The church's Prison Ministry Teams are currently meeting with fifteen men in the TDCJ Neal Unit on Tuesday evenings and with twenty-one men in the Clements Unit on Wednesday evenings. Our teams are excited to have another opportunity to lead two new groups of men through the Quest for Authentic Manhood program. Please provide your church's volunteers (Jon Mark Beilue, Tom Foran, Larry Heimsoth, Jim Preston, David Rieff, and Eric Wolfram) with consistent prayer support, that God will honor their efforts to positively impact lives in a very stressful environment.
First Baptist Church has a weekly presence in both TDCJ prison units in Amarillo. Those units house approximately 5,000 men and they represent a significant mission opportunity for the church; currently there is a great need for new volunteers in this area of our church ministry.
Men's Fraternity: The Quest for Authentic Manhood
As an aid to strengthen their walk with Christ, the Prison Ministry offers this twenty-four week course. Through weekly DVD presentations, small-group discussions, and workbook assignments, class participants receive instruction in the following four-part definition of authentic manhood:
• Reject Passivity
• Accept Responsibility
• Lead Courageously
• Expect God's Reward
The Goal of receiving a course certificate is reached by turning in a written, personal Manhood Plan which forces them to take a serious look at their past, present and future.
Comments from the Incarcerated:
"Agape love is unconditional love, but it's also love in action. In this the First Baptist Church of Amarillo has succeeded greatly and, again, I want to thank you."
"I am not too sure about the others, but I felt good being treated like a person. That by itself was a blessing, being treated like a man amongst men."
"You all shared your lives, time, and love with us - a bunch of prisoners thought to be nothing. You showed us it is okay to cry, laugh, share personal stories, and be Christian men. Please let your congregation know how successful the program is and our hunger for Christ and examples of men who want to share their personal experiences with Christ."
"Thank you for helping me see life through new eyes."
For more information regarding this area of the church's ministry, please contact Tom Foran at (806) 373-2891, x252