Systems
I am a huge fan of systems. I believe God is also. He designed the human body to operate on several, and everything from birds, trees, animals, planets—anything and everything, it seems, runs on some form of system.
Many years ago, I traveled to the Czech Republic for a ministry project. I don’t remember all the stops we had along the way, but I do remember that in one of the airports there were long lines, confusion, and unnecessary delays. They had a system in place for ticketing, dropping off baggage, security, and boarding, but it wasn’t working. What stood out to me was how all that was needed was a few adjustments here and there, and most of the problems would have been eliminated.
When we started this ministry fourteen years ago, I had no clue, no plan, and no system. The only clarity I did have was that I was supposed to do something with people in prison. The dominating thought in my mind was I must get started and then see where God will lead me. I knew I would eventually need a system, but in the beginning, God wanted me to move forward without one.
It has been a slow process developing the right system to get us where we are today. One of the primary reasons has been the learning curve I needed to go through. Almost everything I’ve ever learned has come about by experience. As crazy as it may sound, for me to know how to relate and understand what it is like to be in prison, I needed to go to prison. For me to know how to deal with the challenges of losing everything, I needed to lose everything. For me to know how to start over with nothing, I needed to have to start over with nothing. For me to know how to deal with overwhelming debt, I needed to have overwhelming debt. I think you get the picture.
There is a truth that has carried me through my most difficult times of doubt: God will never give up on me. And I believe it is the same with everyone else. I believe every person who is in prison can have a genuine and personal relationship with God, regardless of their past. I believe that every person coming out of prison can make it on the outside if they put their trust in God. I believe that God has a plan and a purpose for every person regardless of their present location or circumstance. Since I believe there is hope for all, I believe we, as a ministry, need to let people know that God has a plan for them, and that we are here to walk beside them as they discover it and see it come to pass.
The following is the system we’ve developed. It is a great system. God inspired it. Here are the steps.
1. Making a Connection — A means to come in contact with those who want to follow Christ and fulfill His plan for them.
ïPlain Vanilla Wrapper — this is about my journey with God. It connects us with those who read it. We give thousands of these books to inmates for free. It inspires hope because they see how God has worked in my life despite my mistakes.
2. Extending an Invitation — A means to establish trust and encouragement between our ministry and them.
ïThe Lessons for Life Course — 24 Lessons to prepare them for success while in prison and after their release. This course is available through correspondence or a live class with volunteers. It allows them to have a lifeline with people who care about them and are here for them for the rest of their lives.
3. Establishing a Relationship— Maintaining that connection over time.
4. Continuing Education — After their release from prison, offering friendship, life-coaching, and discipleship through the local church and small groups.
5. Giving Back — Volunteering to help where they can within our system and where they can be of help within their community.
A recent example is Bob. Bob visited our church several months ago while he was in Community Corrections. (This is a place of transition after prison or jail where inmates are incarcerated at a facility but have a job and other allowances). Bob became a regular. He started inviting others. Though limited because of his circumstances, Bob was always eager to help and be an encouragement to others. During this timeframe, we had a serious water damage issue at the church. Bob has over forty years’ experience in construction. He essentially took over the project, volunteered his help, and not only saved the church a considerable amount of money, but also did an excellent job.
Because of the current COVID-19 situation, he and several others were released early from Community Corrections. Many of those released have nowhere to go and no money, but because Bob had already been connected with us, God used someone in our church to provide him a temporary place to live and transportation.
This wasn’t organized and managed by the church. This all took place because someone who attends our church got to know Bob over the past several months, and God worked in their hearts to help.
The system worked. A connection was made. An invitation was extended. A relationship was established. The relationship was maintained by staying engaged and showing up. Friendships were developed. And when the surprising challenges came along, so did the friends.
I met with Bob this past week at the church. We have some new construction problems that will need professional attention. I showed Bob the problems. He just smiled and said, “Don’t worry about a thing, Gary, I’ve got a system for this.”
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Susan and I are praying that all is well with you in these difficult times. We appreciate your prayers, encouragement, and support. The opportunities in the mission field of prisons are seemingly endless, and the ideas, systems, and favor the Lord is giving us is very humbling. It is a joy to see Him at work and to be in partnership with all of you as we steadily and faithfully stay the course. God bless you!
Gary and Susan Skinner
Gifts to Lessons for Life Ministries
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