JAIL-MAIL from Chaplain Tom, NEW LIFE CORRECTIONS MINISTRY at WAYSIDE CROSS MINISTRIES, AURORA IL, April 30, 2011

6 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

TRANSFORMING INCARCERATED DADS

CLASS 1
An Historical Perspective of Fathering
God's Plan to Solve the Problem Pride,
Humility & Grac Re-building Trust

CLASS 2
What is a Real Man?
Self-Worth Setting Goals

CLASS 3
Spirituality,
Religion & Christianity
Christianity & Change

CLASS 4
Handling Anger
Conflict
Resolution
Self-Control
Alcohol & Drugs

CLASS 5
Empathy
Providing
Treasure
More "Distant Dad" Activities

CLASS 6
Relationships
Marriage,Love & Lust

CLASS 7
The Perfect Father
How did I Learn to be a Dad?
Being a Good Example

CLASS 8
Dad is a Leader,
A Servant-Leader
Discipline

CLASS 9
Fireproof, the Movie
Awarding of Certificates of Completion

As a member of the "Road Team," you'll be expected to facilitate a small group between the classes, and if you want to, you may also lead one of the 8 classes. Class material is provided, and you'll have the freedom, under the Headship of the Holy Spirit, to not stick strictly just to the prepared material.

We also pay our own expenses - motel, some meals, & gas.

SEEKING ADDITIONAL "ROAD TEAM" MEMBERS

On our Dads' Classes "Road Teams," we present the same Dads' Classes we have weekly in many local County Jails, but we present them in a 2-Day Seminar. We visit Prisons, where weekly classes simply are not an option for us.

Our purpose is to:
• Bring the Gospel to the inmates in the context of fatherhood,
• Hopefully spark an interest in the men to become better Dads, break the generational cycle of crime, reduce recidivism, and
• Hopefully spark an interest in the Prison Staff to welcome the year-long Malachi Dads' Program.

Our first "Road Team" adventure consisted of four of us going to the Robinson Correctional Center (prison) in Robinson, Illinois, on April 4th & 5th, 2011.

There we presented our "Dads' Classes" in a 2-Day Seminar format to 60 eager inmates. I asked the inmates up front if they were aware that the teaching would be "Bible-based & Christ-centered." They enthusiastically assured me that's what they expected.

George King:
"I found that the time we spent together was very enjoyable and rewarding. What was accomplished more than achieved all of our expectations. It was the perfect way to reach out and I felt we really touched the lives of the men. In fact they asked if we are coming back and said they would spread the word how helpful we were to them." Well, not only did the inmates like the material, the staff enthusiastically invited us to come back in 6 months! They plan to move us to a bigger room, anticipating a crowd of 80-100 inmates! We have scheduled the next 2-Day Seminar at Robinson for October 17th & 18th.

Dave Haidle:
"The majority of men in prison are fathers and contrary to what many might think, these men are eager to be good fathers to their children. Our communities can only benefit from these men becoming better fathers. I can’t think of a better investment of time than to be teaching eager men about God’s perspective on fathering. It is challenging, humbling and rewarding; plus you get to know other brothers in Christ on a deeper level as you soldier together." Between the classes, we had small-group discussions of the material, and with just 4 leaders, the small groups weren't so small. So, you can understand our need for more leaders! We're praying for 6 more men to join us!

Brian Polencheck:
"I think I believed that most of the inmates would be there as a way to have this look good on their record. What I found was that the majority really wanted to learn how to be a good fathers and men. I could see the hurt in many of their eyes and voices because of not having those relationships with their children and wives. I believe many really had no idea how to fix the hurt and pain they had or inflicted on those they cared about. I also discovered, after experiencing the small group sessions, how many of these men had no father or male role models and the ones they had were quite the opposite of good role models. I wondered how I would have turned out if I would have experienced the same as them. I realized I could be in their place."

We need 6 additional men for our "Road Team" to Robinson Prison on October 17-18.

PLEASE PRAY that more prisons will welcome us to do our Dads' Classes as a 2-Day Seminar.

PLEASE PRAY that God works in the hearts of the inmates & staff, that the Gospel is clearly heard & that many men receive Jesus Christ as their Savior & Lord.

PLEASE PRAY for more volunteers to join our "Road Team." I've already heard "unofficially" from counselors in two more prisons - Pontiac & Dixon - that they're seeking approval for the 2-Day Seminar. If you want to be a volunteer on our "Road Team," please contact Chaplain Tom at tbeatty@waysidecross.org.

PLEASE PRAY about supporting the New Life Corrections Ministry financially. We're really in need of monthly contributors. If you could make a donation, perhaps the easiest way is to visit our website www.waysidecross.org, then click on the Red Heart. Please designate for New Life Corrections. THANK YOU!