March Newsletter 2011

II Timothy 2:1,2 KJV

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

GREETINGS IN HIS GRACE AND PEACE!

Using our scripture above I have made up a new word: DISCIPLER

A discipler is a disciple who disciples another who will then disciple others.

When I came out of prison in 1980 God had a man named Joe Hill prepared to come alongside me. On the recommendation of my probation officer he met weekly with me.

This brother and several others contributed greatly to my successful transition from incarceration back into society. God had men discipling me while they also encouraged me to disciple others – “..and the things thou hast heard..” commit thou to faithful men..”

About six months ago I shared in this letter about Joe White’s book, “One 2 Won,” which is being used by Christian men all across the country in Paul to Timothy relationships.

Praise God we have six men ready to start meeting weekly around the Word of God. Remember, “Iron sharpens Iron,” so believer sharpens believer. We are praying about creating similar teachings for women using the relationship between Ruth and Naomi in the Bible.  We are looking for Godly women who will help write some chapters in this endeavor. Will you pray about that? Are you aware of any materials which would assist us?

Have you registered for the banquet yet?

-It is May 7th at First Baptist Church of Indian Trail from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. You will want to hear Randy Shankle. You will want to worship in song with Living Proof.

And, you will want to hear the dynamic testimonies from Chris and Dan about their One 2 Won relationship. We will also have testimonies from family members who have been through the struggle accompanying a loved one in addictions.

Invite someone you know who has a close relative or friend struggling with addictions. Our Addiction Recovery Ministry members are ready to help. Find out more about ARM and One 2 Won at the banquet while you enjoy a first class meal and program.

Sponsors are the backbone of a successful ministry. Please pray about sponsoring a table for $l60.00. You fill it or we will. Individual tickets are $20.00.

We love you and are so grateful to serve with you in His Kingdom.

In Christ,
Al

YOUR PAST DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE

TWENTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET
Call today for reservations – 704.283.3573 or visit http://www.mysafercommunities.org/ to register
** M A R K Y O UR C A L E N D A R S **

On Saturday, May 7, 2011, at 6 pm, we will have our Twenty-Sixth Anniversary Banquet at the First Baptist Church of Indian Trail. The church is located at 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road. Our keynote speaker will be Reverend Randy Shankle, pastor, evangelist, former police officer and author.

When you experience the dynamic and inspiring message, it will be clear that the hand of God is on the work and the man.

Living Proof will be with us as well. They are an anointed, eleven member, music ministry led by Robby Heath. They travel with us conducting New Life Crusade weekend events four times per year. He has written a song entitled “He’s Somebody’s Son,” that will bless your hearts.

Doors will be open at 5:30 pm and the dinner will begin promptly at 6 pm.

We are asking businesses and/or individuals to sponsor tables for the banquet to help offset the cost of the banquet and allow ex-offenders, chaplains, law enforcement officers, etc., to be our guests at no charge. Each table will seat eight guests of your choice. If you do not wish to fill the table , let us know and we will be happy to fill the table for you. Corporate and individual sponsors will be recognized at the banquet.

Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor Bronze Sponsor Table Sponsor Individual

$1500 - $1000 - $500 - $250 - $160 - $20

Come and meet those who have been changed by the gospel. Their transformed lives (Romans 12: 1,2) are an exciting testimony to the power of God’s Word behind bars. Buy a table and bring some friends to the banquet. We are looking forward to a great night of fun, fellowship, and an inspiring word from Reverend Shankle.

In Christ,

Al

A WORD ABOUT SPONSORSHIP: When you sponsor tables and allow us to fill them, it means I get to invite, free of charge, inmates who are out on pass, ex-offenders and their wives and others, who are in halfway houses and cannot afford an elegant dinner night out. Someone usually gets saved at the banquet. Sponsors also allow us to expose law enforcement officers and public officials to the work of Safer Communities Ministry.

Sponsors are the backbone to a successful event. Please. Pray. Then ask God how He

Wants you to participate and respond as soon as you can to allow us time to fill the tables.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE SPEAKER - RANDY SHANKLE


Randy was raised in the sandhills of North Carolina and grew up as the fifth child of a retired air force career father, who died when Randy was thirteen, forcing him to grow up fast and furious.

