Cultivating a Heart for Missions in the Incarcerated Population

In the PAL program, only around 20% of the population has any prior knowledge concerning missions. However, to really understand the importance of\ missions or to have a burden for the lost is a foreign concept to them. Most do not know that the Great Commission is a call to be a follower of Christ.  Everyone has heard at one time or another that there are lost or unreached people, but most of the ladies that we deal with in prison are the unreached people before coming to prison. Therefore, we faithfully present the gospel…that Christ died for their sins, giving them His righteousness in exchange for their sin and then rose from the dead to prove their sins were paid in full. Many inmates place their faith in Christ alone and what He did for them. “He that believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47). After they understand the gospel and trust in the Lord, we then begin developing a “mission mindset” right within their culture of prison walls.  We have done this in a variety of ways.

We begin by having mission teams from different churches send us their specific prayer requests and provide for us a flag from the country or state from which they were sent. Then we organize prayer teams to pray persistently for the mission teams and their people groups. This is done corporately at prison twice a day. The joy that the ladies receive when the team members come into the prison and share about their trips brings with it a vision of hope for the lost and a heart to see everywhere as a mission field.

With the help of others who are skilled in missions, such as Larry Bailey, Missions Pastor of Central Baptist in Jonesboro, we have begun a strategy for how to reach our world…the prison itself. We have 18 barracks, which we are now viewing as 18 villages, each with their unique appearance, obstacles, and spiritual warfare. But the one thing they have in common is that each village (barrack) needs the gospel that changes lives. Therefore, we are training ladies who have trusted Christ as their Savior and are growing in the Word of God to be “sent” to other barracks within their prison, as well as to another prison in Arkansas.

It has been a slow but exciting process as we see God unfolding His will for the Great Commission behind bars. Cultivating a heart for missions begins in the soil of a regenerated heart, where the seeds of biblical truths are planted and watered. We wait on God to give the increase of souls for His Kingdom.

Ex-felons Engaging in Missions

Haiti - The PAL program has been cultivating an interest in missions at home and abroad and a special opportunity is being provided this year for some former PAL inmates –– a missions trip to Haiti and to the Dominican Republic. This small team will be joining the Arkansas Baptist State Convention’s short-term missions team for one week of ministry in Haiti. There will be opportunities to share in schools, jails and prisons and to teach Haitian women believers how to minister to those in prison. They will also help with the preparation of a women’s conference in Haiti.
Bob Fielding (AR Baptist State Convention, Little Rock) visits the PAL program regularly and has been sharing about the work God is doing in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake. This has aroused in the PAL inmates a deep interest in the Haitian people, and the inmates have been faithful prayer warriors for this country and the work that Bob and his team are doing. Having this team of ex-felons go to Haiti is a special blessing, even to the PAL women.

Dominican Republic - Friends of Prison to Purpose in the Dominican Republic have invited the same team of ex-felons to stop by their country en route to Haiti. They will have opportunities to visit several prisons, sharing the gospel of Christ with those who are living in places that make the prisons in the United States look like five-star hotels.
Oklahoma (A report from former PAL inmate, Tracy) - “I did not know about the importance of missions before entering PAL. In fact, I did not know God at all before going to prison. While I was in the PAL program, I accepted Christ as my Savior. Soon after that, I heard a missionary speak about missions. That day, I felt a calling in my heart to be involved in missions.  However, Satan immediately made me believe I could never be involved in missions–I was merely a convict. But when I was released from prison, I found a very mission-minded church. I realized that everywhere is a mission field.
I have been able to go on mission trips to Pawhuska, Oklahoma. We ministered to kids and distributed coats and clothes. The kids were all so grateful for these items and it made me realize all the things I take for granted. I went there to minister to these children and it turned out that they ministered to me. Prison was the place where my heart changed and where God gave me a vision for missions. This wouldn’t have happened had it not been for PAL.” - Tracy

Outreach Expanding – New PAL Barracks in Women’s Unit

The PAL (Principles and Application for Life) program has been in operation for 14 years. These 14 years have not always been easy, but they have been very fulfilling, as the program has been used by God to plow and cultivate biblical training in a state institution. When I walk in the barracks, it is obvious that the Word of God has cultivated an atmosphere where God’s presence is undeniably felt. PAL is offering relief to prison authorities. We have been given the opportunity to help in kitchen clean up, commissary and laundry. We use these departments to serve and also to give the ladies the opportunities to apply what they have learned in PAL. We also use these service times for character training to teach them how to make their employers successful. As a result, God gets the glory and the inmates receive the joy.

