I'm going to jail...

.. before you say, "I knew Gina was a no count so in so", let me explain. Yes, I am going to jail but it's just a tour. I am going to be working with an outreach ministry at the jail.

So honestly, what did you really think when you read the subject line?

Well, you know that I know a few attorneys and I was just looking to see if you were in need .  Seriously, this is awesome, Gina.  I was just thinking the other day at work that we needed people to come to our jails because there are so many hurting people there.  I have been in this for 20 years and I have never seen so many hurting and turning to crime as now.  This is such a special thing you are doing.  I pray that this ministry is blessed over and over.  Love ya!!!

LOL.. Actually, my plans started out totally different. My plans was to have a small group meeting at Starbucks, I never planned anything concerning the jail. As I was planning a Starbucks run, I became convicted that I was needed at the local jail. I had no idea where to go or start but doors began to open so I am going through them.

The jails are grossly OVER POPULATED and many inmated have been forgotten by their friends and family. Last week, more than half the inmates had no visitors at all.

If you know of anyone who would be willing to donated packs of loose leaf notebook paper and clear ballpoint pens, it would be greatly appreciated. 

I would be more than happy to donate some paper and pens.  When I see you, I will bring them.  You are so right.  We are trying now to get as many of our drug clients as possible into rehabs to at least give them a shot at recovery.  I know those guys and gals just appreciate you so much.  You know...I know that they have done something wrong to be where they are...I deal with them every day, but they all have a soul and need somebody to care.  Sometimes, that makes all the difference in their rehabilitation.

My first thought was wondering if you would be working with Epiphany # 35. That is an outreach program in the prison system for young people. I will be working it in November. Isn't it awesome to be blessed this way. May God bless you. Love, Miss Mary

I dont know what Epiphany # 35 is so it's not likely that my work will be related. To my knowledge, I will be working with adults though. I'm really excited about it.

You go Girl,
I live for jail ministry. my husband and I head up jail ministry for our church, I have been going for years. I only get in twice a month and the rules are STRICT. Its county so I see different ladies all the time. I would like prison ministry as well but tutwiler is so far away from me. Where will you be going? I will pray for your favor in the jail and for the harvest God has for you to be 100 fold. God Bless you as you bring hope and good news to the ladies..
Mendy

Are you kidding me? What county are you in? This is a new area for me and for our church. They previously had a youth detention ministry but the family who headed it up moved and nobody else took it over.

We live in Baldwin county. I also tried to get into metro jail in mobile county and there must be over 100 people trying to get on the schedule. In Baldwin county there are only 4 of us... God set it up for me. Its through AVIC Alabama volunteer of incarcerated citizens I think that's it. My husband goes to the Loxley work release division and preaches one Thursday night a month but goes other nights just in support and to see his friends. We also go to the park down town Mobile once a week and feed the people. We bring a Colman stove and make whatever I have to give out. Hot dogs go a long way. I can feed 50 for 50.00. that's a hot dog, water and 2 cookies. its just a snack but it gives up time to meet the people and find out what their needs are and see if there is anything we can do about it. Usually they know more about whats available than I do. I am asking God to get me into the local drug rehab for ladies here in Baldwin co. but nothing as of yet. The youth detention ministry is very needed these days. Our youth is a huge target for the enemy. He knows that the final revival is brought on by the youth and he has them killing each other at an alarming rate. But I pray that through his destructive his plans will be revealed so we Christians can get an understanding and hear from God the strategies He has for us to pray for that generation. I have raised my kids and I now seem to have a heart towards the youth... when you have teens you don't want to deal with anymore of them at the time LOL. I have two that were/are difficult. Both with disabilities. One is learning disabled, but no enough to get help from local, state or federal government, just enough to keep her from keeping a job and supporter herself, The other one got in a car accident in 06 and now has a brain injury. He is doing better but can not get a job because of it, and at the same time can not get any SSI. He has been turned down three times already. So I have had a lot of practice with the types of people who end up in jail. lots and lots of them get sucked into a life style they really didn't want in the first place but were not strong enough or able enough to make it on their own and took up with any guy who would take them in., even if he was a bad guy. drugs and writing back checks, stealing stuff to get high... the stories are all the same with a personal twist on each one. Its hard to get into their cause, but that's not the mission...jail ministers are not to evaluate guilt or innocence, only bring them hope, peace, joy in the Holy Ghost. the Good News of Jesus and prayer. I always ask the ladies for prayer request and most of the time it for their kids, moms,dads, loved ones. rarely is it for themselves and that amazes me. I love those ladies for their hearts. They just need a strong friend, and faith to stand on the Word of God of their lives. God Bless you, jail ministry, you'll be hooked on it once you go. if you want to call me its ok. I will send you my phone number on your personal message.
Mendy

I didnt know why I was compelled to post about this on the board.. but now I know.

I was going to ask for your phone number so I'm very glad you sent it to me. I'm going tomorrow for the tour.