November 2009

This month in Kids4Christ, we will learn about Shea Baker* and how she moved to another country and learned a new language in order to share the love of Jesus with those who lived there. We will also read about Moses and the change that God had in store for him.

*Name has been changed

The Kids 4 Christ State Missions emphasis for November is on Correctional Ministry. Traditionally, when we think of correctional ministries, we think of Bible studies, worship and evangelism in prisons or jails. However, correctional ministries can take many forms. One form of correctional ministry has as its focus working with families of inmates. When we hear the term "crime victims" we don't normally think about the families of the person who committed the crime. They often suffer due to the actions of their loved one. When a family member is convicted of a crime and sentwenced to a term in prison, the family suffers through that sentence with them. In the case where the inmate was the family member who worked and brought home a paycheck, the family will face financial challenges. Though the family did not commit the crime, they may suffer the consequences. Having a parent in prison is particularly difficult on the children. Having a parent in prison affects childrens school work, self-esteem, and behavior. North Carolina Baptists are involved in a unique ministry: the Mattthew 25 Center, which seeks to address the difficulties of families of inmates. Located in Burgaw, NC, the Center provides free overnight accommodations to the families of inmates when they come to visit someone in area prisons. The staff at the Matthew Center also seeks to minister to the families. The Center offers information about the prison system, counseling, a wide variety of information on topics related to the needs of families and unconditional acceptance to the families. The Center truly lives up to its motto: "A home away from home for families who visit their loved ones in prison." The Matthew 25 Center has six motel style bedrooms, a living/dining area, kitchen, childrens play room, outside playground and an apartment for the center directors. Originally started by the Wilmington Baptist Association, the Center is now an independent Christian ministry. It is the dream of the Matthew 25 Center that this model could be replicated across the state of N.C. For more information about the Matthew 25 Center, contact them at 1196 Penderlea Hwy, Burgaw NC 28425. Article taken from BOM, Jimmy Joseph, State Correctional Ministries Coordinator