MAPLE HILL CHURCH OF CHRIST

Jail and Family Outreach Ministry

At the request of some of the inmates, the Maple Hill Jail Ministry is being expanded to include assisting some of the families in non-monetary ways. When the breadwinner is taken away from the family, the family suffers. Most of the men we work with in the jail are not “bad people,” but people who have made “bad choices.” When they see how the Bible addresses their own particular problems, doors begin to open for us to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

A number of inmates have asked if the material we teach on removing emotional pain could also be made available to their families on the outside. This opens doors for us to begin working with the entire family. We also have situations where, upon release, some have asked to continue studying the material. This is particularly true of some of the female inmates. Many of the men in jail are also taking the Bible study course we offer in addition to the material on dealing with their emotional pain. In 2008 thirteen men were baptized as a result of the teaching we were able to provide.

Beginning Wednesday, March 4, Wayne Leeper’s class is going to become a training class for individuals willing to participate in this ministry. People are needed to fill a number of jobs to make this ministry a success. We need men and women willing to:

1. Teach classes in the jail.

2. Teach home Bible studies (Jule Miller Videos)

3. Provide transportation to our services.

4. Befriend families.

5. Work with children in a mentoring capacity.

6. Provide odd jobs for both men and women.

7. Assist in finding employment.

8. Assist in securing needed household items (small appliances, kitchen ware, linens children’s clothing).

Those of us who have been participating in the Jail Ministry have found it to be an extremely rewarding effort. There is no limit to the appreciation some of the men and women show. By reaching out to the families we hope to introduce them to an entirely new way of life. In doing so we are carrying out Jesus commands in Matthew 25:31-40.

We live in the middle of a vast mission field right here in Wilson County. It is surprising how much can be accomplished for the Lord by simply reaching out to some of the less privileged in our own community. The elders strongly encourage anyone who will to become a part of this outreach ministry in whatever capacity they feel comfortable serving.