Living Water Prison Ministry

Serving Prisoners and Returning Citizens 

Feature Writer: Elmer D - Board Member

                Shortly after my move to Michigan in 2000, I became involved with Ts 4 HIM, a ministry to provide training and housing for returning citizens.  In addition to helping residents grow spiritually, develop budgeting skills, work ethic, etc., the Ts 4 HIM program was unique in that it provided immediate employment and training for the men in a Ts 4 HIM home construction program.  In 2008, Ts 4 HIM was dissolved and Living Water Prison Ministry (LWPM) received seed money to purchase a Ministry House.

            LWPM is now actively looking to purchase a house, rather than manage a house, as we have done for the last several months.  Ownership will provide greater long-term stability and allow us to make improvements to the house that will benefit the residents for many years to come.

            In the past few months, Living Water has initiated a construction program.  Under the leadership of Robert Nattress, a Living Water Board member and skilled craftsman, some of our residents have completed their first home renovation project.  We are excited about the future prospects of this work, especially in light of the high unemployment in Michigan.

            Acquisition of a Ministry House will involve substantial increases in the cost of operating LWPM.  We are trusting that the Lord will provide the necessary resources so that we can minister to the returning citizens in the critical areas of spiritual growth, housing, and employment. 

            As you consider your year-end giving, it is our prayer that you consider a generous donation to LWPM.  Please pray that the Lord will guide and direct the Board as we move toward this purchase and we will give Him the glory as His plans unfold.

 Inside the Walls Serving Prisoners 

            Every Tuesday night approximately 20 men come together for Bible Study at the Muskegon Correctional Facility.  One-half view

and discuss a Christian video while the other

half do a structured Bible study.  Currently, the men are discussing being hot, lukewarm, or cold for the Lord.  How is your faith?  Rev. 3:15.

            On the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, 10-15 men attend the Celebrate Recovery® Inside classes facilitated also at the Muskegon.  This first class at Muskegon is in the last quarter of the yearlong class.  These classes provide individual and spiritual growth.  The Community Recovery Praise and Worship Team are preparing a concert for their graduation.

Outside the Walls Mentoring Returning Citizens 

            Word about the work of Living Water Prison continues to spread among the returning citizens living at a local motel as part of the Michigan Prison Reentry Program (MPRI).  Our needs continue to grow daily.  We need mentors who are willing to give spiritual encouragement and support, provide a ride, or just have a cup of coffee and listen to the struggles a returning citizen faces.  Sometimes all a man needs is a good listening ear to vent frustrations and concerns in a safe, structured manner. 

            If you have a heart for those who struggle and have a true desire to make a difference in someone’s life, you may be the one God is calling.  God asked, “Who will go?”  Might it be you?  Pleased pray about this. 

            There are several ways to become involved.  You do not need to live in Grand Rapids to do the Lord’s work in Grand Rapids.  Sometimes all it takes is a spiritually encouraging phone call now and then to a returning citizen.  So many men are sitting in a lonely motel room trying to find a job and to move on with their new life.

            If you do happen to live in the Grand Rapids area, men need transportation to job interviews, appointments, Community Recovery on Friday nights at New Community Church, Bible studies, and Sunday church services.  One-on-one or small group Bible studies are needed.

Ministry Home for Christian Returning Citizens

             God works in the lives of those who come and go at the Ministry House.  The man who was struggling and had received a second and third chance, has made the decision to put himself into the Guiding Light Mission.  Praise God for the Guiding Light Mission, a Christian recovery center in downtown Grand Rapids uniquely qualified to help those dealing with substance abuse issues.  Jim will go to Mission to mentor Kirk on his road to recovery, and prayerfully, his return to the Ministry House.

            There are many responsibilities for those doing the Lord’s work; coming alongside of those who are struggling and in the love of Christ encouraging and supporting them.  The Scripture says in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching”.  Verses 34, 35: “You sympathized with those in prison…so do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised.”

            God orchestrates the Ministry House residents.  Kirk left on Thursday; Friday we had a request to house a man on Monday.  He came with his mentor on Friday night to Community Recovery to fill out the application.  He had been in the Celebrate Recovery® Inside classes at Deerfield and on the inside team for Keryx (a spiritual weekend).  He saw several returning citizens at Community Recovery and immediately felt welcomed.  His application was approved; he moved in Oct. 19.  Welcome, Sylvester, formerly known by many as Bear or Sly.  It is amazing, when God moves in our lives, how we change and become who He intended us to be.

            Terry is doing well and working full time.  Ramon has also found employment; Stacy continues to work, although his hours have been cut.  Please continue to pray for these men as they move forward on their spiritual journey.

Executive Director’s Message – Jim Bright

            We continue to pray for advisory board members to come forth for the Ministry House, along with a House Manager, who God wants to place in these positions.  This month has been a hectic month for me.  We are starting to get things back on track in spite of my ill health this past month.  I battled with two viral throat infections plus an adverse reaction to one of the medications prescribed which caused me to not attend my college classes during the last two weeks of October.  I am pleased to report that I am on the mend and resuming my normal activities.  It is comforting to know that the family of God steps forth to pray, step in, and to carry on His activities.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

     Please make checks payable to Living Water Prison Ministry or LWPM.  Your contributions are tax deductible.