Fall/Winter 2011 Alpha Prison Ministries Newsletter

"I was in prison and you came to visit me." (Matthew 25:36b)

 

Print Version of Newsletter Available Here

The print version of this newsletter just like the one that goes out in the mail is one click away. If you need extra copies to distribute at church, supply a resource table, pass on to someone, or just prefer to read offline, please feel free to print as many copies as you need. Get a printable newsletter here.

 

11 / 11 / 11

By the time this reaches you, there's a good possibility that even though 11/11/11 is a cool date, you're probably ready to move on. You'll be glad to know this is not about the date, it's about where APM is on that date, how your support is making a difference, and some exciting changes that make it easier than ever for you to support the ministry.

First of all, APM is not as large as we appear to be. We have a standard of excellence and a commitment to represent Jesus Christ with the best presentation we can. He is worthy of nothing less, but one side effect is that it's easy to assume the ministry is large and well funded. In reality, we just have very committed people and operate very efficiently.

As Leon announced at the banquet, APM has experienced what many others have—a drop in support—to the point of having only 1/3 of the active supporters we had two years ago. Our policy has always been, and will continue to be, that we never use a “sky is falling” hype to beg from our supporters. But it would be irresponsible for us not to reveal this problem so you can pray with us to the God who never fails. We are not worried, we're excited, anticipating the Lord's provision and invite you to be a part of that.

The sad part about the ministry losing support is not the lack of support, but the loss of blessing God can only deliver to those who properly understand his economic system. The ministry will be fine. It's the people God calls to support that miss out if they do not heed his call. Sadly, the thinking that keeps the world in bondage is all too prevalent in the church as well.

When you pray, pray that God will open up more believers to the understanding that tough times in God's economy are an opportunity to prove the Bible true. It makes no sense that if you give, you get more back so you can give even more as 2 Corinthians 9 teaches, but when it works, you know it has to be God. This is a time when ministries should have more, not less. And Jesus' words that, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” will come to life.

 

New and Classic Donating Options

Check by Mail:
Many of you are perfectly happy with the classic, well established method of supporting this ministry. You simply write a check and send it to us. That method of support is here to stay until the day no one wants it. If you prefer this method, please keep using it. Your checks by mail are always appreciated.

Bill Pay:
This option has been available for as long as your financial institution has offered it. We have just never actively promoted it until now, but if you are already using Bill Pay for other transactions, please consider using it to simplify your giving to APM.

PayPal:
Our ministry web site has been set up for some time to allow you to donate using either your existing PayPal account, or any major credit card while PayPal provides a trusted, secure online transaction. We will continue to offer this option.

Our New Online Donation Processing:
This month, we are implementing a new online system that gives you an option you did not have before. In addition to accepting all major credit cards, you will now be able to set up recurring donations that are processed each month automatically. Also, your tax deductible receipts will be issued instantly.

As a “thank you” for using this new system, we'll send you timely updates that are not part of our regular newsletter and allow you a better opportunity to communicate directly with us as well.

 

Reversing a Family Curse

We often point out how the ministry of APM changes the very destiny of entire family lines, but the excerpt below from a recent letter we received helps demonstrate just how powerful this transformation is, and how the transformation of a father has led to a restoration with his son, and that son's desire to discover the same life changing hope his father has received.

There is a lot of hard work to be done here and I am truly excited about this new opportunity and challenge God has allowed me to be involved in. I wanted you to know I am still every day doing everything I can to continue addressing my thinking errors and substance abuse issues I still have. And I really love being able to help others and there is a lot of opportunity here for this.

Leon, I cannot express how happy I am to be able to come to Alpha House. I want you to know I am not one of those guys who is working on his problems just to get out of prison. I want to work on them to stay out. I also want to be able to share with people just how God did all this himself.

I also want to thank you for looking at my son as a possible resident. Yes, he has a lot of work to do yet also, but we do write each other and he does understand the importance of your faith based program and what it can do for him. He also wants to share in a life of God and recovery together with me. I will continue to keep you updated on my progress here.

God bless you brother,
Jack

 © Alpha Prison Ministries

Alpha Prison Ministries  •  616-538-4090   •  Grand Rapids, Michigan  •   info@alphapm.org