Prison Ministry

Wisconsin:

With much prayer, Tecate Mission International opened a new era of ministry in 2004 - prison ministry.

The goal is to give Latino offenders the opportunity to hear and respond to the message of salvation through Jesus in their own language.  They need to be restored to God, their families and communities.

This ministry into Wisconsin correctional institutions uses TEE (Theological Education by Extension) Bible study materials.  Serving the Lord together, TMI members Carl and Kathy Olson, lead weekly Bible studies in Spanish to bring hope to the men at Dodge Correctional and Colombia Correctional, as well as to the women at the maximum security facility of Taycheedah Correctional.

Because all Wisconsin male prisoners come first to Dodge Correctional for assessment and evaluation before being sent to other facilities to serve their sentences, there is a unique opportunity to present the Gospel there.  The Word of God has been shared with several thousand inmates over the years, many with the challenges of coming from difficult backgrounds and of having been in prison before.  Ministry through music has also reached into the hearts of prisoners, stirring them to worship the Lord who saved them.

God receives all the glory for the many who have trusted Christ as a result, and are in the process of learning their identity in Christ and how to live a victorious Christian life in the prison environment.

One-on-one discipleship and pastoral visits were begun in about 30 state prisons and county jails, with the plan of staying in contact with inmates who are serious about growing in Christ.  Other ministry includes leading Spanish and English worship services, offering prisoners Bible correspondence courses, writing letters to encourage inmates, and connecting inmates with pen pals on the outside.

Networking with other ministries has proved beneficial, especially for those involved in mentoring and providing resources to the newly released, in an effort to equip them for making a successful transition to society, thus lowering the rate of recidivism (return to prison).

Your partnership is needed to pray that mature Christian volunteers be called of God to be trained to work with both Spanish and English inmates.  Is God calling YOU to have a part in this fulfilling ministry?  Please contact TMI for more info.

Together we can achieve more for the Lord!

San Diego Area:

Breaking Chains Ministries

Targets prisoners in many US prisons through Bible Correspondence courses. The inmates can study the Word of God and receive a certificate of completion which many see as a great sense of achievement.

R. J. Donavan State Prison
TMI staff member, Pablo Rodriguez is the worship leader. Through great favor from the Lord and the administrative staff he is able to hold practices on Wednesdays for a worship team of 12 inmates. This team then leads worship on Sundays for all three protestant services.