When you think of prison ministry, what comes to mind? Before volunteering at the One Day with God Camp, my perception was not great. I thought they were these bleak, dark, inhumane facilities – you know like what I’ve seen on Orange is the New Black. Today, my perspective of prisons and prison ministry was blown out of the water. I challenged myself to do something that could bring others to know and accept Jesus into their hearts, even if it made me uncomfortable.

First, let’s look at the vision of Forgiven Ministry, the organization who hosted the One Day with God Camp

Our mission is to meet the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the children of inmates, the inmates themselves, ex-inmates and inmates’ families, with the result of healing wounds inflicted by crime, redirecting lives, and restoring these individuals into the community as productive citizens, parents and family members.

Prepping for the One Day with God Camp

Prepping to the One Day with God Camp was fairly simple. First, I had to read a few notes about policies and procedures as well as submit several forms, which would allow me to enter the prison. Next, I needed to take a training. It helped me to learn the rules about what not to bring into the prison, different volunteer roles, and a general outline of the day. The morning of the camp, I left my house early enough to arrive at the meeting location (a local church) at 7:00am. Shortly after that, I left everything in my car except for my ID and my keys. Then I said goodbye to modern technology for the next 11 hours.

Checking In

Upon arrival, I was required to check in and sign a few more forms. I had nothing on my person, except for my ID, and left my keys in the care of the church. There was an intimate breakfast buffet available. Volunteers made introductions, got our assignments, and prayed before caregivers and children began to arrive.

Volunteer Assignment – Child Mentor

My assignment was to be a child mentor. Child mentors are responsible for remaining with the child and their parent, in this case a father, for the duration of the day. There are at least 2 volunteers to help with each child. Upon arrival, the child and their caregiver ate breakfast while we got to know them. Shortly after that, my co-mentee, our child, and myself went into another area of the church to be “shaken down” by the police. Finally, we were in a 12 passenger van on our way to the prison.

We arrived at the prison at a time I can’t recall. The millennial in me lost all track of time when I was forced to abandon my iPhone at the church. It was surreal seeing the barbed wires and multiple gates we had to pass through before we could enter. Surprisingly, we walked in to see inspirational art and quotes on the wall. It looked more like a school than a prison. Tables were set up for each child with tablecloths and coloring activities. They also had an opportunity to get their faces painted with “#1 Dad” or “I Love Jesus”. Coffee, Lemonade, Water and Tea were available while we waited for all vanloads of children to arrive.

In the future, I will make sure to come prepared with lots of games that can be played on paper or with our hands as we waited for nearly an hour before the program began.

Time to Meet Dad

I would like to say that we were lucky to be assigned to the child that we did. We were both first timers to the program and had no idea what to expect. Our sassy lady was a frequent visitor to this prison to see her father. Other kids had’t seen their fathers for varying amounts of time, from weeks ago to over ten years. Because she regularly interacts with her father in visitation, there were no awkward relationship hurdles for us to jump over. Some children were really nervous, angry, or shy. Their mentors had to be much more patient with them before their fathers came out.

The fathers entrance was probably the second most emotional moment of the day. Each father was announced and the kids broke out in movie style slow motion runs to get across the gym to them. After that, they held, twirled, hugged, kissed, and loved on them to the very second that we left. It was beautiful. Unfortunately, several fathers completed the necessary training the day before and for whatever reason, their kids couldn’t or wouldn’t come to the camp. They joyfully participated and offered extra help to other fathers throughout the day.

Early Activities

The day was filled with one activity after the next. There was dancing, team building with all of the dads and kids, praise and worship, and even a performance by some amazing athletes. While the activities occurred, we stood back and allowed the fathers to bond with their children. We only stepped in to assist with bathroom breaks, calm the kids down if they got a little too hyper, and serve beverages. Also included in the program, were several moments of quiet time for the pairs – or trios in the case of some fathers with two children there.

Lunch

Lunch was served by another group of volunteers. We had several choices of pizza. There was also a large cake served – after celebrating recent birthdays of course. During this time, I chatted a little more with the father of our child. I learned that he used to be very active in church and continues studying the Bible on his own. His faith is strengthened by reading about the number of great men in the Bible who were at some point incarcerated. He even knows several bible passages by heart. I asked him how I could pray for him after I left and this was his response:

“Just pray for my daughter’s wellbeing and prosperity. Pray for her mom’s well-being and happiness.”

