Safer Communities Ministry has the basic conviction that through Christ, all things are possible. We are not a part of the mainstream, in the sense that we work with the fringes. God has taken note of the wayward, the drug abusers, the incarcerated, those that many in society would rather ignore, and has carved out a ministry aimed at bringing Hope and lasting change to their lives and the lives of their families.

The Word tells us very clearly that God ‘foreknew’ each one of us, fully, inside and out. He knew of our good moments, as well as our most shameful ones, and yet, as only God can do, He has chosen to love us anyway. With the totality of our lives in full view, Christ became our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), all of it, so that those who will hear, believe, and respond, will become the very righteousness of God.

This includes the addict, the thief, the murderer and the ‘teller of little white lies’. No one is excluded from God’s offer. Having received it, we become ‘new creations’, God’s Own children, and live life in a very different manner. Families are reunited. Wounds are mended. There is the sweet aroma of ‘forgiveness and reconciliation’ where before, there was bitterness and resentment.

There is a privilege not many are able to witness. There is a moment when you can almost see the ‘Light’ come on as the first rays of belief enter the most rebellious heart. The hard shell that has encased so many souls fall away as the Hope of Life enters into the darkness. Families, and communities, are put on a different course. Children have a hopeful future. Spouses are loved and nurtured. Neighbors are cared for. Jesus said, “apart from Me, you can do nothing.” Thankfully, He is with us every step of the way.

‘Redemption’. Is there a more hope-filled word in all the English language?

Written by Ernie Walters, Chaplain/Life Skills Instructor-Stanly County Jail

Prayer changes lives

Hey friends—I am happy to report that that there were fewer people in the block because several have gone on to rehab!!! That is such an answer to prayer. The support of rehab is their best chance to walking into a new and better life! -Nancy-SCM UC Jail Volunteer

 Prayer Requests from Our Clients

MB – my court date is 8/17. I am trying to be prepared to go to rehab on that day. Please pray for my attorney and my probation officer to be in agreement with this. Also that my charges get dropped and I can just go to rehab on my own. Please pray for my mom. She hasn’t been feeling well and we do not know what is wrong yet.

 KC – LORD, please send movement in my case. On August 5th I will have been here 2 years. I don’t know what’s going on or what is going to happen. I trust Your will. Protect R and E. Send Godly people to share your love with them. Let your Holy Spirit open up SG’s heart—help her want to believe in and trust in you. I Love You. In Jesus’ name. AMEN

 SG – Please let my grandmother feel better. Let my lawyer V reply and get me into rehab. Let things work out with J. let him email me back so I won’t worry about him. Let my momma be safe in Texas.

 ED – please pray for: my mom C’s cancer to get better. My kids T and N. for N to obey my mother. He has been disobedient with her. Just pray he listens to her. My court date is Sept. 2nd. I hope to go home to my kids. Also praying for a rehab placement in Dove’s Nest.

 KR – Please pray for: My brother R having to be helper to my sister’s dog breeding company while working 2 jobs and going to school. For my babies B and O as they start the school year. For my jurors and DA, lawyer, judge and for a not guilty verdict in my case. For B, E, S, and E and for comfort for all my ladies in here. AMEN

Ms. Diane often hears from ladies after they are settled in rehab and it is so encouraging to hear how well they are doing. She is offering praise for those that have been placed in rehab and asks your prayers for more of our ladies the get accepted into rehab rather than being sent to prison.

 Thank you friends – your prayer work wonders and are greatly appreciated. I’m pretty sure they make God smile!!!!