2012 Newsletter Archive Vault
Other Newsletter Archives:
This Archive Vault is still available here but was not replicated on our site redesign. Clicking on links other than these below will take you to the new site.
2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004
We're Praying For You Too
We don't write very often in our newsletters about the APM Board and what goes on, so this month we're going to give you a little glimpse. Not all ministry boards function the way they should together, but APM has a group of men who are genuinely concerned for the people we serve, our partners, and that Jesus Christ will be truly honored.
I, Steve Chittenden, have had the privilege of serving on the APM Board for 8 years now. In all that time, with very few meetings missed, I have never once seen a heated argument, nor even a hint that anyone's motives are for anything other than real service to God. I am honored to serve with these men, and I want you to know you are partnering with a solid ministry with committed leadership.
One of the things we do is take turns preparing a devotional for each Board meeting. We could probably keep this at five minutes, but this group of Word loving men usually keep it going for 20 or so because our “delight in God's precepts” is something we enjoy encouraging each other with.
Recently, for my turn I chose the subject of prayer, and how the prayers and promises recorded in the Bible provide us a model that will supercharge our prayers. It's something I've been practicing for years, and praying the “God breathed” words that God himself spoke moves heaven and earth more effectively than anything we can make up on our own.
I included a prayer for you our partners and gave each Board member a copy. Leon immediately asked that I put it in the newsletter. It's taken from a book called Prayers That Avail Much (25th anniversary, commemorative 3 volume, 1997 edition) by Germaine Copeland, but it's really mostly God's word put into prayers for specific purposes.
Prayer For Ministry Partners
Father, we thank you for our partners and for their service and dedication to serve you. Thank you that they exemplify the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Thank you that our partners are good ground, that they hear your word and understand it, and that your word bears fruit in their lives. They are like trees planted by streams of water that yield their fruit in season. Their leaf does not wither, and whatever they do prospers.
From the first day we heard of our partners, we haven't stopped praying for them, asking you God to give them wise minds and spirits tuned in to your will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which you work.
Our partners are merciful as our Father is merciful. They will judge only as they want to be judged. They do not condemn, and they are not condemned. Our partners forgive others, and people also forgive them.
They give, and people give to them—yes, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will they have it poured into their laps. For whatever measure they use with others, it will be measured to them.
Father, we ask you to bless our partners with every spiritual blessing in Christ, that goodwill may come to them. They are generous and lend freely. They conduct their affairs with justice.
Lord, your word says that surely they will never be shaken. They are righteous men and women who will be remembered forever. They will not fear bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in you.
We ask that your plans be fulfilled in their lives, and we thank you for your mercies on their behalf.
In the mighty Name of Jesus Christ, yes, yes, and amen!
Scripture References:
Psalm 1:3; 112:5-8; Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37-38; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 1:9
Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2012
A Pair of Jacks
Now for the first time, Alpha House has a father and son as residents: Jack Jr. and Jack III.
The devil had a plan to destroy another family by having the son end up in prison like his dad. God had a different plan and now both are redeemed from a cycle of spiraling further down and are able to enjoy the journey upward together.
God is still very much in the life changing business!
Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2012
Appreciation Notes
The recent donation of a really nice Bible went to an inmate named Tommie who was really pumped and shows it to everyone. And he continually raves about how much he loves it. He sent a thank you note expressing not only his appreciation, but his dedication to keep APM and all its supporters in prayer.
Linda, the widow of a long time friend and volunteer to APM who passed away last April, deeply appreciated that her husband's legacy still lives on in the people he impacted. Her handwritten note after the September banquet thanked us for the reminder that the men we serve will forever be grateful. This couple is Psalm 122:6 in action.
Taken from the Fall/Winter Newsletter, November 2012
Recent Letters/Excerpts From Inmates
Inmate Studying God's Word
Well, for myself, I am blessed, and I'm doing everything I can to stay positive and in God's word. I want to personally thank you for referring me to Crossroads Bible Institute (CBI). I'm about half way finished with their Bible study course, Great Truths of the Bible, and I just recently started another Bible study course called, Set Free On the Inside.
A few years ago I didn't see myself doing any Bible study courses, let alone two. So again, thanks! Thanks for referring me to CBI, because by attending chapel, doing these Bible study courses, and daily reading and studying God's word (the Bible), I'm getting a better understanding of God, his word, and what's expected of me as a God fearing Christian.
I can honestly say that throughout my trials and tribulations, God has never left me, nor has he forsaken me or put me through anything I can't handle. And that's how I know today that I am a child of God and that I'm “truly blessed.” Amen!
