A LIFE CHANGED

Sixth Annual Jail Chaplains Dessert Social Celebrates Inmates’ Spiritual Transformations

Here are the cold, hard facts: More than 7,500 men and women pass through the Cass County jail each year. of that number, 97% will return to our community. if nothing changes for these citizens, the result is often another visit to the jail. life becomes a revolving door with no meaning. since 1979, the Jail Chaplains have been working to bring meaning where there was none. “Just as the lord extends grace to each one of us,” explained executive Director elect Gerri leach, “He commands us to reach out to others. the Bible is clear that we need to be helping widows and prisoners. the individuals in Cass County jail are no different than you and i,” she said. “it’s just that they have made bad choices. Given some of their life circumstances, we could have made similar decisions.” the Jail Chaplains, a nonprofit group, is available to visit inmates at Cass County jail seven days a week. they offer spiritual help and hope to the broken and hurt. “Many do not know that Jesus loves them,” said leach. “Most have never had anyone to listen to them, don’t realize that there is nothing we can do that is beyond the forgiveness of Jesus.” Besides Bible study classes and one-on-one time with Jail Chaplain Mike sonju, the group offers knitting and parenting classes. Plans are to add an assistant chaplain assigned to the female population in 2013. another program in the development stages is anger management classes.

“sheriff laney says often that he refuses to warehouse people,” leach continued. “Yes, if they do the crime, they will do the time. But he wants to provide opportunities for inmates to leave jail healthier than when they came in.” it’s the second chance we all hope for at one time or another in our lives. and the Dessert social is an easy way for the community to support such second chances. there will be speeches by local notables, such as nancy schafer, former first lady of north Dakota (who now serves as chairperson of the board for the Jail Chaplains), along with former nDsU basketball coach erv inniger. Former inmate Johnathon Hayes will tell how the Jail Chaplains helped transform his life from meth dealer to Christian, proud and happy father of two.

Carol Kent, a nationally known speaker, will talk about the spiritual work she and her family needed to do after her son murdered his wife’s ex-husband—and how his life has been transformed and redeemed while incarcerated. Come and enjoy a sweet, delectable treat (upscale desserts including cheesecakes, mousses and plenty of chocolate) and celebrate the lives that the Jail Chaplains have helped change.

If You Go

Jail Chaplains Dessert social tuesday, october 30, 2012

(Please note that this date has been changed from original date in november)

Holiday inn

3803 13th avenue south Fargo, north Dakota 5:30 – 8:30 pm t ickets are $15 and can be purchased online (www. jailchaplains.com) or all of the Hornbachers locations in Fargo & Moorhead from october 1-26.