WHY RESTART?
In jail, we are removed from the influence of friends and family. We have no access to our biggest stumbling blocks. We are unable to feed our temptations. And we are blessed with an abundant amount of time to invest in our knowledge of, obedience to, and relationship with the Lord. It's ironically a perfect place for a brand new beginning.
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Yet, we know that a true "restart" can only happen through rebirth in Jesus Christ - as no one is strong enough on his or her own to continuously resist temptation, deny addictions, and re-enter the world unmarred. So we share the good news of Christ's payment for our sins. Then, we show the way to His abundant life.
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We believe that breaking the cycle of imprisonment starts with positive re-entry, that re-entry is only successful through true rebirth in Jesus, and that rebirth in Jesus begins when people come to the end of themselves - ready to hit the restart button, and to turn their lives over to the capable, merciful, grateful hands of The Lord. We restart through rebirth for effective re-entry.
WHY 133?
WHY 133?
Hebrews 13:3
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"Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
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Psalm 133:1
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"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!:
WHY ARE THESE PEOPLE IN JAIL?
We minister to people who have been incarcerated for drug possession/sales, alcohol abuse, theft, fraud, parole violation, prostitution, and other non-violent crimes.
HOW LONG WILL THEY BE IN JAIL?
We really don't know. Lew Sterrett is primarily a holding facility for inmates who will be transferred to more long-term prisons or rehabilitation programs. However, some will stay for up to a year. We welcome each person for as long as he or she can stay. Often, we'll only see an inmate for one or two sessions before they move elsewhere.
WHAT ARE THE INMATES LIKE?
They are generally gentle, friendly, extremely respectful and thirsty for truth. They are blunt and ask great questions. Their backgrounds range from some church knowledge, to strong faith, to confusion about "how God works." Many of the women are pregnant. Most of the women are mothers. They are all street savvy and are often "frequent fliers" at the jail.
WHEN DO YOU SERVE?
The women currently serve on the fourth Saturday of every month from 9:00am - 11:00am.
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The men currently serve every Sunday from 1:30-3:30PM.
WHAT'S THE COMMITMENT TO SERVE?
We ask that anyone interested in serving with our ministry be available to serve in the jail at least every other month and attend our quarterly ministry meetings. We also expect you to commit to a 6 month term to determine if this is the right place for your to serve. We understand that schedules are unpredictable so we are always happy to be flexible and make exceptions to welcome you for as long as you can serve with us.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE?
If you want to enter the jail, you must be at least 18 years old with a valid Texas driver's license and no recent criminal activity on your record. We ask that anyone serving in our ministry be actively pursuing a relationship with Christ through consistent time in prayer and the Word and fellowship.
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A formal training with Volunteers of America will have to be completed before entering the jail. Several forms also will need to be filled out and signed. Once approved, volunteers "shadow" a class at least 2 times before they are asked to co-teach. This gives everyone an opportunity to get the "lay of the land" and feel comfortable with the curriculum and environment.
DO THE MEN AND WOMEN TEACH TOGETHER?
No, we have a separate men's group who ministers to men and women's group who minsters to women.
IS THIS MINISTRY DANGEROUS?
We do not work with any inmates who have been recently incarcerated for aggression or assault. Additionally, all of our classes are monitored at all times by an armed guard. We use extreme caution and a mandated buddy system when parking and walking to and from the jail.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Modest clothes: jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes. The jail does not allow sleeveless tops, exposed backs or midriffs, or open-toed shoes. We try to avoid skirts/dresses, anything low-cut, tight, or extravagant.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME WHEN I GO TO THE JAIL?
Almost nothing! We are strictly prohibited from exchanging ANY materials or personal information with the inmates. We cannot give them any gifts (no Bibles, no clothes, no books, you get the idea) and we definitely cannot leave any pens, staples, or plastic in their possession. The only necessary materials are a faithful heart, an openness to where the spirit leads each night (the classes can be chaotic sometimes) and a TX drivers license. Phones are absolutely not permitted in the jail and we highly discourage bringing in any expensive handbags or accessories.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I VISIT?
Upon arrival, we go through a metal detector, then a series of three locked doors to enter our wing of the jail. Sometimes, you will see inmates in the process of being transferred or walking through the hallways without restraint. Guards are heavily present. These inmates keep to themselves and pose no threat. Once inside the classroom, we have a “no touch” policy and sit at tables with the inmates as we go through the lesson for the day.