I'm still very much interested in coming to Alpha House, and I hope and pray to God in the event I am released next year that you will still have a place for me. And further more, I keep Alpha Prison Ministries in my daily thoughts and prayers. Keep up the good work that God has started in you.
Thank you,
Derrick
Inmate Thankful For Acceptance To Alpha House
I'm writing back in response to your last letter accepting me into Alpha House. I'm so very happy and appreciative! It's so good to know where God wants me. It reminds me of Jeremiah 29:11:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Yes, there are a lot of Christians here. We have good fellowship together. We continually grow in the grace of God. It feels so good to be moving forward with God again at the forefront of my life.
There is heavy spiritual warfare here. Pray for us as we pray for you every day. Again, thank you very much for considering me. I look forward to working for God on the outside as well as on the inside here.
Sincerely yours,
John
Inmate May Be Paroled
Thank you for the newsletter and the note. I really appreciate hearing from you. You are an encouragement and I really enjoy conversing with you.
Well, I went before the parole board on July 11. I don't have a decision yet, but it is all in God's hands. I feel the interview went really well. It was a positive interview and I gained a lot of perspective from it. God know what's best for me, I trust in his decisions fully, and am content in them.
Thank you also for the books. We have a couple of guys going through the program. I just spent last weekend going through the program checking over one guy's first book and following through with him. He did well and is now in the second book. Well, I'll close here, my prayers are with you and your's always.
Christian love,
Bob
Taken from the Fall Newsletter, September 2012
Volunteers - Our Greatest Asset
As a friend of APM, you already know that the general perception most people have of prisoners does not match up with reality. When you meet former inmates, it's not likely you would guess they've been in prison. Well, some you would, but not most. They're just ordinary people who got into trouble for one reason or another.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like volunteering inside of prison? Some of you reading this already know because you do volunteer. But for most of you, what it's really like is a complete mystery where the reality would take you by surprise.
First of all, the men who come to an Alpha Bible study in prison truly want to be there (at the Bible study that is, not the prison). Those who don't want to be simply don't show up. The men who do show up genuinely appreciate that someone would take time to volunteer in prison.
These in-prison Bible studies are the epitome of Jesus' words about the harvest being plentiful but the laborers being few. We have more opportunities than we have volunteers to seize them. And these men are VERY hungry for the truth.
One of the most common reactions we here from volunteers is how it's not like they expected. They thought they were just going to be a blessing and found they got as much or more blessing in return. We warn potential volunteers that this ministry is addicting and that's one reason why.
You may also wonder what qualifications are required, or what kind of a commitment you'd be getting yourself into. We gladly accept people who are just curious and want to see if maybe they could do this. It's hard to commit when you've never had any experience, so yes, you can stick your toe in the water first.
We have teams that go into prisons every week. You can join them for a one time visit. We've been asked if volunteering can be for once or twice a month instead of every week. The answer is yes. We prefer weekly, anything you can offer is appreciated. Contact us to inquire about volunteering.
We have volunteer opportunities at: Carson City facility, Mid-Michigan in St. Louis, MI, EC Brooks in Muskegon, North Coast in Grafton, OH, and mentors are always welcome at our Alpha House facilities in Grand Rapids.
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2012
Inmate's Final Letter From Prison
Hey Leon,
This is Robby, I'm at Muskegon now for the MPRI program. I got my parole and my release date is May 30, so I'm hoping that you will still have a bed for me? I wanted to write sooner but low funds and not knowing anyone here, it took me a while to get a stamped envelope.
I'm really hoping that things work out for me to go there. I wrote the parole board to find out where they are letting me go out to but I still haven't got any response back. But I trust that it's all in God's hands and He's done pretty good so far.
Would you please pray for my son, Noah, and our relationship to be restored. I want more than anything to be a dad and I know it's gonna take a while to get established. He's going to be 11 in August and I know how much I really needed my dad at that age. So I really have to trust him in the Lord's hands.
I will continue to pray for the Alpha House, and I look forward to being there soon.
Your Bro in Christ,
Robby
God is not a man that he should lie, or the son of man that he should change his mind. Does he speak and not act? Does he promise and not come through? (Numbers 23:19)
NOTE: Robby was released on schedule and moved in as a resident of Alpha House. He quickly found a job, is faithfully attending church, and doing very well.
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2012
Volunteer Spotlight
As you will see in our prayer requests, we recently added four new volunteers (Joe, Rich, Chuck, and Jerry) who will be serving at two different correctional facilities.
We extend our welcome and our thanks to these men! Prison ministry is not glamorous. It is a mix of frustration, disappointment, and glorious victories in a ripe harvest field. Many people on the “outside” study the Bible as a routine or a level of apathy. In prison, the hunger and receptiveness of inmates is what keeps our volunteers going.
We also congratulate and praise God for the recent marriage of Bill and Gloria. Bill is a long time volunteer for APM. Take a few seconds as you read this to ask God for extra blessing on their marriage and for many successful years together.
As we praise God for the new volunteers, we invite you to discover the rewards of volunteering as well. It's one of very few ministries that Jesus specifically mentioned, which indicates how important this is to him. Society, even many Christians, are willing to throw these people away. God is not so quick to do that and He will richly reward those who serve in prison ministry—both in this life and eternally.
The fact is, our new volunteers do not technically add to our number. Over the last couple years, APM has seen friends move on to receive their eternal reward. Most recently was Marv, whom Leon wrote about in last month's letter. Marv was faithful to the end. Not only was he an in-prison volunteer, he was a long time Board member. Even when he had to step down due to illness, he still insisted on getting Board emails so he could pray for the ministry.
Others like Bob who was with the ministry longer than any other volunteer, faithfully served until he was physically unable to. Bob is now taking advantage of assisted living and we praise God for his friendship and dedicated service. Thank you to all!
Taken from the Summer Newsletter, July 2012
Storing Treasure In Heaven
Unless you're in prison or have been in prison, you probably don't give much thought to what life is like there. It's more than just bars, razor wire fences, living conditions, and dangerous—even life threatening—situations, there are economic challenges that are difficult for those of us on the outside to imagine.
We'd like to introduce you to Kenneth. It's not likely you will ever meet Kenneth in person. He has been in prison since 1993 and has no chance of parole. Men in his situation have nothing left to lose. He certainly would have nothing to gain by feigning Christianity hoping it will look good in a parole hearing.
Like other inmates, Kenneth has a job. You are probably aware that prison jobs don't pay much. Kenneth earns 33¢ per hour. That's $13.20 a week, $52.80 a month.
Many people assume that all the basic needs of prisoners are provided for. Although that is technically true, desperate conditions inside the prisons serve to promote theft and violence as prisoners try to compensate for the scarce provisions they are given.
Portion sizes of meals given to prisoners are small and getting smaller. A fast food Happy Meal for children is bigger than what prisoners are getting. Food quality is not a significant concern because cost is what counts.
Think of the process for food grade selection. The highest ranking member in the chain gets first choice. What they reject gets passed down to the next member who chooses the best of what's left and passes on what they don't want. Prison food is several layers deep in this chain.
Provisions as simple as personal care items are deplorable for any inmate who is not able to afford buying their own from the prison store. The little bit of money prisoners make is quickly absorbed compensating for these deficiencies.
Can you begin to see now how much even a $5 donation from an inmate is a serious sacrifice for them? How much would you give if you were in Kenneth's situation?
Suppose you saved up and gave twice a year from less than $690 of annual income. That's what Kenneth does. He has been donating $400 a year ($200 at a time) for several years!
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2012
Former Resident Graduating From College With Honors
Leon:
Hope all is well with Alpha Prison Ministries as well as you and your family.
It is hard to believe that I have been free from incarceration for nearly 6½ years already. (1½ years longer than I was incarcerated) Once again, thank you for believing in an awesome God that can and does change people. Thank God, you, and Alpha Ministries for giving me a chance when the rest of the world, including my own family, had given up on me.
God never promised us that we would miss all the trials and tribulations just because we are saved but He does promise that He will be with us through whatever we are called to go through. As you well know, my Christian journey in the free world has not been without troubles.
I remember my mom passing away and getting laid off from my job within four days of each other. God used both of these instances for good. My mom is now in Heaven and is no longer suffering, and getting laid off afforded me the opportunity to go back to school.
God has now bestowed upon me the honor of graduating from college in the top 5% of all 1750 students graduating this semester, and, God willing, I am using that education to start a small business. This would not be possible without God's favor and He gets the glory.
This also would not be possible if God had not touched your heart to get into prison ministry and give people that are despised by the world another chance. So I thank God for all that He has done and continues to do through you and Alpha Prison Ministries and I thank you personally from the bottom of my heart for everything.
God bless you, your family, and Alpha Ministries.
