Forecast for 2015

February 8, 2015 - Uncategorized

The PinC team is thankful for the unsolicited contributions that very special friends gave to the Prisoners in Christ ministry at the end of 2014. Because of their faithful support we are able to continue work such as:

1. Sending volunteers to R.A. Handlon prison in Ionia every Wednesday evening for Life Change Group – something that Troy started when he was at Handlon in 2012. The group has been studying “Restorative Justice for People in Prison” and now is reading “Cry, The Beloved Country.”
2. Hosting meetings for those interested in learning more about the prison industrial complex, such as the book discussion on Jan. 9 before Bryan Stevenson’s January Series talk on “Why Mass Incarceration Defines Us as a Society.”
3. Preparing the way for the return of some of our family members from behind bars, thanking God for one of Troy’s best friend’s anticipated release in July, and praying for a successful parole hearing for Troy later this year.
4. Learning more about the way the system of mass incarceration works by attending public hearings (for parolable lifers) and meetings with legislators and MDOC officials.
5. Partnering with Living Water Prison Ministry Network to find homes and jobs for men (esp. those with criminal sexual convictions) being paroled to the Grand Rapids area.
6. Participating in educational events, such as the 3-week adult education series at First CRC in January, and helping other churches set up informational campaigns.
7. Running restorative CONTACT circles in Muskegon and Grand Rapids for those impacted by incarceration – people who are transitioning back to their communities from having served time in prison.
8. Collaborating with Citizens for Prison Reform, the Family Participation Program, Restorative Justice Coalition of W. Michigan, Equal Justice USA, CRCNA Office of Social Justice, Criminal Justice Chaplaincy and

Before the first half of the year is over, we will participate in state and international activities that require additional financial support. Your donations to Church of the Servant designated for “Prisoners in Christ” (on the memo line of the check, or in a note enclosed in the envelope) will help us send representatives to the following:

1. Legislative Education Day on April 30 in Lansing. www.micpr.org
2. International Prisoner’s Family Conference in Dallas, TX from May 6-8. http://prisonersfamilyconference.org/
3. The CMCA Conference in Wheaton, IL from May 28-30. http://www.cmcainternational.org/