Some testimonies from men “who’ve been there, done that” follows.

Our State system does a lot to make sure the person being released has the necessary ID, medical insurance, and access to counseling resources. The short is, those items are covered, so now it is up to the person to make positive use of the resources available. It takes a…

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What stood out to us is the reduction in the number of courses / resources to help the incarcerated person prepare for life outside. We have heard of people from years back having opportunities to learn trade skills and college degrees that would make them employable for good-paying jobs. It seems that approach was wise.

Financial policies by government leaders without question impact inner city situations. Policies also affect others – the fellow who feels overwhelmed because his mistakes have dug a deep hole faces similar challenges regardless of the setting.

Be honest. Use “I will explain” or similar words.

Volunteers help organize and do the hands-on work to provide fund-raising opportunities. Volunteers pray faithfully and report about the ministry.

Church. Celebrate Recovery. As a prisoner, ask the mentor in your life for recommendations of persons and churches to connect with upon release.

Important because participation with other Christians is obedience to “forsake not the assembling of yourselves together” (Heb. 10:25). “Iron sharpens iron” (Prov. 27:17). The “one another” responsibilities cannot be accomplished in isolation (love one another, bear one another’s burdens, forgive one another, etc.).

Ask, “If there was one thing about your life that you would like to change, what would that be?” This approach is non-threatening, establishes a conversation, and starts to build a relationship. It honors the person by giving him/her the chance to speak rather than listening to you. It also sets the situation for a future conversation that… Read more

I look at a person and think “they don’t want to hear.” So I don’t speak. I’m not going to push the gospel right now.
I want people to like me; I fear rejection.
The holy huddle. We need to be intentional to build relationships with a “not-yet-believer.”
I fear conveying “I’m holier than you.”

A mentor made clear that so long as I spoke more of my live-in girlfriend than God, God was not on the throne in my life. A radical change needed to take place.
It’s always well for a mentor to listen well. The line from a song is beautiful: speaking of our Savior, “He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.”

Emphasis on it being a process is helpful. That God is the initiator is significant, as is also our role to be pliable. “Mold me, make me.” Also, being mindful that the goal is to be more like Christ daily. Having that goal in view impacts us individually and as mentors-in-the-making.

It works the same as in the non-rehab context. 3 examples: 1. A man in prison is drawn to many things that will enhance his criminal skills. In the mercy of God, several people enter his life and re-direct his focus, turning toward the Lord and away from destruction. 2. Secular counsel stresses “YOU can do this.” Then, when the person… Read more

1. Being a good example (walk the walk). 2. Set boundaries / rules. Reinforced by this: the longer a man who is in the program abides by the rules gains more privileges and more responsibilities. Compare the parable of the Talents, and the one who shows responsibility additional responsibilities will be given. 3. Provide opportunities… Read more

In that all humans are made in the image of God, all should have the opportunity to speak. However, in the realities of life, “equally” is problematic. For example, a man murders someone but expresses no remorse. When no remorse is present, the direct victim and his / her close relatives are still impacted hurtfully. How can… Read more