Annual Report 2008

MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS 2008 

• First full year of independent operation.
• Brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to prisoners in over 6000 contacts in behind-the-wall worship services and Bible studies in Maine and Massachusetts.
• 7 Life Boat mentors encouraged and supported 50 men during their re-entry to the community. These men are on the street and doing well because of the support and encouragement of their Life Boat Mentors.
• Distributed more than 5,000 Bibles and Christian books to inmates hungry for the Word of God.
• Provided clothing and transportation help to over 40 men and women leaving jail.
• Encouraged many more prisoners and former prisoners in one-on-one encounters inside and outside jail and prison.
• Taught and preached on a regular basis at Billerica House of Correction, Nashua Street Jail, Cambridge Jail, Concord MCI, Northeast Correctional Center, Bridgewater Treatment Center, Norfolk MCI, Cedar Junction MCI, and Shirley MCI, Maine State Prison and Waldo County Jail.
• Participated in the selection process for a new Chaplain at Northeast Correction Center.
• Conducted 3 Chaplain’s meetings.
• Addressed students at Harvard Law School, Gordon Conwell Theological School, and Andover Newton Theological School.
• Spoke or preached at churches in MA and NY on 16 occasions.
• Added a new ministry- A More Excellent Way directed by Sharon Cornelius with a mission of ministering to families of inmates in Boston.
• Became a member of the Re-entry Subcommittee of the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness in Lowell.
• Introduced our new web site.
• Responded to 12 requests for assistance from families of prisoners.
• Exhibited at Northeastern Conference of the Coalition of Prison Evangelists (COPE) and at the Worcester Iron Sharpens Iron Conference.
• Conducted Maine Prison Ministry Conference with record attendance.

 CHANGES 2008

• Women’s mentoring ministry- A Reflecting Light disbanded due to lack of interest by DOC.
• Life Boat meetings in Lowell and Boston discontinued due to lack of response by clients.

 GOALS FOR 2009

• Make 5,000 Gospel contacts inside the walls.  
• Conduct PR/Outreach to Government officials.
• Double the number of mentors.
• Formalize and document mentoring program.
• Conduct 4 Chaplain’s meetings.
• Participate in Housing Initiatives in Lowell.
• Develop and Implement a Demonstration Circle of  Support and Accountability with Middlesex County.