Encouragement

---

Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday September 28, 2005

I just finished reading an insightful article from The News Advance, a local paper in Lynchburg, Va. I read the Internet version. The article, by Margaret Goerig, deals with the plight of men and women attempting to successfully re-enter society after a stint in prison.

Barbara Lafleur, has been teaching classes designed to help the soon to be released understand what they are up against upon re-entry. Barbara has been doing this for the last five years. She says:

"Inmates need more than 'good upstanding citizens' saying "I'm here to help." Ex-offenders are in debt. They need jobs, transportation and housing. They don't have time to go to support group meetings and talk about their feelings."

Barb's group has outlined a program that seems like a very good one. They are trying to get all the churches in Lynchburg to accept a part in making the program work. As Garry Sims, director of Hope Aglow Ministries said, "My history tells me that anybody who spends several years planning something is not going to do anything."

Garry, please constrain your enthusiasm!

And churches accept some responsibility? Surely you jest.

Ed Parrish, a pastor explained that it is important for churches to become transitional communities for people coming out of incarceration as people coming out need a different environment than the one they were in prior to incarceration. Congregations must be willing to accept them in their parish. He said, "That's what it comes down to. What are the feelings here? Whey they come into that room, they are the long tailed cats in a room full of rocking chairs."

Garry Sims agrees, but doubts that most churches will step up to the pulpit. He says, "Do you know why most churches aren't involved in prison ministry? Because they are afraid when they get out, they'll come to church."

I often remark that sinners are the same as they have been since creation. Certainly, Christ has not changed. We know He forgave and accepted a terrible sinner while He was in His passion on the cross. In too many cases, the people of Christ are nothing like Him. We can and will accept acceptable sinners into our midst as long as the sin was a nice one.

So, how do you feel about the unlovely, those who admittedly have blown it? Any hope for them? From the Lord? From you? From the church? Do you think Mr. Enthusiasm, Garry Sims is on target? Hopefully not, but probably so.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2005 Use with credit.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE