Inmates and the Northern Lighthouse
July 8, 2010 Leave a Comment
What is fascinating about this change is that we see a lot of people come and go through that one glass door on the NL’s worship center. Each week there are new people from the Center and there are often people who have been paroled or jammed (jammed, meaning they did their time and are free to go without parole) who then do not return.
Some of these inmates go home to other parts of the state or even other states all together. To be honest, we do not always know what impact we have had on them during their time with us. But sometimes we do. Sometimes they come back to visit and share about the church that they now attend. One recently called and asked Pastor Sam to come and start a Reintegration program in their church for recovering addicts. Another one recently attended and emailed us the next week.
“I was able to once again attend service at N.L., once again the experience of being there meant so very much, to be able to enjoy hearing about our Savior. I want to thank you, as well as the congregation at N.L., for being the wonderful people that you are. You, helped me to be where I am today…very strong belief in God, as well as myself.”
Yet more and more are sticking around. It is great to see those who do stick around become active in ministering. Here are a few examples of what I get to enjoy:
- Two inmate alumni now drive the van to pick up people from the community (we pick up an average of 8 people a week from the community.)
- Two inmates are currently serving with Christian Reformed World Relief Committee in Cedar Rapids rebuilding homes destroyed by floods in 08.
- Former inmates help to run or cook meals for the guys from Charity Autos.
- Former inmates help to run or teach the Lincoln Nebraska Reintegration program (affectionately called RIP).
- Current inmates now play on the worship team.
- Former inmates are now sponsors, fulfilling a serious need to bring inmates to church events.
- 6-16 inmates come out each week to clean the church, care for the NL property and fix, on average, 5 cars for people from the community who are in need of minor car repairs.
(Maybe I do understand why we have been called an inmate church.)
The fact is for us inmates and former inmates are a vital part of the NL family, and they are not just those we minister to. They are the ones who minister to us as well. We are all part of God’s family.
We do not always know how the story will end when they get out, for there are the tragedies as well. But we know what to do while they are with us. We love them and provide a place where they are accepted and given direction just like anyone else.
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