In the image, Scottie is reading a text from one of our caregivers who attended our camp this past weekend at Wake/Orange in Raleigh. It serves as another affirmation that we’re on the right track. When we love as Jesus loved and work toward reconciliation, God shows up, and the blessings continue to cascade down. So many people are affected—whether it be the child, the dad, or the caregiver. In prison ministry, the fields are “white unto harvest.”
First and foremost are the children. At our One Day With God Camps, the emphasis is primarily on them. I have heard countless times during “Share Time” at the end of the camp that it was “the best day of their lives.” It’s beautiful to witness.
This is huge, because as you know, children without a father figure in their lives are much more likely to get into trouble, even ending up in prison. This reality is quite sobering. According to ChatGPT, “Children with an incarcerated parent, particularly a father, are up to five to six times more likely to become incarcerated themselves at some point in their lives, compared to children raised in homes with both parents present.”
Another focal point, of course, is our dads. While I realize that some may come simply to spend time with their children—something we gladly accommodate—my experience has shown that the vast majority are genuinely seeking to become better men and fathers. As one of our Texas volunteers aptly put it, they’re “tired of towing their trailer.”
I feel as though, having the opportunity to pour into these Dads is ministry in the trenches. So many times, their hearts are positioned to reorient their lives. And our having been there is making a difference! ChatGPT also notes, “Research has shown that inmates who participate in faith-based programs are less likely to re-offend compared to those who don’t. While specific figures vary depending on the study, a commonly cited statistic is that faith-based programs can reduce recidivism rates by up to 20-30%.”
Finally, there are the caregivers. They bear the brunt of the load when a dad is no longer able to be on the front line. Caregivers face significant emotional and logistical burdens, managing daily needs while dealing with the impact of incarceration. In addition to navigating the daily tasks of guiding the child or children, family members and close friends often encounter financial strain, emotional trauma, and social stigma. Like others, they are in need of both spiritual and emotional support. Concerning such, here’s a message from one of our caregivers.
“Thank y’all so much; the program was EVERYTHING and more. The love that was given took the hurt, sadness and burden off my shoulders today. I THANK GOD for [you] doing the work and making the connections to create something that is so needed. It was definitely a great step in the right direction. A special thank you to Mrs. Stormie [Scottie] for listening to GOD and thank you for contacting me. Sorry for the long post, but I’ve been praying to GOD for a miracle and my children and I got it today. Have a great night. I love y’all.”
The system works: bridges are being built, homes are being strengthened, and God is being glorified. So, we keep on keeping on!
You are loved!
Les
