Living Waters Ministry Established
July 24, 1990
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
July 24, 2005
Jim Bright met Carl Gunn and joined his prison ministry team.
Jim Bright appointed Executive Director
July 24, 2007
Carl Gunn appointed Jim Bright as Executive Director and his wife, Linda, as Secretary/Treasurer of LWMN.
First Ministry Home Opened
July 24, 2009
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.
Second Home Purchased
December 24, 2009
Six months later, LWMN purchased a four-apartment Ministry Home paying cash. As of today, 30 men have resided in this house, three are still active in the ministry and one is the current Executive Director.
Living Waters Ministry Blessed of God
July 24, 2015
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.
Third Home Opened for Residents
October 24, 2015
LWMN leased a six-bedroom Ministry Home with an upstairs apartment. This home was purchased debt-free in 2019. As of today, forty residents have lived in this home including the Resident Manager. Thirteen of these men are active in the ministry. All the Ministry Homes are empty and unfurnished when purchased. Through God’s provision, all furnishings, supplies, linens and such have been donated to the ministry. “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19. God’s plans never fail; He surpasses understanding.
Fourth Home opened to Residents
November 24, 2015
LWM signed a land contract on a two-bedroom Ministry Home with an upstairs apartment. One of our board members had the opportunity to purchase a home at a good price and asked the board if they would like a Ministry Home to house at-risk young men. This home would be called the Phoenix Home, a safe harbor (see Acts 27:12). This house has been the residence of 18 at-risk youth or men, five are still active in the ministry.
House sold; House purchased
April 24, 2018
LWMN sold the four-apartment Ministry Home and used those funds to purchase another five-bedroom Ministry Home debt-free. This house was sold in 2019 to purchase a fifth Ministry Home. A total of nine residents lived here with four remaining active in the ministry.
Greg Oliver Appointed Executive Director
October 24, 2019
Jim and Linda Bright retire as Executive Director, Financial Officer. Greg Oliver is appointed as the new Executive Director is Greg Oliver. “…Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1:27, 28)
Fifth Ministry Home Receives Residents
August 3, 2020
Fifth Ministry Home receives residents in 2020. The newest residence is home to 5 residents. One of the residents did a wonderful job landscaping this home.