Then I asked if he had any requests for himself and he said “Good Time”. He explained to me that this means early release for good behavior.

Later Activities

The last few activities were the most emotional of the day. First, there was a father daughter dance. The song choices were “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman and “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross. There was also a father son walk. Both of these activities slapped me in the face with an epiphany regarding my connection to this ministry.

My father was never incarcerated, but my parents did get divorced when I was around the age of a lot of these kids (the ranges were 4-12). I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate life without a father. How his absence, for any reason, can change who you turn out to be. In the case of these children, it was even more concerning.

Research has shown that as many as 80 percent of the children of inmates eventually end up in prison themselves.

Forgiven Ministries

It was easy to see the change in the children’s demeanor throughout the day. As their fathers poured into them, they were rejuvenated. They told them that they were pretty, handsome, strong, smart, going to do big things, were amazing, and most importantly…that they were loved.

The fathers took pictures with their child or children during the day that were placed in a frame they previously made. They were also able to hand pick items for a gift backpack for their child. All of these things were done the day before in a separate class, just for the fathers. Volunteers strengthened them with the word and expectations of God, fed them, and affirmed them for the entire day.

The Most Emotional Activity

Right before the final activity, fathers were given a chance to say a few words about their experience. Most of them cried. One discussed how he never learned to be a father because he didn’t have one, but he was grateful for the chance the camp provided him to learn. Several thanked the volunteers, the warden, and the officers. One man told us that he had been carrying his son around for literally the entire day because by the time he finished serving his sentence, his son would have to carry him out of the prison.

It was bittersweet, but left a powerful impression of the necessity of these types of programs. How many incarcerated souls would accept Christ into their hearts if only programs like the One Day with God Camp were available to them? The last interesting comment made by at least 2 individuals was that this was the first time they had been allowed to express real emotion in prison. This was the first time they were made to feel like people, human beings.

Letting Go

I didn’t participate in the lamp building project as I was assisting with preparing balloons for the release activity. But, kids did end up building a lampshade for an electric candle with their dads. It was beautiful.

 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

Psalms 119:105

The final activity of the day was the balloon release. Everyone knew it would be time for the children to go at the conclusion of the activity. Our child’s father didn’t even take the time go get his jacket as he didn’t want to miss any of the final moments with his child. We were each given a ballon and led outside to the prison yard. It was strange.

The yard was visibility limited with barbed wire taller than I could have imagined it. But…it wasn’t tall enough to keep us from seeing the beautiful leaves changing to red and orange to welcome the fall. It wasn’t tall enough to keep us from seeing the sun shining through the clouds. All that came to my mind was that no matter how far removed these men were from society, there is nowhere that God can’t reach them.

Caregivers stood at the fence, waving and calling out to their loved ones. Children let their balloons go to signify acknowledgement of their father’s love. Father’s let their balloons go as a commitment to be the best fathers they could be. Volunteers let their balloons go in agreement that the day was a blessing. Children and fathers had their final embraces and volunteers escorted the children to their caregivers.

Just like that, 11 hours had flown by.

I signed up for the One Day with God Camp with little expectation other than fear of entering a prison with criminals. I had felt compelled to start doing things, outreach that would help me learn to be a better missionary – to spread God’s word and His love as far as I am able to.

Now, I sit in my home hugging my children so tightly that they are squirming to get away. I have a better appreciation for people who ended up on a different life path than I did, who made mistakes that terrify me, and who are ultimately eligible for the same eternal salvation as I am. I have found myself hooked on a ministry that seemed to be the least fitting for me, but that I somehow really relate to.

So, how can I get involved?

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading. To sign up to volunteer for a One Day with God Camp, click here.

It only costs about $20 per child to fund this camp. Please consider making a donation so that these events cannot just continue to occur, but to expand. Donations can be made here.

Additionally, don’t forget that the caregivers and children need support outside of this event as well! Consider that you may not know the personal situations of some of your church members – they might have a parent or family member who is incarcerated. Check out my post – Parents Are Struggling to Make it to Church for a general idea of how to better support parents bringing small children to church.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11