PASS THE WORDChristian Outreach Ministry
"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world."
MINISTRIES
The Key to living a Godly life is in the Scriptures
MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY CLUB
In the past, we have had Bible Studies sent out each and every month to those inmates who desired to learn more about what the Lord's word has to say to them. Unfortunately the paperwork that went along with this task became insurmountable and we just could not keep up. After much praying and much searching. we have decided to look for an alternative solution. We believe that the Lord has answered our prayer by the way of ECS Ministries.
ECS Ministries exists to teach and disseminate the Word of God through external education in the form of correspondence courses and other materials. The courses are designed to be evangelical, educational and edifying in nature and consistent with the Emmaus Bible College doctrinal statement.
There are 60 + courses available in English and nearly 40 in Spanish. The free courses offered through the Prison Ministry are “popular” level and not for college credit. However, the courses are quite challenging help if you should want to further your education in this area. A number of Prison Coordinators (PCs) throughout the country distribute the courses into prisons. Each coordinator has a curriculum which establishes a basic knowledge of God (salvation emphasized) and provides for more advanced courses as the student progresses. The initial course offered to inmates (for free) is entitled Born to Win. Some coordinators also include supplemental literature to ECS such as Navigator’s. Volunteers and Mentors do all grading of courses through the coordinator’s area of responsibility from local churches, etc.
In order to get enrolled in this program, each applicant who checks off that they are interested in the Bible Study Club will be sent a postage paid enrollment card to fill out and mail in to ECS Ministries, then the initial course will be sent soon after.
In order to prevent confusion or duplicate orders, the PC keeps each student's individual records. After completing a course, the student will be sent the next course in his or her curriculum. This provides a well-structured, systematic study of Scripture and practical Christian living. Certificates are awarded for completion. Visit their website at http://www.ecsministries.org/ and see what they are all about. I'm sure you will be impressed.
LOVE WRAPS
We truly have been blessed with some very large donations of yarn and volunteers are making hats, mittens, shawls, scarves, and lap afghans of all sizes for the homeless. We have had an incredible outpouring of love and kindness and many ladies have their needles clicking away to help keep many men, women, and children warm during the winter months. Each piece that is donated has a small tag on them that reads, "Jesus loves you." If you would like to help in this mission, you can do one of the following:
1. Knit or crochet a hat, mittens, scarf, or small afghan and send it to...
2. Purchase skeins of yarn and send it to...
3. Assist in purchasing yarn or needles send donation to...
PASS THE WORD
ATTN: LOVE WRAPS
P.O. BOX 443
FITCHBURG, MA 01420
In December of 2008 we managed to donate enough hat/mitten/scarf sets for 246 homeless people as well as 54 twin sized bed afghans. Praise Lord! I think we might beat that this year!
AUDIO BIBLE TEACHINGS
A short while ago, the DOC started removing many movies and videos from the local prisons in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, this move included many religious videos as well. So, PTW thoght it might be a good idea to start producing (ABT) Audio Bible Teachings. These teachings are meant for personal enrichment, growth, and encouragement to those who want to learn more about the love of Jesus and what His word has to say to each of them. His Word shall prevail! For His Word endures forever. Amen! These Audio Teachings work well for small group studies, fellowship, and/or discussions.
PRISON MINISTRIES TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE
Prison ministries Information Services was started by the word of God "Go ye therefore into all the world and preach the gospel."
The mission of Prison Ministries Transitional Assistance Initiative is to provide the incarcerated and soon to be released inmate an opportunity to step out into the community on a sound spiritual and biblical foundation. We will try to assist the inmate and his or her family with attaining the correct information needed for a smooth transition back into their communities, with the primary goal of reducing recidivism and educating community awareness.
We know that there are many issues facing those who are soon to be released from our prisons and other institutions such as:
1. Finding a Church Home
2. Housing Concerns
3. Health Care Needs
4. Financial Assistance
5. Employment Opportunities
6. Education & Career Development
We know without a doubt that these issues are just the tip of the iceberg. Depending upon the type of crime the inmate has committed, they may have to continue with probation or parole, SOTP (Sex Offender Treatment Programs), Spectrum Counseling, AA, NA, and other programs that offer a means of therapy and group counseling. This undoubtedly can be very overwhelming and can send anyone into a whirlwind of emotions and worry about what to do, and how to accomplish these roadblocks.
The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians to "Be anxious for nothing, but everything through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guide your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6-7
We are not saying to cast your cares to the wind and hope for the best. We want you to stand firmly on the Word of God and cast your burdens upon Him as His word commands. And we will do the same in return and assist in any way that we can.
In you have a family member who is facing release time from prison, or have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact Brother Timothy Caron at support@prison-ministries.info, or click on the banner above to visit their web-site for even more information.