When he was twenty one he experienced a life changing relationship when Jesus Christ became the Savior of his soul. In 1979 he was ordained into Christian ministry and has served continuously since then in various positions of leadership and service, including as a pastor, as a national board member for nine years with the International Ministerial Association, and, as a Chaplain for the Fraternal Order of Police, traveling hundreds of thousands of miles in the U. S. and worldwide, preaching the gospel. He has reached as far away as Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Locally, as Pastor of Hope Church in Marshville, N. C., he was employed bi-vocationally as a Police Officer in Union County, serving as Patrol Officer in Marshville, and then as a Public Safety Officer in Monroe, where he eventually headed up a special drug enforcement task force called, POP, (Police on Patrol) created by the former Chief of Police and now Mayor, Bobby Kilgore.

On the streets of Monroe, he became known as the “Preacher Man,” which earned him relationships with not only the citizens but with the drug lords and dealers, as well as those living lives of crime due to their addictions, providing him firsthand experience with those whose lives were being destroyed from the drug culture.

In 2009, a book about his life was published called, “The Protector, The Randy Shankle Story,” which highlighted not only his successful police career, but, ironically, also the haunting true life tragedy of the loss of one of his own children due to the devastating effects of the drug problem in America. The death of Carrie, his daughter, drove home to him in an up close and personal way, the horrors of families in crisis everywhere. Since that dark day in December, 2004, Randy has been on his own journey of healing and restoration from the fallout of suffering and heartbreak within his life and family. He has approached the battle of pain and disillusionment in his own life with a commitment to travel and share his story of faith with those caught in similar situations produced by addictions. He is a seasoned counselor with individuals and families as well as an effective speaker at inner city youth centers, rehabs, churches, conferences and an upcoming segment on Christian television. His story is to be featured on the 700 Club.

His style of ministry is direct, down to earth and infused with humor, which he believes is the medicine to heal our souls when life become unbearable.

Randy and his wife, Patricia, founded Hope Church in 1992 where he is now serving in his twentieth year as a Senior Pastor. They have five children and are now enjoying their eleven grandchildren.Randy is available for meetings if anyone is interested in scheduling him for engagements this year.

NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011

Greetings in His Grace and Peace!

I am celebrating having Sharon Carter in the office these last sixteen months. Her part-time work as Administrative Assistant to Wally and me provide needed service to us. However, as my volunteer Assistant Chaplain and Life Skills for Women teacher, she is being used by God to provide service to every citizen of Union County. Her work contributes greatly to changed lives which produces safer communities for us all. I asked her to give you a report. Now you will know how to pray for her…I love you, Al.
……..
After the busyness of the Christmas season it seems that the Lord has seen fit to bless us by slowing us down a bit with the snow. I don’t think we have seen such a beautiful snow since 1998.

Anyway, as we all reflect on the beauty that we just experienced, let’s not forget The beauty of our relationships and to thank God for each other. You know, we are a unique group of humankind, and, I may say, we are a minority as not a lot of people are willing to go into jails and prisons to take Christ to the masses. Because of that we thank God for you often; for your faithfulness, for your sincerity and for your “grit.” Your “grit” is what God can use the most.

We have had some exciting months here at the jail: The Christmas party for the inmates was held on December 15th. Central Church of God Prison Ministry as well as other volunteers gave life-changing, dynamic testimonies. At the end of the day 65 men and women either gave their lives to Christ or rededicated themselves to a closer walk with Him.

In mid December eight men in E Block came to Christ, and after Christmas twelve women in F Block rededicated themselves afresh and anew to Christ. It was awesome! They are so hungry for the scriptures that I have begun a separate Bible study which occurs thirty minutes before the Life Skills class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. They just can’t get enough and, of course, I could teach the scriptures all day. Below you will find a few excerpts from the women’s class when they had to write a brief paper on how Life Skills and/or the Bible study class has helped them. So that I could get several in I have condensed their words somewhat:

“..I have learned to control my mouth and think before I speak and not to sin in anger. I have also learned how to pick my friends and who to trust. I’ve learned that with God all things are possible and that all the answers I need are in the Bible. I have learned that I do not need drugs to get me through hard times. I have also learned “THE SEVEN THINGS I WANT IN A MAN,” and have made this list for myself so that I can remember to measure a man before I even consider him as a date.”

