Living Water Ministry Network formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Carl Gunn, the Founder and Executive Director, began the ministry by visiting men in prison at Muskegon Correctional Facility. He invited volunteers to share the love of Jesus Christ through Bible studies and visits.

Jim Bright met Carl Gunn and joined his prison ministry team.

Carl Gunn appointed Jim Bright as Executive Director and his wife, Linda, as Secretary/Treasurer of LWMN.

LWMN began managing a five-bedroom Ministry Home for men.  At a Men’s Bible Study, Pastor Jim Bright shared his vision to provide housing for men paroling from prison. A pastor offered LWMN a home to manage and to pay for the monthly mortgage, utilities, repairs, and maintenance. A Bible-believing church within walking distance welcomed LWMNs residents into their church family. As of today, 72 men have resided in this home and 15 of these are still active in the ministry.

For seven years, God provided for all the ministry needs for 59 residents.  LWMN refined the application process, created a Home Policy for residents and developed community connections for supportive services. Relationships were established with parole agents, community churches, businesses, and organizations. A successful plan for residents to not return to prison became evident. LWMN residents have a 8% recidivism rate compared to the state’s average of 31%. In 2014, LWMN hosted its First Annual Fundraising Dinner to fund the Ministry Homes.