Faith
Prison ministry workshops planned
By Kapono Dowson
Advertiser Staff Writer
Prison Fellowship Ministries, a Washington, D.C.-based organization founded by Christian author and broadcaster Chuck Colson, will hold free prison ministry training seminars starting Tuesday at New Hope Christian Fellowship's Lead Center.
The training is open to anyone who wants to help Hawai'i's prisoners and their families. Organizers said 640 Hawai'i churches of various denominations have been invited to the seminars at 290 Sand Island Access Road.
John Zimmerman, Western regional director for Prison Fellowship Ministries, will share research and statistics on Hawai'i prisoners, and give advice on working with prisoners, their families and correctional facilities.
Prison Fellowship Ministries was founded by Colson in 1976 and provides faith-based and research-supported programs to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families in all 50 states, ministry officials said. Prison Fellowship Ministries also runs three prisons in a pilot project, which has been cited by President Bush as an example of the effectiveness of faith-based programs.
Colson, a former Nixon aide, served time in federal prison for his involvement in the 1972 Watergate break-in. He said he became a Christian shortly before entering prison and, while in prison, became inspired to serve other inmates.
Call Grace Toki at 842-4242, Ext. 405, or New Hope prison chaplain Roy Yamamoto at Ext. 417 for more information. The schedule and topics are:
- Tuesday and Wednesday, 7-10 p.m. — Dos and don'ts of ministering inside a correctional facility; for experienced prison ministers and first-timers.
- Friday, 7-10 p.m. — Prayer, praise and encouragement; for anyone interested in or involved in prison-related ministry.
- Next Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon — Training for teaching Bible studies and seminars in correctional facilities.
- Also next Saturday, 1-5 p.m. — Running an effective Angel Tree program.
