Update on Prison Ministry Report, 9/27

RE: inquires about the prison ministry work.described in issue of Diaspora. This is an evidence-based program emphasizing changed behavior and understanding that mere talk about God is often vain and cheap.
Update 9/27/06

Many of the inventories and handouts used in the Fierce Landscape workbook were developed and printed many years ago and are not stored electonically. Interest in this non-traditional ministry program is growing with requests for copies of the workbook which takes considerable time and energy to assemble in their present form..

So we are currently manually scanning and storing electronically the entire workbook so that it can be more easily made available to others. This way individuals can copy, edit, print and use whatever materials seem useful for their own setting and vision of prison ministry.

Sections
part 1 Intro and endorsements (Inmates report what the program is doing for them and how this is differently from previous programs; volunteers report their particular focus; Jail staff report their view of this work).10-15pp

Part 2 will be the actual workbook, c, 50 pp. This is actually an extended 12 step program challening radical self-examination and change.

Part 3 will be the Action Planning for effective transition from program to community, in all that OWL (that is the "wrap" for the SG program and the cooperative partnership with others) is bringing forth, including forms used to create a more seamless transition, 20 pp

Part 4 is to be The Larger View in Society, Prison Reform, examining the challlenges and inequities in the present Penal Code and overcrowding, etc, Work of community activists and UK Law Faculty professors views. 20 p

Part 5. References.

We expect eventually to get this published online.
In the meantime, if you want a hard copy (version #14 after 40 some months) , please offer to pay postage and handling costs and whatever printing costs may occur. We are currently aiming for October 15 for publication. We are aiming for no more than $10 for everything, inc. P & H & includes permission to copy any edit all of it for your own use.

We propose there is no other such complete interfaith correctional program known in the country, as this includes every aspect of human behavior, physical, emotional, psychological, social, community, faith, and group skills, with planning for transition. .

Latest update. We are getting recognition from the judicial court re the reach and effectiveness of this program, as well as out of county vocational rehabilitation officers interested in starting this program in other counties.

We have decided not to seek money re grants to support the Spiritual Growth in-house program, as it is the obvious love the volunteers demonstrate that makes a difference to the inmates. Money would corrupt that aspect. Our volunteers become hooked, that is, this one lesson per week becomes a vital part of their own faith journey.

Thanks for listening. Namaste.

Paschal Baute