and blessings be upon you and the ministry.
Brother in Christ Jesus,
Joseph
Taken from Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2006
Thank you for your card of condolences due to the death of my son Eric. It brings me great comfort knowing you care.
Please pass on my thanks to all of those that take part in Alpha Prison Ministries. I am forever in your debt.
Your prayers and that of so many others have made this time a lot easier here for me and my family.
I have no regrets that my son chose to serve in the armed forces. To fight for the freedom of others is truly a just and moral cause.
I hold no anger or bitterness toward those who caused his death, for they truly don't know the error of their ways. I forgive them and pray the day will come that they will cease their evil ways, and seek to live in His peace.
God's love and mine,
John -- Taken from Fall Newsletter, November 2005
2011 update... John, who has since been released from prison participated in a TV interview and APM video where he talks about his son's death. See the 4 minute video segment below which features John and his story:
The summer of 1997 was the darkest period in my life. I had a serious cocaine addiction, and had committed two bank robberies. After the second robbery, I fled the state of Michigan and traveled to Indiana as a wanted fugitive. I was lost, confused, broken-hearted, and walking in complete misery. I wanted a new life but my situation seemed totally hopeless.
In the midst of my hopelessness, God sent a miracle that would alter the course of my life forever. Through a telephone call to my brother, I became aware that he had met the bank teller whom I had robbed. His first words were, "He is a Christian. He wants you to know that he and the members of his church are praying for you." I was stunned! His message brought tears to my eyes and became the turning point in my life.
A few hours later, I found myself standing alone on a balcony gazing toward the heavens. I was being shown all the pain and hurt I had inflicted on others. Only this time the pain was mine. It's realness was intensifying the heaviness in my heart and I began crying out to God for help. He reminded me of my need to ‘believe’ in the message of the cross. If I did believe, He would then give me the ‘new life’ I so desperately wanted. As I entertained these thoughts, my heart began to burn and beat faster as it made me aware another heavenly presence was now beside me on the balcony. My heart exploded with uncontrollable excitement as it recognized the One it had been searching for all along! It was JESUS! I knew He had died on the cross for my sin, and I did not deserve Him. Yet, I wanted Him so badly! With tears in my eyes, I cried out, "Come into my heart take away my cocaine addiction, and give me a new life!" As I spoke these words, His resurrected Spirit entered my body, and for the first time, I knew the sweet joy of His Spirit and the reality of being born again. His Spirit gave me the desire to live again. However, I no longer wanted to live for myself, but for Him. One week later, I returned to Michigan and turned myself in to the authorities for the bank robberies.
In the county jail I saw men with pain and despair etched on their faces. I desperately wanted them to know Jesus Christ and experience the inner joy that now lingered in my heart. I knew that at the cross of Calvary they would find meaning and purpose for their lives.
In Jackson prison, my burden for souls increased as I interacted with men whose lives had been totally destroyed by sin. I was able to sense their hopelessness due to the despair they carried. My longing for their salvation increased even more! During the night, I would find myself staying up until the wee hours of the morning weeping and talking to God about their lives. I began to communicate the Gospel to them the best way I knew how, but mostly through acts of kindness and compassion. I began to realize more than ever that at the cross, I had found meaning and purpose to my existence.
My next few years in prison were very challenging. God began to open doors for me to speak, My next few years in prison were very challenging. God began to open doors for me to speak, but I wrestled with the spirit of fear. The fear of people rejecting my messages terrified me. One particular night, I remember falling on my knees and asking God for boldness to deliver a message on repentance that He had placed in my heart. Later that evening I was given the opportunity to deliver His message to a large gathering at our Sunday night service. I was so tense as I stood at the podium looking at the men. All I could see was their big eyes staring at me. However, I found that when I stepped out in faith, the Holy Spirit gave me great liberty in speaking and connecting with the men. At the end of the message, I gave an alter call, and when the men responded and came forward to receive Christ, it was one of the most encouraging yet humbling moments in my life. My joy was not in my accomplishment, but rather in seeing the tears and joy of the men who came forward to surrender their lives to Christ.
