WITHIN THE
WALLS OF PRISON
With more than 40,000 incarcerated persons
in Canada, a prison Chaplain’s work is never
done. To help lighten the load, this is how
Crossroads Prison Ministries Canada is helping.
– By Martie Van Niekerk
C rossroads Prison Ministries Canada has been fostering
life-changing, Christ-centered relationships between people
in prison and volunteers from local churches. Today, more
than 250 committed volunteer mentors come alongside
hundreds of Canadian prisoners as they pursue a deeper
understanding of the Christian faith through biblically-based
correspondence courses, visitation and reintegration support.
These women and men have stepped out of their comfort
zones and responded to God’s call to “remember those in prison
as if you were together with them” (Hebrews 13:3)
Everyone wants to do something that matters and at
Crossroads Prison Ministries you can put your unique gifts
and life experiences to work as you share God’s love with men
and women in prison across the country.
Through our mentorship program you will be connected
to men and women in prison, as you help them study and
understand the Bible, while reminding them of God’s love
and hope through writing them encouraging letters.•
Our in-depth, long-term program helps prisoners grow in a
life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ and prepares
them for and assists them with successful re-entry upon
release. We also advocate for change that will make society
more welcoming for people returning to the community
from prison.
Hear what some of our students have to say:
“Prison is such a lonely time. Every letter your get means someone
thought about you. Getting a letter from someone on the outside
is like GOLD.” – Crossroads student John
“When I came to jail, I hit rock bottom. I was very sad and
depressed and full of anxiety. After being in here for about a year,
I was introduced to the Crossroads Bible Studies. I became a
Christian in jail and it has helped me a lot. I belied God led
me to Him.” – Crossroads student Meranda
This past November, Cody Bates (pictured above) shared
his transformation from drug dealer and gang member, to
“becoming the hands and feet of Jesus.”
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If you would like more information,
please contact Crossroads Prison Ministries Canada’s Burlington
office by calling 289.861.1369
or visiting the website: cpministries.ca