October 2024 Alpha Prison Ministries Newsletter
“I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:36)
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Impact Night 2024 – One Year for Dave
Dave Klooster joined us as our new Executive Director last October making this year’s Impact Night a full year since we included his official introduction coupled with a tribute to Leon after more than 23 years of faithful service in that role. Now we get to commemorate Dave completing his first year and I’m sure he’ll have some great highlights to share with us.
As you’ll see also included in this newsletter, Leon is still very active in the ministry and sent me a picture with four former Alpha House residents who are doing quite well years after we helped them successfully transition back to society upon their release from prison. This is just part of the “impact” we celebrate each year.
We have plenty to share with you at our newest location we noted in recent newsletters. Join us November 11, yes, it’s a double celebration also being Veteran’s Day. If you haven’t yet sent an RSVP, please call or email that right away.
Impact Night is at Christ Church, 6pm (dinner at 6:30)
2500 Breton SE • Grand Rapids (signs will be posted)
Inmate Mario Overcoming His Past
My spiritual walk has been the best path I’ve ever taken. It amazes me some times when I look back and realize the progress God has allowed me to make. All the glory goes to him for walking with me through my worst and my best. God is real and he has shown me personally.
Since I came to prison I knew I had to change, that part was clear. I didn’t have the direction nor did I have wisdom or knowledge to begin this journey. I was in jail and opened up my Bible and began reading it, and I found all the difficult situations people have overcome from their faith. I knew from that moment God would help me get through mine as long as I followed his word.
One verse that has really stuck with me this whole time and is my favorite, which is Romans chapter 8 verse 28:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Such a powerful statement and one that has me so blessed that he choose me to be apart of “his purpose.”
My way I was living my life wasn’t working and was going to lead me to death or in prison for life. I knew I had to make a choice of living for God and also my family, or give up my life to the dark part of me and self destruction.
All I needed to do was be free of all the emotional turmoil that I caused and resentment I held from my up bringing. I needed someone to understand and be there in a place that makes you feel alone and depressed. I felt sad and angry that I let my family down and ashamed of how I let myself come to this point.
God gave me the strength to change my way of thinking and start a new path to righteousness. He gave me another chance at life and making a positive impact of those people around me. He has always been here for me even in my darkest time, I was just to blind to see his presence. I pray every night and thank him for his blessings for my family and myself.
He has kept me focused and has giving me the courage to pursue different paths to lead me to his purpose. I have completed Violence Prevention Program (VPP) and did so well that now I’m a tutor in the program. I also teach a class called Emotions Anonymous which I use to attend. I also run a group that let’s me help other inmates with homework and assignments in VPP. I’m about to complete my next program that I need to go home. which is Phase 2 and have done a great job in that program also.
I’m doing everything possible to make myself successful and make it out of prison. I don’t get involved in any negative situations or let people drag me back to my old self. I have the power to make positive choices over my life and God has the power to bless me with these options. I am so honored and grateful that the right people have come into my life to help me with my change and keep me focused.
Mario
Inmate Michael Reaches Out for Residency
The 8 years that I’ve been incarcerated I have truly found God and his purpose for my life. I walk by faith and not by sight and I have committed my life to serving his will for me. I am seeking GOD in every decision, I am in need of a support system and housing. I know that having people in your life to help is a necessity. I would love to build a solid foundation and brotherhood with you. I’m always available and willing to do the work.
Leon with Four Alpha House Successes
Here is the photo I mentioned above that Leon shared with me with four former Alpha House residents.
Alpha Prison Ministries’ Finances, January-August 2024
Total $ Income: 62,117.63
Total $ Expense: 74,489.66
Net $ Income: -12,372.03
Unless otherwise noted,
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)
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