Your brother in Christ,
Dale
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2012
APM Presented at Junior High
On March 29, seventh and eighth grade students at Excel Charter Academy were challenged during an assembly to consider the choices they make in life. Leon, APM's Executive Director gave a short overview of the ministry and then introduced Steve, a former inmate and former Alpha House resident.
Steve spoke to the 150 students in attendance about how the bad choices he made landed him in prison and the negative affects that has had on his life and the lives of others around him. He also shared how his good choices since that experience have benefitted him.
The profound effect of Steve's message was clearly demonstrated when students asked him a lot of questions and talked about it long afterward in their homerooms. This event was so successful that Steve was asked to speak at another school.
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2012
Be a Blessing, Get Blessed More
If you or someone you know has ever wondered what it would be like doing one on one Bible study with inmates inside prison, we have people who will gladly show you. It's only fair to warn you though, you could easily become addicted. That's why so many of our volunteers have been with us 10-15 years or longer.
Contact us for more information. You could soon discover how your own life will be enriched.
Taken from the Spring/Summer Newsletter, May 2012
The Man Who Thinks He Can
If you've been to our annual banquets in recent years, you may already know James. He is also featured in the video we had produced less than a year ago. The following is part of James' story in his own words:
I was raised in Los Angeles, California by my mother and a host of friends and family. I now realize that these people who God put into my life were to become my teachers and mentors.
If my father was to walk through this door right now, I wouldn't recognize him. As a man now, I don't feel, nor have ever felt that I've been neglected As a child, I was afforded the opportunity to be anything that I wanted to be.
I was raised around entrepreneurs and was able to get a first hand experience on how to run your own business. Yes, I've had many fathers and mothers over the years that have seeded into my life, but, because of bad choices that I made, I had to pay my dues to the system, and travel a rough road.
At the age of 48, I hit rock bottom. Having been previously incarcerated six times before for various criminal activities, here I was again facing a charge that carried a one to five year prison term. I thought I was slick, cool, but not slick enough apparently, because here I was on my way to prison, again.
I was sent to a facility in Saint Louis, Michigan to serve out my sentence. With no family support to speak of, and few friends, I saw myself having two clear choices. I concluded that I could continue to go in and out of prison for the rest of my life, or get myself together and change the direction I was going. I chose the latter.
While incarcerated, I began to study the Bible on my own, and to read a daily devotional called Our Daily Bread. Shortly thereafter, I met Chaplain Thompson and he gave me a book to read entitled, Who Moved the Cheese.
I was so inspired by that one little book that I became motivated to read other books. So, I went back to Chaplain Thompson and asked him if he might suggest other inspirational reading that would keep me encouraged.
He then challenged me to “step outside the box” and continue to read, but not limit myself to just religious literature only. This was a valuable suggestion and I'm still grateful to him to this day for it.
It was around this time that I was introduced to Alpha Prison Ministries. I attended their Bible Studies and it had a tremendous impact on my life. A few days later, I had a dream. In this dream, I was assured that even though I was in prison, I would be safe, and nothing bad would happen to me.
One week after the dream, I attended a scheduled paroled board hearing. At the hearing I received a flop, which was a twelve-month additional add-on to my original sentence. I was told that this was due to my past criminal record. They scheduled another parole hearing for me in six months.
It was during this time I accepted Christ in my life and began to live by a new set of standards. My new life was not without its challenges though. Being a Christian in prison did not come easy for me. In spite of all that, I remained faithful to the new commitment I made to God. He surrounded me with a new set of positive minded friends who encouraged me to stay strong.
Before my next parole board hearing, the 12 month “flop” originally added on to my sentence was miraculously dropped!
Through attending APM Bible studies, I was made aware that they offered transitional housing to ex-offenders who were getting ready to be released.
During this time, I was on a mission to find a program or someone to let me use their address to parole to. I was starting to get very discouraged because no one responded to my letters. When I wrote a letter to Leon, within ten days he wrote me back telling me that I was accepted. Hallelujah! I was paroled January 10, 2004.
After moving to Alpha House, I started looking for a church home. Ron, my mentor, had given me his phone number, and a few days later I called and asked him if he would pick me up. I began to attend church with him and eventually became a member.
It was then that God began to move in my life. Leon became a wonderful friend and mentor, along with Ron, and Mark, another volunteer for Alpha who would faithfully come and minister to me in prison weekly. Once I was released, he would come to Grand Rapids and visit me at Alpha House. He was instrumental in helping me stay focus and encouraged.
