With the changes in the State of Ohio's budget, we have had to place this ministry "on hold" since the external community service program has been discontinued. Please join us in prayer for a new way to reach out or for the program to be reinstated. Thank you!
The Epworth Center's prison ministry is an area where we really have gone "outside the box." Instead of visiting the prison, we have brought some of the prison to us. We have a good working relationship with a local correctional institution and throughout the year, inmates come to work on the grounds, lodge, and cabins.
At Easter and Christmas, the Epworth Center hosts luncheons for the inmates and staff. At Easter, the men color eggs and enjoy a delicious meal. At Christmas, they decorate a tree, sing carols and enjoy a meal. Devotionals are available for the men to take at both events.
We have been fortunate to witness God at work through this ministry. In fact, we have actually prayed with one of the men as he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. We have heard stories of how the kindness shown has made an impact, and how our Christmas luncheons are one of the best they've ever had.
This ministry is a great way to put scripture into action: Matthew 25 - 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’