The two major thrusts of Abe Brown Ministries, Inc. consist of activities within penal institutions,
Inside the Walls, and preventive outreach activities,
Outside the Walls. The elements of each are
outlined below:

INSIDE THE WALLS

Crusades
Requires are all day on Saturdays; performed outside underneath a tent or pavilion. These are conducted with sometimes two prisons in one day (as locations permit). A crusade requires a large truck, tents, and seating (owned by Abe Brown Ministries, Inc.). The State allows the Ministry to erect the tent on Friday. Services, similar to church revival services, are held. Follow-up is made through written communication each week for five weeks to those making a profession of faith. A local church along with the chaplainry services at the respective institution facilitates the continuing Bible Study.
 

Local churches unite with the Ministry to financially sponsor crusades.  This provide additional opportunity to open the prison doors for  additional prisons and for  counselors and participants, along with Abe Brown Ministries, to serve the inmates.

Chapel Services
A regular contingent of choir members, counselors, and persons giving testimonies (usually ex-offenders) is maintained for this program. The Chapel Service is conducted much like a church service, including singing, special music, a sermon, and invitation to Christ. Follow-up is made through written communication each week for five weeks to those making a profession of faith. A local church along with the chaplainry services at the respective institution facilitates the continuing Bible Study.

Bible Study
The study is based on THE CHRISTIAN LIFE NEW TESTAMENT. A Bible is given to each participant at the first Bible Study attended after a profession of faith in Christ. A local church along with the chaplainry services at the respective institution facilitates the continuing Bible Study.

Family Restoration
Family preservation is a must for rehabilitation. The Ministry provides transportation to correctional facilities on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Visitation is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Ministry takes clients to the prison and picks them up for return. This is open to all interested persons. The charge is a nominal $20.00 (short trips) or $20.00 (long trips) roundtrip donation. Lack of funds will not interfere with visiting. (See Calendar.)

OUTSIDE THE WALLS

Transitional Living Program
While ministering inside the walls, rapport is  developed between individual counselors and the inmates. The counselors become the key to successful re-entry for that individual.

The Transitional Living Program (TLP) of Abe Brown Ministries is a 12-month program established to provide the ex-offender with a safe residence, afford him the opportunity to attain employment, assist him in re-acclimating to society, and disciple him in living accountably and productive in the mainstream of life.

Abe Brown Ministries realizes that you can't motivate non-motivated people.  However, we believe the Ministry can create an environment where ex-offenders who are motivated and committed to changing their lives can do so.

Abe Brown Ministries seeks to build upon and enhance the motivations of ex-offenders accepted into the program based upon its commitment to changing lives and communities, one person at a time.

• Pre-release visit with the potential participant, when possible. There is no guarantee of acceptance prior to an interview with the participant.  If there are no  counselors available in a town, the Ministry works through pastors to recruit and train competent and dedicated people.
• Counselor will canvas congregation(s) for clothing, work, and church activities to help client following release. 
• Meet client on day of release, or pick him up at the prison.
• Do everything possible to restore broken family relationships for client.
• Supervise his/her attendance at Bible Study and Church for one year. Report monthly to the Crusade (both client and counselor) about activities.
• Help him find gainful employment.
• Help him stay in the right environment - i.e. befriend him; help him to find new friends.
• Help him to meet all probation/parole requirements.

Youth Outreach
This Ministry is intended to meet the needs of incorrigible youngsters (ages 10-18) who have been identified as pre-prison candidates. Referrals are made by parents, School Deans, or based on observed behavior for counseling.  Youth are ministered to at the W.T. Edwards Detention Center, Orient Road Jail and Falkenburg Road Jail facilities. 

Outside the Walls, this program is conducted on an “as needed” basis. Parents must bring children to the initial meeting. Counseling is based on Bible Study, prayer, and Christian principles.

Food Bank
Abe Brown Ministries, Inc. operates a food bank that is staffed strictly by volunteers. Bible Study is held prior to distribution of the food. Recipients are pre-qualified through both Abe Brown Ministries’ criteria and USDA Standards. 

Need a Tent?
Contact Abe Brown Ministries

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