It has been a year since our authorities gave us another barracks where we continue to train the ladies in biblical principles and operates as a “work” barracks. This barracks is called the GALS pod (Gracious Attitudes Learning to Serve). Between the PAL and GALS pods, we are now reaching 10% of the population at the McPherson Unit with daily training in God’s Word that will lead the inmates to a successful life. In August we were asked to implement a new program in the state of Arkansas called APAL (Advanced Principles and Application for Life). This program takes place in the Hawkins Women’s Unit outside of Little Rock, and it is reaching 25% of this prison’s population. It has the same PAL training as the McPherson Unit, but it has expanded training for substance abuse education and a re-entry program.

As I have traveled back and forth between the McPherson and Hawkins units, I continue to see God’s Word changing lives. One APAL inmate said, “APAL has challenged everything that I thought I believed.” Another inmate shared, “Since coming to APAL, I’ve been able to take a look at my life and the things that have caused me to go back and forth into prison. I thank God for actually changing me at the age of 44.” Since August, these women have settled into the program and are growing tremendously. The Arkansas Department of Corrections is working toward making all PAL programs uniform. This would allow inmates who are transferred between prisons to continue the training that PAL offers. It has been exciting to see how the Lord has expanded the most vital ministry area of Prison to Purpose within these PAL pods!

Meet Leticia

Leticia Villareal (a native of Mexico) was arrested on a drug charge and sentenced to the Arkansas Department of Corrections. When she came to the McPherson Unit in 2005, she could not speak any English, but she soon began to put all of her energy into learning the language. During that time, she came to the PAL program and heard the gospel for the very first time and came to know Christ as her Savior in 2007. Since then she has bathed herself in the Word of God and her life has been transformed. She amazed herself and everyone in prison when she began drawing and painting (something she had never done before coming to prison). Her art is a reflection of the work that God has done in her. Leticia’s leadership abilities have been enhanced as a result of her application of God’s Word that she has learned in the PAL program. She now serves as the House Coordinator in our GALS barracks where she coordinates, encourages and comforts those in her living quarters.

In three and a half years, Leticia will return to Palomas, Mexico, where she has a desire to take the gospel and the life-changing truths she has learned back to her people. It is our desire to raise her up as a missionary on the inside of prison, equip her with training, and send her back to her country as a missionary sent from prison. Thank you for praying for Leticia and for the ways that the Lord will use her in years to come. Be sure to click here to watch Leticia’s story.

Looking Ahead

Throughout these past seven years of ministry, we have trusted God to expand His ministry into the prisons through the PAL, GALS and APAL programs, and we are now on the brink of seeing the fruit of all your prayers. Numerous lives are also being reached through conferences, resources and other opportunities inside and outside of prison. As God continues to open new doors of ministry, we are experiencing new challenges, beginning new projects, and adding new people to the P2P staff. Included in all of this are plans for a Ministry Center/Hospitality Home and speaking engagements in the public school system. Additionally, we are in the process of developing a workbook/DVD series that will be made available to jails, prisons and churches abroad.

We believe God is directing in each one of these outreaches, so we trust Him to meet the physical and financial needs. Please join us in prayer that we will know exactly which opportunities are to take precedence by the way God provides the financial needs. If God is prompting your heart to help in any of these specific outreaches or if you would like to become a Monthly Partner, contact us online or by phone. This will prepare us to move forward in these various opportunities and projects. We know that you will be blessed as you see your finances being used to change the lives of those in and out of prison for all eternity.

New P2P Staff

We are delighted to welcome Jennifer Smith to the team. Jennifer spent 12 years in prison (several of those years she was in the PAL program). After her release, the Lord continued to direct her toward full-time ministry for inmates, ex-felons and children. She is now serving P2P in the areas of administration, speaking engagements and school assemblies. We are grateful for her contribution to the team!

How Abortion Changed My Life

I remember that day as if it was yesterday when I was told, “You are pregnant.” My immediate desire was to have this child. I actually thought that the love I was looking for would come through this life in me, no matter what kind person I was. When I told my boyfriend about my pregnancy, he did not seem to be as excited as I was. This brought doubt upon doubt about whether or not I should have this child. Then questions began to flood my soul and fears came to me about telling my parents…

You see, I grew up in a home that taught good morals and good values. I knew abortion was not an option in our household. The thread “life is valuable” was not actually stated, but it was woven into the tapestry of our family. However, at the age of sixteen, I became quite confused. Abortion was wrong in my parents’ eyes, until it became their daughter that was pregnant. The reputation of our family and the dreams of my parents were shattered. I was going to be connected to a guy that they knew had no value for me. We sat and discussed the pros and cons of abortion (none of which I could list today because of the relationship I have with God, the giver of life and not the giver of death). Although they did not actually force me get an abortion, I knew that this is what they wanted.

