Kingsway Prison & Family Outreach

The Reason 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, pray therefore the Lord of harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Kingsway Prison & Family Outreach has been ministering since 1977 as laborers; harvesting prisoners and their families for Christ. Kingsway’s co-founders Shel & Louise Jennings has shown compassion and love to people who have made bad choices throughout their lives. These choices not only effect their own family but society also. The goal of this ministry is to Break the Chains of Incarceration. Each day in the life of Kingsway brings new needs, new challenges and new opportunities in its outreach program to families of inmates and to the ex-offender.

There are success stories and there are disappointments; but all of the ministry is approached in prayer, faith in Jesus Christ, and lifted –up to the glory of God.Letter from a Inmate

Hello my name is Jon ____ and I participated in Kairos at ACC in 2007. The reason for my letter is I want to thank you for always remembering me on my birthday and holidays. I use to take the cards and notes for granted. I have learnt to appreciate them, when my own blood, my own family didn’t send me a card on the holidays, Kingsway did. I use to be hurt when days after my birthday, thanksgiving and Christmas I didn’t receive a card or letter from my family after I had already received one from you. Now I have became numb to the pain and was thankful for what I was getting at the end of the day. Thank you so much. I wanted everyone to know that I appreciate the time and love that the staff takes to make and send cards to me.

With Love and Understanding,

Jon, Inmate at Keen Mt. CC

Excerpts from Note from Inmate

Thank God for all of you, and for your time and dedication you all do for God and thanks for bringing God’s word to us. Your Brother in Christ,

Terry, Inmate ACC

Louise is NOT Retiring

 Being Chaplain for the Women at both Rockingham Harrisonburg & Middle River Regional Jails is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus in a way that I could never do it without it being a part of Kingsway Prison & Family Outreach. These women are not what use to be thought of as rough and ready mean spirited people. Most of them are women just like those you meet every day at work. They have families like you, however they either have never been to church or have been hurt by the church. Those with crime requiring them to go to prison need someone to write to and a second chance at life on the outside. One of my jobs is to find people in the area’s they will be returning to that will write and also welcome them to their church when they finish their sentence. Kingsway calls these people Encouragers or Adopters. The Program is titled “Adopt an Inmate”. Kingsway also has men that write for Pen Pals that also fit in the Adopt an Inmate Program. Can you be an Encourager? Will you take the time to write? Men will write to Men and Women to Women. I’ve had men at the inside Church at Augusta Correctional Center tell me they have been locked up for 10 years some more and have never received a letter or a visit. Some that will never get out. Yes they did the crime and they should do the time, but they are still human and if God has forgiven them we should be able to also. Pray about your participation. You can email me at: kingswayoutreach@hotmail.com for more information.

Kingsway Office Concerns

 Kingsway has many new challenges  ahead. The economy has created a down turn in our contributor base and also an increase in our services. We have requests weekly for food, housing expenses, transportation and help finding jobs. Pray for this ministry so we can continue to reach out in God's Love to inmates and their families.

Why we need help..

 For your information so you can better understand why we need your support. We are receiving more calls for help as more inmates are being released with only $25, a change of clothes and no where to live or work. Their needs and concerns are many. One young man came in looking for ONLINE Services.. He had been in prison for over 10 years and did not understand what was meant when he was requested to apply for a job ONELINE. Another person didn’t know what a cell phone was. Food is something else that is greatly needed. When they have no kitchen to cook in then pop top can foods are needed as well as toiletry items, laundry detergent etc. If we can help them become a productive citizen then they will become a good neighbor. If they are not helped they soon become discouraged and commit another crime, return to prison and we the tax payers, are the loser. Before we can purchase any of these items needed by inmates Kingsway has it own office expenses. Our own office expenses have to be paid monthly; rent, electric, phone, internet, printing and auto expenses. As you can see maintaining an office is expensive. Even though Kingsway's still operates as an all volunteer ministry and on a very tight budget. Please pray about how you can assist on a monthly basis or a one-time gift. Any donation or pledge for our office expenses would greatly be appreciated. If you have questions please call Pat or Louise (540) 433-5658.

Thank You for your support!!