Did you know that the United States now leads the world in incarcerations with 2.3 million people currently in the nation’s prisons? A recent issue of Response Magazine (February 2011) states that there has been a 500 percent increase in our prison population in the last 30 years. Much of that is due to the “War on Drugs” that has given out prison sentences instead of drug treatment programs.
The United Methodist Women are partnering with the “Sentencing Project” (www.sentencingproject.org) to call for restorative justice on local, state and federal levels. There are many ways that we as a nation work together to enable prison reform. We can also work with families of incarcerated people as many of the children of those in prison are at-risk on so many levels.
What can you and your church do to make a difference? You can write a letter, tutor a child, provide gifts, teach a Bible Study, provide after-care, speak in favor of reform, get to know a family that has a loved one incarcerated and provide transportation, postage, food….the possibilities are endless.
Thank you and may God continue to bless you. Yes the possiblities are endless. I have witnessed God's glory moving beyond the walls and iron gates in ministry with Women at the Frederick Adult Detention Center. No wall is too huge to prevent the Holy Spirit from moving through the crevice to bring Christ's Salvation for all of us. Despite any of our conditions or obstacles that we may encounter, God continues to do miracles. I am humbled and want to thank you for setting your heart on the journey for doing ministry with the marginalized. This is the living mission of Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeletePlease consider also praying for the BWCUMC Justice and Mercy ministries effort.