“..I have learned many things in Life Skills in only four weeks. I have figured out how to find myself. The class has taught me that some things that I thought were important are not and the things I thought not important are. I have learned how to set achievable goals for my life. I have also learned about the way I was living my life the wrong way and it was doing more damage than I thought possible. I have a new outlook on life and actually believe in myself more than before. I have learned to rely on God more instead of other sources.”

“..I must admit that while I loathe being taken out of society, I feel blessed to be accepted into this incredible reentry program. I have an entirely different outlook on life because of this program. I am now excited about my life to come instead of being afraid of it. Ms. Carter has given me hope through Jesus Christ and has taught me to look for the light that is right beside us all of the time.”

“..what I have learned is that I am somebody and I can become a responsible human being. I learned that I don’t have to put drugs in my life. I am learning to grow as a woman and not as a child and that I don’t need to worry about my past but to let it go because it is hindering me from moving on in life. I have learned to forgive those who raped me so that I can be free myself. I have also learned to set goals so that when I get out people will see that I have changed and am doing something with my life, and that, hopefully, I can help addicts like me.”

Well, folks, we have hundreds of testimonies just like these. The Holy Spirit of God comes and joins in every session and takes the lead and we just follow. It is very humbling to know that the Lord has placed you where you are and is using you to bring hope. It is also very sobering because you realize the responsibility and the potential for the lives that you are impacting for HIM.

We are very excited about the statistics for ex-offenders who have seen our specialist, Dan Marshall, in December. Are you ready? Dan saw sixty three (63) ex-offenders in re jobs last month. He is mentoring one man who now has a job and an apartment. They meet weekly for Bible study.

Carold Ownbey, who does the book cart and a Bible study for the ladies’ block on Wednesday evenings has been having great success with her sessions. She leads women to Christ, or to rededication, however the spirit leads. Sometimes they sing together and just have a great time.

Jerry Franklin is doing a wonderful job taking the book cart to C and D blocks. This is a vital ministry that helps keep them occupied, not so hostile and out of trouble. We also have a new gentleman, Al Pace, who takes the book cart to A Block on Saturday mornings. This takes about two hours and a half and great patience. I am also working with the Lt. to get a man to take the cart to B block since they are now on lockdown.

So, please pray for Carold, Jerry, Al, Dan, Wally and me as we all continue to strive to bring Christ to those who are hurting, hungry for love, and hopeless.

Sharon

CRUSADE DATES FOR 2011:

March 4th, 5th, 6th DEADLINE FOR REGISTERING: 2/16/11 http://www.mysafercommunities.org/

June 3rd, 4th, 5th click on events/click on the event for 3/4/11

August 26th, 27th, 28th click on register

December 2nd, 3rd, 4th

To learn more about this ministry go to http://www.mysafercommunities.org/

ANNUAL FUND RAISER

Safer Communities Ministry Presents:

Launch Out Into the Deep!
April 24, 2010 - Saturday - 6:00 PM

First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, Family Life Center

Tickets $20.00 Per Person

To Register: CLICK HERE

Luke 5:4
"... he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets..."

Rev. Al Lewis cordially invites you to his annual fundraiser banquet for Safer Communities Ministry (SCM). Don't miss this night of food, fellowship, music, testimonies, and a casting of the vision, as SCM expands its outreach to include that of the Addiction Recovery Ministry (ARM).

Rev. Lewis (founder of SCM) and John Hurley (founder of ARM) are two men who are "no strangers" to the world of addiction and the broken results brought on by a lifestyle of perpetual sin. Having been set free by the power of God for over 30 years, these men are CALLED, EQUIPPED and DETERMINED to come against the powers of darkness that have created an epidemic of substance abuse in Union, Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. Through divine appointment, their life-long friendship was rekindled, as God reunited these men for His purpose of reaching men and women BEFORE they wound up in prison, divorced, in poverty, or even dead.

