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Winona Inside One Day For those who were interested in learning about prison ministry, or learning more, the One Day this past March 26th provided a great opportunity. It presented the aspects of taking Celebrate Recovery into prisons and jails with status reports, testimonials, photo and video presentations, and goals for the future.
The one day was started with worship performed by the Pleasant Valley Worship band with Jackie, Chantell, John, and Mason. The hearts and minds of the participants were opened up to receive the words that were spoken throughout the conference. In so many ways worship is the expression of our relationship with GOD. Joe McConkey, Pastor of Pleasant Valley Church in Winona MN, welcomed everyone and prayed. Joe is the Ministry leader for the Friday night CR at Pleasant Valley. He has helped start additional Celebrate Recovery’s around the Winona area and serves faithfully as a mentor/role model teacher and friend for all the CR Leaders. After worship and introductions Hector Lozano, the National CR Inside Director, addressed the group and presented “How to establish CR Inside”. This session focused on the Celebrate Recovery Inside ministry and starting one inside a jail/prison facility. Hector provided the basics on curriculum, format and application depending on short-term versus long-term incarceration periods. This session reviewed all the resources for starting CR Inside. The first testimony was from Steve. Steve has really developed a great CR program in his 12 step walk. Steve is currently serving on the CR T.E.A.M as the apprentice Trainer. Steve has helped several other Celebrate Recovery’s start step groups and encourages participation by Sponsoring and being an accountability partner. Steve is always setting an example of how a man who walks with Jesus Christ acts. After break and 2 more songs of worship, the second presentation “Incarceration to community” was given by Minnesota State CR Inside Representative Ashley Gorka. This session focused on the fundamental transitional elements of mentoring, support, guidance and accountability prior to and following release of the incarcerated individual. We will stress the importance of seeking out available public and community support services and highlight the different rules of engagement from inside to the community. The second testimony was from Mathew. He was so scared and nervous to share his story. He said that getting up there on stage was the scariest thing he had ever gone through. According to Mathew giving his testimony was the best thing he has done to “grow” through his situation. After the long applause following Mathews testimony Warren Green from Fresh Start of Winona presented. Fresh Start is a ministry in Winona County that provides housing, food, clothing, furniture, transportation, job search, CR and church participation to those individuals getting out of incarceration and trying to transition back into the community. Currently Fresh start is housing and helping 20 individuals with their transition. Warren also goes into the jail weekly and helps prepare the individuals for some of the obstacles that arise from being released from incarceration. The third testimony was from Andy. His story is much like all the early 20 something’s could relate too. Bad decisions made so early in life and now living with the consequences of having it on his permanent record. A daily reminder that no matter how much GOD forgives the judicial system cannot and he will always be a red dot on someone’s computer screen. After our lunch break and 2 more incredible worship songs Jerry Obigelo the Winona County Jail Administrator spoke about the obstacles and difficulties anyone would face when trying to start a ministry on the “inside”. Jerry’s presentation was probably the best one for practical application of starting a CR Inside. A special thanks goes out to Jerry for taking the time to share with us all his valuable time and resources. Great job Jerry! The fourth and last testimony was from Donnie. This man is GOD’s power being perfected. Donnie’s testimony is the most powerful story of a man’s changed life with the help of other men. Several time in Donnie’s story you could have heard a pin drop while he paused to gather together his emotions and continue to tell us his story. At the end there was not a single dry eye in the room. The Winona MN one day event was closed by the worship band singing their version of “Lean on Me”. This could not have been a more appropriate song for how this CR Inside ministry “leans on” everyone who participates for their help. For as Ecclesiastes 4:9 reads Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Please visit our testimonies page. |