I will never forget going to the abortion clinic and being dropped off. I was so alone. It was dark and cold within me, but probably not near as dark and cold as it was for the precious life that was living within me. I was ushered into the clinic quickly, and then began the procedure of what would burn a memory into my mind and heart that for years I would want to forget. As I walked out of the clinic and into the car, I had no feeling at all. It was as if something had been sucked out of my soul. Nothing else was ever said about it. I began to withdraw with a silent cry inside that I wondered if it would ever be stilled.

I thought that seeing my boyfriend that evening would begin the healing inside of me.  That was a lie. Not only was I not consoled, but I found him with a friend of mine. Now there was even more hurt added to my heart. This was a turning point in my life, and I began a lifestyle of using anything to take away the pain. My abuse of drugs increased and my relationships were many, but nothing helped how I was feeling. I thought, “If only I could run away from this pain!”

Read the rest of this entry »

“It makes me feel normal and helps me know that God loves and cares about the small things–even my feet!”

For many weeks we had been praying that the Lord would break up the fallow ground and renew the hearts of those attending the PAL Retreat. THE LORD answered our prayers! Words can not express how wonderful the PAL Retreat was for the 152 PAL alumni, along with 25 guests from the free-world who attended. The soil of each of our hearts was receptive to the powerful messages from God’s Word.

For many inmates the retreat gave them renewal, refreshment and a reminder of who they are in Christ. In the days following the retreat, we have had an outpouring of gratefulness from those who attended. One inmate shared how she realized she was wandering away from the Savior. At the retreat she felt that God was “leaving the 99″ and pursuing her heart.

We were honored to have Chaplain Wheeler expound on the Isaiah 55. He challenged us to plant God’s Word deep into our hearts (through study, memorization and meditation) and then to watch the Word accomplish its work in our lives. “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

One of the highlights of the weekend was the example of Christ-like love through the lives of Dr. Tom and Dolly Brandon. This dear couple chose to celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary with inmates in prison. (The Brandons have invested many years of prayer into McPherson Unit as they pray daily for the prison, the PAL barracks and the chaplaincy.) We surprised them with a special wedding cake and playing the wedding march as they came to speak to us. They beamed from ear-to-ear. Their presence, countenance and words touched our hearts.

Chaplain Dewitt shared a powerful message on the conscience, content, conversation and conduct of the heart. This message brought much conviction and restoration. As the Lord was moving in the hearts of those at the retreat, he explained how the Lord can be the author of the “last chapter” in the life of a believer. These words brought hope as he shared that, “God wants to take the pen from the hand of Satan and write the last chapter of the epistle of your life.”

The food was tasty and a treat to all who attended, and everyone enjoyed the rich fellowship with one another. Those visiting from the free-world were just as encouraged and refreshed as the inmates attending from the compound. Some needed a fresh touch of God in their lives. It was awesome to watch the Lord meet their spiritual need right in the middle of prison.

Thank you so much for your prayer and financial support to make this retreat a reality! We were delighted to see how the Lord provided financially. In fact, the total cost of the retreat was met, along with $0.82 to spare! We will hold these few cents in the 2011 PAL Retreat fund as a reminder of God’s loving provision for those behind bars.

God’s love to you all! I look forward to the days and months ahead as we begin to carefully watch and pray and continue to see the Lord work in the hearts of those in and out of prison.

It is always such a blessing as we hear testimonies of inmates placing their faith in Christ alone for their salvation since hearing this eternity-changing truth while in the PAL program. Below you can read this recent testimony from Sharrise, a 25-year-old PAL inmate, who is now growing strong in the grace of God. The joy of the Lord radiates from her life!

Sharrise’s Story

It’s amazing and almost unreal when I think about how much my life has changed since giving it to Christ for my salvation. I sat and reflected on just where God has brought me from, and it drove me to my knees. As this New Year begins and I’m forced to think back on the ten years that have lead up to 2010, it breaks my heart to face the reality that I surrendered ten years of my life to being a missionary for Satan. I was so in bondage to my desires that I couldn’t see past them.

At fifteen I allowed my “curiosity” to lead me down a road I never imagined I would take. I began experimenting with same gender lust, and before I knew it, I was so entangled in that lifestyle that I didn’t think I would ever be free from it. I completely rebelled against my authorities; I started associating with people that introduced me to selling drugs. I began transporting cocaine at nineteen, and by the time I was twenty, I was facing a 15-year prison sentence. When I came to prison I immediately fell in with the wrong crowd. I had no respect for my authorities; I did whatever I wanted with no regard to anyone or anything. I spent close to three years going back and forth to segregation for fighting and basically just for my blatant disrespect for the rules and regulations of the compound.
I remember my last trip to segregation–a little less than a year ago. I was in a horrible state. I looked at myself in the mirror, and I hated my reflection. I couldn’t believe how far I had gone! I had become a person I couldn’t bear to be anymore. I cried out to God and begged Him to help me out of the mess I had gotten myself into. When I was released from segregation, I began coming to PAL classes in the mornings and also going to church on Sundays.

