the truth WILL SET YOU FREE

On Nov. 7, at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, more than 700 people gathered to hear stories of redemption from members of our community who are returning after time spent in the Cass County Jail.

the audience included jailers, judges, attorneys, pastors, law enforcement officers and their guests. Importantly, the volunteers and donors who support the Jail Chaplains ministry came to listen to stories from people whose lives were affected by the faith-based programs it delivers in the jail and in the community.

Eighty returning citizens joined the group for an evening of celebration, thankfulness and praise for redemption. We heard the story of Miki who spent 19 years abusing alcohol and drugs and was sentenced to six years in federal prison. Her two daughters were adopted by a local family, and Miki didn't know if she would ever see them again. Knowing this was the best course for her children, she embraced the situation and prayed for the health and safety of her daughters' new family.

Through Miki's story the audience learned how God can repurpose lives to become productive members of our community and how Jail Chaplains guided Miki to her new life. Stage guests shared how they were involved in giving Miki a second chance with employment, housing and mentoring while dozens more stood when the question was asked who had been in Miki's life in the last two years. The visual was a stunning reminder of the effort it takes to support a healthy re-entry into our society.

Jail Chaplains is thankful to their neighbors for embracing Miki and to the family who adopted her daughters. Through her tears, Katie, the adoptive mom, said via video, "Jail Chaplains not only helped Miki but our family as well. As we watched her being supported and making good choices, we were comfortable to invite her more into our lives, and so our family has also been positively impacted."

While they celebrate their successes, Jail Chaplains is also investing resources to help launch the Living Free community program. Living Free is a faith-based, small group model designed to guide lay people to help others overcome life-controlling problems. Living Free will equip local churches to answer the pleas from law enforcement and the Blue Ribbon Commission on Addiction. Jail Chaplains is taking the lead in applying a coordinator to work with churches throughout the community. They’ll provide training and information based on experiences with leading people to better lives.

If You Are Interested In More

information, please visit jailchaplains.com. We appreciate your prayers and support!

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