Comments on: Everyone Needs a Second Chance http://lifeinfocusgroup.com/everyone-needs-a-second-chance “Unlocking life's pathways with education and training.” Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:11:22 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Ed Snyder http://lifeinfocusgroup.com/everyone-needs-a-second-chance/comment-page-1#comment-165 Ed Snyder Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:58:47 +0000 http://lifeinfocusgroup.com/?p=190#comment-165 Bro. Dan: Thank you for your comments and kind words. WHat you said is so true. We have to feel needed and accepted in our surroundings to be able to prevent relapse. Allow me to encourage you in your studies in the field of addictions. With your experience and the education that you are getting you can really make a difference in your area. Keep the passion! ERS Bro. Dan: Thank you for your comments and kind words. WHat you said is so true. We have to feel needed and accepted in our surroundings to be able to prevent relapse.

Allow me to encourage you in your studies in the field of addictions. With your experience and the education that you are getting you can really make a difference in your area.

Keep the passion!

ERS

]]> By: Bro Dan http://lifeinfocusgroup.com/everyone-needs-a-second-chance/comment-page-1#comment-163 Bro Dan Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:41:00 +0000 http://lifeinfocusgroup.com/?p=190#comment-163 I have this to offer: As an ex prisoner the single biggest social issue is the feeling of being judged, and /or disconnected from the community. It is critical that the prisoner have a support base upon re-entry, and one that actually makes that person feel wanted, and valuable. These are needs that are true for everyone, but for the prisoner the feeling of being judged and not good enough can be overwhelming. When a prisoner feels that they offer a valuable contribution to the church, community, social circle, etc. they are more less likely to return to the old habits. Secondarily, it is important to build a relationship with that person to the degree that they know that they have mentors and counselors to turn to for whatever mistakes have been made. It must also be taken into account that in prison the rules of life are different. Survival instincts are finely honed and there is a noticeable effect on that persons psychology. As members of the church we have to help them transition back into the community, helping them to become more of a giver than a taker. Bottom line, we must love them even as God has loved us. We NEED them because they have highly valuable experiences to share in a recovery environment. Experiences that would help other ex-offenders become rooted, and loving saints that are of tremendous benefit to our communities. I hope my perspective has helped. Be blessed in Jesus name for the work you pursue in the body of Christ. Bro Dan Boise Idaho I have this to offer: As an ex prisoner the single biggest social issue is the feeling of being judged, and /or disconnected from the community. It is critical that the prisoner have a support base upon re-entry, and one that actually makes that person feel wanted, and valuable. These are needs that are true for everyone, but for the prisoner the feeling of being judged and not good enough can be overwhelming. When a prisoner feels that they offer a valuable contribution to the church, community, social circle, etc. they are more less likely to return to the old habits.

Secondarily, it is important to build a relationship with that person to the degree that they know that they have mentors and counselors to turn to for whatever mistakes have been made. It must also be taken into account that in prison the rules of life are different. Survival instincts are finely honed and there is a noticeable effect on that persons psychology. As members of the church we have to help them transition back into the community, helping them to become more of a giver than a taker.

Bottom line, we must love them even as God has loved us. We NEED them because they have highly valuable experiences to share in a recovery environment. Experiences that would help other ex-offenders become rooted, and loving saints that are of tremendous benefit to our communities.

I hope my perspective has helped. Be blessed in Jesus name for the work you pursue in the body of Christ.

Bro Dan
Boise Idaho

]]> By: Bro Dan http://lifeinfocusgroup.com/everyone-needs-a-second-chance/comment-page-1#comment-162 Bro Dan Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:41:21 +0000 http://lifeinfocusgroup.com/?p=190#comment-162 As an ex-con headed into ministry I can appreciate such a program. In the Idaho we have very little in the way of such services. Currently I am looking at attending a local college for addiction studies. In the end it is my desire, with my pastors approval to bring the A.C.T.S. program and others to the local churches, increasing the ministry offerings in our community and in the Lords work. Praise God for such men and women with these burdens and the ability to see those burdens to fruition. Bro Dan Boise Idaho As an ex-con headed into ministry I can appreciate such a program. In the Idaho we have very little in the way of such services. Currently I am looking at attending a local college for addiction studies. In the end it is my desire, with my pastors approval to bring the A.C.T.S. program and others to the local churches, increasing the ministry offerings in our community and in the Lords work.

Praise God for such men and women with these burdens and the ability to see those burdens to fruition.

Bro Dan
Boise Idaho

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