My desire in sharing these experiences is not to entertain you, but rather to encourage you to step ‘OUT’ of the boat and to start walking by faith. Matthew 14:29 says, "Peter got ‘OUT’ of the boat." If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that sometimes we stay in the boat because we are afraid of the world and scared to preach the Gospel to those who need to hear it. However, I am convinced that we can make a difference in the lives of people around us by simply stepping ‘OUT’ of our boats of comfort and allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to flow through us. The day the Holy Spirit fell in Acts 2 was a wonderful and exhilarating experience, but Christ's disciples did not stay there. Instead, they stepped out in faith and went ‘OUT’ into the world to preach the Gospel. We also need to step ‘OUT’ into our world and reach out to broken people - just like the bank teller did in my case.
The work of evangelism can be challenging, but it's extremely rewarding. I am persuaded that there is no greater joy in the world more rewarding than seeing a new convert fall in love with Jesus, study His Word, and sing praises to His Name. The overwhelming joy of bringing souls to the cross is the greatest reward we can ever receive in this lifetime, and it cannot be measured in terms of earthly riches. It should humble us and bring tears to our eyes to know that we can be used by God to rescue souls from eternal loss.
Some of you are saying, "My spirit is stirred, but I don't have the gift of an evangelist." Your gift may not be that of an evangelist, but that should not prevent you from being a soul winner. Along with salvation comes the great privilege of helping weary souls find rest in the arms of Jesus Christ.
At this very moment, there is a soul in your life who is lost and in desperate need of guidance. This soul may be a friend, a loved one, or even the person you are living with. This soul needs you. Will you reach out to this soul with the compassion of Jesus Christ? Will you be like the prophet Isaiah and say, "Here am I! Send me."
My sole purpose in sharing this testimony is to encourage, challenge, and inspire you to become part of the greatest spiritual awakening that has ever taken place in the prison system.
He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:6)
Taken from Spring Newsletter, May 2005
In recent decades, laws have become tougher, jails and prisons are getting fuller, and more are being built at taxpayer expense. As the prison population in the US now exceeds two million, this is a burden and expense we all bear together.
If you translate the prison population another way, on average, one in every 75 men in the US are in prison! Among African American males, it is one in 20, and it is one in 50 among Hispanics. These are not just numbers, these are human beings.
The idea, "Lock them up and throw away the key," has been tried. Are we better off? Is society safer? Or do we just shoulder a bigger tax burden, a higher crime rate, more repeat offenders, and more hardened criminals?
Those of us who are Christians are very much aware that Jesus Christ is the only real answer. When you change the heart, you change the person. Yet at the same time we often buy into the politically popular "tough on crime" idea. Perhaps we would do well to reexamine that position.
Pat Nolan of Justice Fellowship recently acknowledged problems with prison reform he helped support in California. These reforms were not keeping the public safe, but draining huge amounts of resources from taxpayers.
Mr. Nolan states, "I made two mistakes that led me to support these failed policies. First, I didn't realize that along with the violent offenders California locked up, there were even more non-violent offenders incarcerated – and usually for longer terms than the violent felons. And second, the increased spending for prison construction that we in the legislature authorized didn't include money to prepare the inmates for their return to society at the end of their sentences."
This ministry is built on the idea of showing compassion to those who society throws away. As a supporter, you are on the leading edge of rehabilitation. Departments of corrections are realizing that without rehabilitation, without preparing prisoners to integrate back into society, their methods fail. Offenders only get hardened and become more dangerous for the short time they spend back in society.
As our society faces these serious problems, you are taking action through your support of this ministry. While the system hands out only punishment, you are providing hope. Every life that is changed is one less drain on the system, one more person to reach others. For inmates who get released from prison, you are helping them make a successful transition back into society where they can be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.
Taken from Winter Newsletter, February 2005
© Alpha Prison Ministries
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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)
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Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Scripture taken from The Message. (The Message)
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