The Lord then lead me to the PAL program, and September 1, 2009, I gave my life to the Lord. My life hasn’t been the same since. My family and I have grown closer than we have ever been. The authorities here are almost mesmerized by my turn around. My peers have a respect for me more than they ever had. And more than anything, I have a hope and purpose of a future I never imagined. Although I still live in the presence of sin and at times I struggle with my first birth nature, I have a reasoning within me that keeps me going and focused, knowing that Christ is faithful to complete the work He has begun. I know that the road ahead of me will not be an easy one, but I know that I will not be traveling it alone. And for that I am grateful!

- Sharrise, PAL Inmate

I have recently been listening to messages on the names of God from one of our Prison to Purpose board members, Tom Brandon. They have totally impacted me and been used to encourage me in places where I have been discouraged. As a result of some circumstances in my own life, I have found them to breathe life within me in a very special way. As you all know, when God is doing something in me, I have to share it with those in prison! Therefore, I taught on El Roi (The God Who Sees) and added some of my own personal life messages in the presentation. Dr. Tom Brandon used six confessions in his message of El Roi, which are:

• God sees.
• God sees me.
• God sees inside me.
• God sees around me.
• God sees beyond me.
• God sees me through the eyes of Jesus.

I have always loved to worship God through His names. While in prison, I would take one of His names each month and would ask God to create circumstances in my life that I may come to know Him more in that name. I challenged the ladies in the PAL barracks to do the same. This morning I was so encouraged by a young lady, Tangela, who handed me the below testimony:

The God Who Sees

I have truly been blessed by this name of God. After the class that Stacey taught, I began to pray that God would reveal Himself to me in situations and circumstances where I could clearly see His character.

The first thing that happened took place while fulfilling my responsibility in a program that I am in half-day where I have to scribe notes at my desk. The clock is behind me on the wall, and everything I scribe must have a time beside it. I was constantly having to look behind me. I saw a young lady across the room who was wearing a watch and I thought to myself, “I’ll ask her if I can use her watch.” Then I thought, “No, I don’t know her well enough to do that.” It wasn’t a few minutes later that she walked by, and without saying a word, set the watch on the desk – The God Who Sees Inside Me!!

Secondly, our class had been working on the character quality of orderliness, and the Lord was really bothering me all day Friday about cleaning my trunk out and getting it in order. Finally, Friday night after class I said, “Okay, Lord, I will clean it.” I got everything neat and in order only to be awakened early the next morning by the guard wanting to search my trunk. Because it was neat and in order, he barely looked in it. God knew that guard was going to search my trunk and wanted to make it easier for me – The God Who Sees Beyond Me!!

On two different occasions I lost something and prayed the name of El Roi back to Him. Both times those things mysteriously showed up later – The God Who Sees Hidden Things!!

Lastly, I needed someone to switch schedules with me, and out of the blue someone approached me and said, “Hey, would you like to switch schedules?” – The God Who Sees My Dilemmas!!!

I am so blessed by this name of God. These things might seem small to someone else, but they are HUGE to me. I NOW KNOW THE GOD WHO SEES ME!!!

- Tangela

I am so thankful for Dr. Tom Brandon’s study of the names of God and for his obedience to present them in this powerful way. It is my desire that each one of you will take the challenge like I did years ago, and like Tangela did this week, and ask God to make one of His names personal to you through your circumstances this week!

Did you know that you are the first victim of your heart?

I continue to be amazed at how we can think we are doing God’s ways when so many times we are just working in harmony with our own desires. Eve proved to us that our desires will lead us in walking with the enemy and not walking with God.

It is the job of our flesh to get us to focus on everything outside of us instead of what is going on inside of us. Our heart needs constant supervision. II Corinthians 10:4-5 tells to take every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. According to Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is sharp enough to pierce into the heart and discern its thoughts and intents. Therefore, the reasoning that is produced by the conceived Word of God stands as a guard in our heart against reasoning that would cause us to be led contrary to God’s will. The engrafted Word of God is the only tool that God has provided for us to bring us to a full awareness of what is going on in our heart in every circumstance or situation we experience. Jesus is our greatest example in defeating the enemy and that was through, “It is written.”

More and more I realize that my heart is “desperately wicked and deceitful above all things, who can know it?” I do not really know my heart! It is when situations and circumstances rise up that I am able to sense God’s power and strength and battle it in the same way Christ would – “IT IS WRITTEN!”

My challenge to you is this:

Determine to keep your heart under constant supervision through the leadership of God’s Word that is hidden in your heart. It is the only guard that you need in order to wage war against that which has caused you to become a victim of wrong choices through faulty reasoning.