Jail Ministry
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothes me,
I was sick and you looked after me,
I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Matthew 25:40
Jail is a place that most want to avoid. But some people at Christ Community Church see a wealth of opportunity housed inside the walls of the Weld County North Jail Complex.
For several years, CCC has conducted a church service for the general population, small group Bible studies, and one-on-one mentoring. Most importantly, Christ Community volunteers provide listening ears to inmates who battle everyday with their freedom--their freedom in Christ as well as their physical freedom.
GETTING INVOLVED
Worship Services and Bible Studies:
Four times a year, mandatory orientations are held for those interested in becoming a part of this life-changing ministry. These orientations include a background check and a tour of the jail. If you are interested in serving at the Weld County Jail, e-mail Tom and Joy Brothe at joybrothe@comcast.net.
Jail Ministry Prayer Team:
The prayer team is the backbone of the whole ministry. "Religious volunteer," as they are called, need God's blessing, protection, discernment, and wisdom to be led by the Holy Spirit to have His way during their contacts with the inmates. E-mail Joy at the above e-mail address for more information.
MAKING IT PERSONAL
A true story relayed from Tom Brothe: "We had an inmate who grew up as a Jehovah's witness. He started coming to the study, and after a couple meetings, he requested a "one-on-one." The day of that meeting, his world fell apart. He tried to commit suicide. I was allowed to see him. That evening as we sat and talked about the love of Jesus, he came to accept God. We prayed for his salvation. Almost a year later that same man has given up alcohol. He attends church regularly. In fact, he wants to start a jail ministry in the church he now attends."
Another true story: "We first met Jason* when he was 20 years old, and another inmate urged him to come to the Bible study we held. At these studies, he started to open up about his life--a past filled with gang activity--and he eventually committed his life to Christ. Shortly after, he moved into a more secure cell where Bible studies were more restricted. When we were able to see him, he had many questions about what he was reading in his Bible, one of which was fasting. He wasn't really sure what it was all about, but he had been going without meals for several days. As we explained what fasting was, Jason became so excited--even though he didn't quite understand the philosophy behind fasting, God was blessing him for his efforts! Although Jason now attends church regularly, his freedom in Christ has not come easy. The first night he was release from jail, he ended up in the hospital because he was jumped by three gang members. In addition, he struggles with suicidal tendencies. However, in November 2007, he was water baptized into Christ Jesus. What a joy it was for us to witness his baptism!"
*Name has been changed