Prison Ministry I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me' Matthew 26:36 Our prison ministry goal is to help inmates to learn about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His teachings. Our prayer is that they will decide to commit their lives to following Him. We understand that this decision comes through the ministry of the Holy Spirit; that personal salvation is a result of Christ's sacrifice, death and resurrection and that men's and women's lives are profoundly changed when they accept God's will and allow His Holy Spirit to guide their thoughts, words and deeds. It is the power of God Almighty that gives us all the ability to withstand temptation and be victorious over sin. The Heaven's Saints Prison Ministry is aimed at encouraging our members to develop similar ministries within their chapters, or as individuals. Getting started, whether it be prison, jail or juvenile justice outreach is a bold start in the right direction. Just imagine how Jesus' disciples felt when He told them to go out and preach and teach with nothing more than a robe and sandals; God will provide and He will provide you with the right words and direction to get your ministry going. First you will have to decide on what type of ministry you are being called to do, men or women, adult, youth, are you going in one-on-one or as a group? You will need a curriculum and a bible study format. If you are new to prison ministry you will need a plan. If you are going in as a group and play a musical instrument, tune it up and perform some songs, the inmates love music. Sing a few selections along with a CD/tape accompaniment. Always open ministry with a prayer. Next you will need a contact within the institution to gain access inside the facility you are interested in visiting. The best plan is to call the facility and ask for the Chaplain's name and number, and best time to call. When you call explain who you are, who you are affiliated with and what your plan is for your ministry. This will also give the Chaplain an opportunity to talk with you about rules and regulations and what is expected from you as a visitor. Some facilities may expect you and your group to attend an indoctrination class. Remember to always be organized! "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' Mat 18:16 There is no greater joy than witnessing an inmate take the Lord Jesus into their heart and living by His words, but we must remember that prison ministry doesn't end with visits to the facility, we must also be, or find, an accountability partner for them when they are released. Someone with like interests, a dedicated Christian who will help them become part of a church family, help re-establish them back into a community, help them find work, a new way of life, and most important be a friend. They may have a family waiting for them. Sometimes blood relatives are not saved, old friends are not saved; they may lead the inmate back to a path of destruction. Your discernment and judgment will play a key role. Be a friend! Jesus is Lord! As you can see this is a very serious relationship, not only with the inmate, but also with God. Pray, find your heart, be victorious over Satan! The Heaven's Saints M/M now has a Member-Elect Program providing the inmate with an opportunity to join our ministry while still incarcerated. Applications can be requested from the address below. Membership requirements are as follows: Heaven's Saints Patch Member-Elect (Prison Ministry) 1) Must be a born-again Christian. 2) Must be 21 years of age. 3) Submit a letter of character reference and recommendation from a pastor or chaplain who knows you personally. 4) Submit a letter of 500 words or less explaining: a) When you were saved. b) What God has done in your life. c) What you feel that the Lord has called you to do (vision/goals). 5) Send a minimum of one (1) letter per month for three (3) consecutive months to Heaven's Saints M/M, PO Box 682, Phenix City, AL 36868. At the end of three (3) months, or whenever he deems it appropriate thereafter, you will be issued a "Certificate of Membership". 6) No patches will be issued at this time. Upon your release from prison, payment of the below fees and recommendation from Heaven's Saints Ministry Headquarters, your patches will be issued and regular membership will begin. While incarcerated, dues will be waived in lieu of a monthly written report/letter from you. 7) Upon your release from prison the following will apply to receive patches and maintain membership in good standing. a) A one-time donation(choose one): $38 (member patch and 10" x 12" Christian flag) $36 (member patch and 7" x 10" Christian flag) b) $12 monthly donation **PLEASE NOTE: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO OWN A MOTORCYCLE TO BE A PART OF THIS MINISTRY. ** Ministry Headquarters: Heaven's Saints M/M PO Box 682 Phenix City, AL 36868 news | pictures | contact | links | testimonies | chapters | store