Prison Ministry Workshop: Thursday Supplemental

Here’s a report from two other classes Thursday, provided by my wife, Linda.

Andrew Sims’ class was titled Take Up Your Position and Stand Firm. He focused on the importance of parents having control in the home and teaching their children respect. Morals in the home should be firm. Parents are not their children’s friends: they’re guides and leaders. Disciplining your children (including spanking) is not abuse. How does this translate to prison work? We need to teach those in prison about Christ, hoping they won’t return to prison. The foundation of discipleship is respect, which must be taught inmates, as they won’t get it in prison otherwise.

Helen Cox is a very special lady in the annals of prison ministry. Mama Cox, as she’s known to everyone, has been involved with prison work for 45 years (since 1963). At age 82, she continues to work full time serving those in prison, along with her husband, Harold. While she primarily works with women, she is deeply involved in “specialty populations” (death row inmates and those with severe mental problems). Many men on death row request her presence when they’re executed. She spoke on ministering to these populations.

Her objectives in setting up programs for these groups are threefold: to change lives, to establish lasting relationships and to show unconditional love. She understands that all people, whatever their situation, have the same needs, especially the need to be the right relationship with God.

One point Linda noted struck me: Helen strongly believes in using prayer cards. She uses them for reference: to keep track of inmates’ family concerns, illnesses in the family and other concerns. It means a lot to them that she remembers their prayer needs.

It reminded me of how Sandra Clark, our church secretary, handles prayer requests. Each Sunday, we collect them during services. On Tuesdays, she sends out an email to the congregation with the prayer requests. In addition, if a request comes in during the week, she’ll send out a special email. Whether we’re incarcerated or not, it’s important for us to know someone care about our needs. How blessed we are to have women like Sandra and Helen to remind us, by their example, of this basic truth.