Encouraging people today comes very easy for me, because when I think back on how many people helped me along this path, it just comes natural. Through Alpha Prison Ministries, I learned how to process resources, and Leon introduced me to programs and organizations that were beneficial in helping in my “new life.”
Psalms 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighted in his way.” For the first time in my life I started to feel the favor of God working in my life.
At 50 years old and limited work experience, and having a disability and numerous felonies on my record, finding a job was not an easy task. But through prayer and a lot of disappointments, I finally got a job as a telemarketer. This, as I later found out, afforded me the opportunity to sharpen my communication skills.
In 2005, I had the desire to start my own business which I still do today. I want everyone reading this to know that change is not easy, it takes effort, but God is faithful. I like to joke with people telling them that I graduated from Street University, with honors. I am now a student of Christ University.
James
Taken from the Spring Newsletter, March 2012
Dangerous Charity
In the November 2011 issue of Christianity Today, Amy L. Sherman highlighted the new book, Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It). The author, Robert Lupton, is a 40 year veteran urban minister, and as Sherman points out, offers many painful truths about how good intentions can have devastating effects.
The failures of ministries aren't all that much different from what we see in government handouts and serve as evidence that man's default mode is the opposite of God's wisdom. Our natural inclination is to want to help and it makes us feel good doing it. The problem comes in when the help erodes a person's dignity and creates a dependency.
We've all heard the expression about “teaching a man how to fish” but yet many ministries are too busy giving away fish, which ends up making the problem worse. Lupton's book is not so heavily focused on the problem as it is about offering solutions, and citing cases of how those solutions have proven themselves to work.
He proposes an “Oath for Compassion” patterned after the principles of the Hippocratic Oath medical doctors take. Lupton's Oath offers six guidelines:
- Never do for the poor what they can do for themselves
- Limit one-way giving to emergencies
- Empower the poor through employment, lending, and investing, using grants sparingly to reinforce achievements
- Subordinate self-interest to the needs of those being served
- Listen closely to those you seek to help
- Above all, do no harm
Alpha is a “street wise” ministry built on exactly these types of principles and practices. Our goal is not handouts, but a hand up to those who God is not finished with yet. Society will kick them to the curb, but God does great things in and through prisoners and former inmates.
Your support is making a real difference one prisoner at a time. The purpose of this newsletter is to demonstrate the changed lives, and even entire families, that you are a part of with your generosity. God will bless you for that!
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, February 2012
At Peace Through Serving God
Dear Mr. Alderman,
I received, and am very thankful for, your letter of acceptance to Alpha House in the spring of 2012. I want you to know that I am continuing to grow spiritually by self-denial. By that I mean saying no to myself (my will) and saying yes to God's will. And also by continuing Bible studies, prayer services, etc., and repenting of sin!
Every day is a blessing to me! I can sleep comfortably tonight even though I am in prison, because I've served God today and will again tomorrow, and the next day. Because the Day is coming... “And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.” Malachi 3:18 - 4:1 (NIV)
So today I choose to serve God, to rely on Him, to persist in prayer, and to show Christian generosity to those in need.
The letter you sent me was damaged by the prison mail room so I did my best to repair it and made a copy and sent it to the parole board member I was seeing. When I saw him, he gave me a “deferral.” I anticipate now that I could hear back from the parole board any day. I definitely have not changed my mind about coming to Alpha House.
I will continue to pray for APM and keep all of you (staff and residents) in my prayers.
Your brother in Jesus Christ,
Jim
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, February 2012
Alpha House Resident Baptized
As you reflect on the Dangerous Charity article this month and how many times well intended help ends up doing damage, it's encouraging to report that our Alpha House residents are doing very well. One of them, Greg, was recently baptized. Here is a picture of Greg publicly identifying himself with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through baptism.
Way to go, Greg!
Greg's success is symbolic of many others that APM has ministered to over the years. God's Spirit and his word transform lives, and our emphasis on “making disciples” creates substance in those we evangelize. Men like Greg are proof that your support of APM is not going to waste or causing more harm.
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, February 2012
Former Inmates Giving Back
The group of men you see among the opening scenes of our video is a real group that Leon has been meeting with for years doing a weekly Bible study. Recently, Leon mentioned the need for a new refrigerator at one of the Alpha House facilities simply as a prayer request. These men went out and found a refrigerator, purchased it with their own money, brought it into the House, and hauled the old one away!
Taken from the Winter Newsletter, February 2012
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture taken from The Message. (The Message)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002.
Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
