|
Pleasant View Prison Ministry
Listen to "The Church of Ephesus" by Bro. Chris Tarvin. The ultimate mission of the Pleasant View Prison Ministry is to preach deliverance to the captive. Many souls are incarcerated within the Department of Corrections but there is a more serious problem, many of these same souls are held captive by sin. The deliverance we preach is not a physical release from prison, but a spiritual release from sin. Men and Women, young and old are incarcerated because of sin, their sin has brought great pain and destruction to their lives but Jesus came to set the captive free. They need the Lord and His saving grace. As a missionary to the prisons I am afforded the great opportunity to preach the Word of God as it is, to men and women as they are; sinners in need of the grace of God. Our Beginning:
In January of 2002, God began to deal with me about leaving the prison ministry I was then serving with. I knew the Lord was working in my heart about starting a prison ministry out of our local church. I went to my pastor, sharing with him the burden that I carried for a local Church prison ministry. He, in turn, shared with me that he had been praying about a prison ministry for many years. As a result, I resigned from the prison ministry I had been serving with and, after much prayer, the Pleasant View Prison Ministry was born as a missionary work to the prisons under the umbrella of our local Church. Ephesians 3:20-21- “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Our Field:
Our Work and Vision: Revival Program: We conduct revival meetings in the state prisons. We also visit cell to cell and witness of the good news, that Jesus died for their sins. Then we invite prisoners to our services held in the chapel each night.
The ministry does not forget, or neglect men that have been saved. The Pleasant View Prison Ministry is a constant face in the prisons. We have weekly, bi-weekly and monthly services in a scheduled circuit. We have the opportunity to preach doctrine and see men grow, grounded and rooted in the word of God. Genesis Program: The Bible correspondence program focuses on the new convert but is good for any inmate who wants to learn more about the Lord. Each lesson can stand alone. The course covers 5 major doctrines giving them a solid biblical foundation. Psalms 119:105 Program: The Lord has given the Pleasant View Prison Ministry the privilege to supply 4 prisons with King James Bibles. We get letters every week from prisoners in need of a Bible. We are mailing out Bibles to several prisons we are not even in yet but the Lord is letting us send His Word to them. Many men and Women have a Bible because of the sacrifice of Gods people. Exodus Program: Our Goal is to write a complete course for the inmate that is nearing his time of release from prison. This correspondence course will show them, from the Bible, in practical application how to readjust to the free world. We want to deal with things they will face every day when they get out. Prison Pulpit Radio Program: We have a weekly radio broadcast on an FM station. The program reaches 3 state prisons and 19 detention centers. Our goal is to go by way of radio into areas we have not been, and to reach these men and women with the Gospel. Frequently asked questions: Why do we need a prison ministry? Every day in America, someone is arrested convicted and sent to prison. The prison population is increasing constantly with people who are looking for answers to life’s questions. If we who know the truth are not there to tell them what the word of God has to say, Satan will have one of his waiting and ready to spread false religion. The false religions and cults as well as the charismatic crowd are ready and willing to lure these souls into a path of further destruction that will give them no answers and a false hope. We must reach them for Christ. Secondly, almost all of the people incarcerated will eventually be released back into society. How do you want them to come back to your community? The same way they were when they went to prison, or worse? Or, would you rather they return born again? How can they believe on whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher? We must have a prison ministry that is focused on their souls first. Lastly, we are commanded to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. The prisons are forgotten. We need a prison ministry to fulfill the Great Commission. Do you think any of these people can really change? Did God change you? Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature old things are passed away behold all things are become new. The only way for a prisoner or you or me to change is through the shed blood of Calvary. The power the Lord used to change you is the same power it takes to save whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord. What can the average person do to get involved in a prison ministry? If you feel the Lord would have you to help in some way, but you are not sure what to do – you can always pray! Pray for souls to be saved and lives to be changed. Pray for safety and for provisions as we serve full time as missionaries. If the Lord leads, donate to the Bible fund. The possibilities are many. Contact us and we would be glad to help you help us. Financial support is always appreciated. What role does the local church play in the prison ministry? The local church is vital in the prison ministry. The church assists in financing the work, providing manpower, and welcoming the inmates when they are released. I believe the local church is at the center of any effective ministry. Without churches that care for people, they will never be reached. Christ works in and through the local church in society, and it is just as true in the prison ministry. We need the local church bodies to assist us in prayer, financial support, but most of all to be willing to reach out to those that are released from prison and to give those spiritual help and encouragement as they attempt to get established back into society. My personal belief is that all ministries should be under the auspices of the local church and under the authority of a Pastor that is submitted to the Great Shepherd.
May God Bless you as you serve Him!
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