As fishers of men, Safer Communities Ministry (in conjunction with ARM) invite you to participate in this exciting expansion as, TOGETHER, we cast a larger and wider net under God's plan to restore broken humanity to Himself.

Please join us as we "Launch Out Into the Deep" for the purpose of creating Safer Communities... empowering men and women to be set free - once and for all - through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Your support is greatly appreciated! In addition to individual tickets, sponsorship donations are available at Platinum ($1500), Gold ($1000), Silver ($500), Bronze ($250), and Table ($160). Check the details at our web event details page.

John 8:36
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

　
Dr. Maurice Henson
Keynote Speaker
Doors open at 5:30 pm and the dinner will begin promptly at 6 pm
Please RSVP by April 16, 2010

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"Our vision is to build safer communities by transforming the lives of prisoners and ex-offenders. Our communities will be much safer when the broken find healing, takers become givers, and tax liabilities become tax payers and law abiding citizens.” -- Rev. Al Lewis Jr.

ENQUIRER-JOURNAL ARTICLE - JANUARY 14, 2010

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I thought you'd be interested in a very positive article on our Life Skills program published by the Enquirer-Journal, front page on January 14, 2010. The article appears below and it can be found online on the Enquirer-Journal web-site. Please pass this on to your friends and contacts whom you think would be interested in some of what Safer Community Ministry does. Visit us online at My Safer Communities, contact our office at 704.283.3573 or email al.lewis@mysafercommunities.org. Thanks and remember that SCM can use your prayer, financial and volunteer support.

Rev. Al Lewis, Executive Director

Enquirer-Journal Article
Life after jail
by Alan Jenkins


MONROE - “How many of you this morning can say that your life has meaning?”

Most people struggle with this question at one point. For the 13 men sitting around two cold metal tables, the answer could mean the difference between a changed set of circumstances or the continued spiraling of a life out of control.

These orange-clad men are inmates at the Union County Jail, and the person asking the question is Wally Gilmer, Life Skills class teacher.“I didn’t have much of a meaning going in, but going out, I’ve got one,” an inmate said.

The class is part of an almost three-decade-long effort by Safer Communities, a group started in Union County to lower the number of men who return to jail after leaving because they committed another crime.

Inmates ask to be part of the seven-week class. If accepted, they join their classmates in a 30-foot room that holds 14 bunk-style beds, two tables and a white board. They remain in that room for seven weeks, leaving only to take outdoor exercise three times a week. During winter’s coldest days, the inmates don’t go outside at all.

In that room, they talk about the process behind making good decisions. They discuss anger management, how to get a job, and how to manage their personal finances.“It’s not just because you’re in here,” Gilmer tells the inmates. “Everybody outside the jail has made stupid, bad decisions.”

The alternative for many of these men could mean a return trip to jail. Nationally, two out of three people who spend time in prison return there, according to the Safer Communities Web site.

The Safer Communities program, founded by the Rev. Al Lewis in 1985 as Covenant Prison Ministries, works to lower that rate. Lewis, an ex-convict himself, created the ministry after working since 1982 to help prisoners try a new way after leaving jail behind.

The program has grown from Lewis’ work in Union and Mecklenburg counties. Today, more than 150 volunteers work with inmates in 18 prisons across the Carolinas. The non-profit agency pays salaries to three part-time and one full-time employee, Lewis said.

Fundraising helps pay those salaries, and for printed publications and books used in the discussions with inmates, Lewis said.

The program’s results are phenomenal, board member Jay Ross said.

“We let them know somebody cares,” Ross said. “That’s the bottom line.”

The work matters to more than just those in the program. Each inmate costs the taxpayers $27,000 per year, Ross said.

There’s a personal boost for those who help the inmates, volunteer Chad Gurley said.

“To me, it’s been fulfilling,” Gurley, who has volunteered for the program the past six years, said. “It helps me just to know that I’m contributing to help someone else.”

The biggest benefit comes to the inmate who doesn’t return to the Union County Jail.

“One convict said this was the best seven weeks of his life,” Gilmer said. “Not of his time in prison. His life.”