USA (MNN) — Yesterday, we shared about a thriving prison ministry partnership between Chase Oaks Church in Texas and Crossroads Prison Ministries. Spanish-speaking mentors from Chase Oaks are meeting a crucial need by writing letters with prisoners through Crossroads Bible studies.
Pastor Hiram Vega of Chase Oaks Church explains, “When people hear about going into prison or prison ministry, they think, ‘Oh, it may take a lot of time.’ Or ‘I cannot travel…. How do I get into a prison?’ Fears combined with ignorance, it’s a lot of trouble.
“But in this case…anybody could do it because anybody who is a Christian who knows how to read and write could be a mentor. I was excited about the possibility of opening up something that my church could do, and we could serve, at the same time, our community — which is Latinos or Spanish-speaking people.”
Crossroads often faces a shortage of Spanish-speaking mentors. They currently have a 4.5-week backlog of Bible studies from Spanish-speaking prisoners waiting for a letter from a mentor.
One-year celebration of prison ministry partnership between Crossroads and Chase Oaks Church. (Photo courtesy of Pastor Hiram Vega)
Pastor Vega urges more Christians, especially Spanish speakers, to become mentors with Crossroads and experience the mutual blessing of prison ministry.
“From the mentor’s perspective, the Bible says it’s better to give than to receive. So whenever they give encouragement, they get encouraged back!”
What about you? Is God calling you to write letters with prisoners and share Christ’s love?
Spanish speakers can learn more about becoming a Crossroads mentor here! For English, click here.
Pastor Vega says, “My encouragement will be the same as [the Bible’s] encouragement: Remember those in prison as if you were in prison alongside them.”
Header photo courtesy of Crossroads Prison Ministries.
