Crossroads Prison Ministries Workshop Now Available!

We hosted a volunteer training workshop for all current Crossroads Prison Ministries mentors and for anyone who is considering becoming a mentor. The training featured Douglas Cupery, Director of Church Mobilization at Crossroads' headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

The training session was recorded and the audio is now available to stream:

https://pkschurch.com/PrisonMinTraining-2019

 The purpose of the workshop was to hear how God is using Parkside mentors to affect the lives of prisoners, to provide training for mentors, to connect more experienced mentors with newer mentors, and to develop a network of fellowship among Parkside Crossroads mentors. 

Crossroads Prison Ministries Workshop 2019

Location: The Venue at Parkside Church
Start Time: Sat 11, May 2019, noon
End Time: Sat 11, May 2019, 3 p.m.

We will host a volunteer training workshop on Saturday, May 11 for all current Crossroads Prison Ministries mentors and for anyone who is considering becoming a mentor. The training will be held in the Venue from 9:00 am-noon with Douglas Cupery, Director of Church Mobilization at Crossroads' headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The purpose of the workshop is to hear how God is using Parkside mentors to affect the lives of prisoners, to provide training for mentors, to connect more experienced mentors with newer mentors, and to develop a network of fellowship among Parkside Crossroads mentors. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

If you are a Crossroads mentor or have any interest in becoming a mentor, please join us on May 11!

There is no cost for the workshop but, please register so that we can have enough materials and food prepared.

Register

Ministering to Those in Prison

Remembering the Prisoner

For more than 16 years, Parkside Church has partnered with Crossroads Prison Ministries to provide biblical instruction to people in prison. Our volunteers currently serve 155 prisoners, both men and women, out of the 50,000 individuals that Crossroads reaches each year. While these numbers represent significant and meaningful help, more volunteers are needed to reach the more than 2.4 million people who are incarcerated in the United States alone.

Serving in a Different Way

Crossroads Prison Ministries Luncheon

Location: The Venue at Parkside Church
Start Time: Sun 25, March 2018, 3:30 p.m.
End Time: Sun 25, March 2018, 4:30 p.m.

We will hold a free luncheon on March 25 at 12:30 pm for anyone currently involved with Crossroads Prison Ministries or for those who would like to find out more about it. Douglas Cupery, Director of Church Mobilization at Crossroads Prison Ministries will be here from Grand Rapids, MI for the luncheon, which will be held in the Venue.

This event is also open to those outside of Parkside Church who are interested in attending.

Register

Prison Ministry Luncheon

Location: The Venue at Parkside Church
Start Time: Sun 4, Feb. 2018, 3:30 p.m.
End Time: Sun 4, Feb. 2018, 5 p.m.

We will hold a free luncheon on Sunday, February 4 for anyone with a heart to reach those in prison with the Gospel. It is for those who are involved with any type of prison ministry, as well as for those who want to learn more about the kinds of prison ministry happening in NE Ohio. The luncheon will be at 12:30 pm in the Venue.

Register

Prison is a Lonely Place

Only 12% of prisoners in Michigan get regular visitors. The story is similar across the country.

When you consider this statistic, you begin to realize how life-giving a simple letter from the outside can be for a prisoner. Letters written by Crossroads mentors are read over and over by their students. The encouraging and guiding words have a deep impact, providing a vivid picture of the unconditional love of Jesus. The words of hope, prayers and scriptures scribbled on paper are written on prisoners' hearts.

This correspondence would not happen without the support of our dedicated mentors and office volunteers!

One student said:

"The letter and booklets couldn't have arrived at a more necessary time, as my faith has been tested and attacked as of late. I have been assailed by doubts, fears and feelings of loneliness and anger so strongly in past weeks that I was starting to lose faith. My faith is now being re-strengthened and my hope rekindled."

'No One is Going to Gift Wrap Their Pain for You'

"When we get in there [prison], no one is going to gift wrap their pain for you. When we are talking to people who might not know the Lord, we have to realize there are a lot of sins and decisions they made to get there, but there's all kinds of hurts that they didn't choose that drove them that way."

Watch Yago Williams's Talk at Crossroads Chapel

Finding Identity in Christ in Prison

Chris was about to lose all the progress he'd made. He had been sober for four days, but the temptation to drink was consuming him. Something inside him told him to pray.

Read Chris's Story

'Crossroads Makes You Feel Like Someone'

"Each [mentor] has been down to earth, helpful and caring and has shown the love of Christ in their hearts. . . . They listened to me with the love of Christ and prayed with me on certain matters."

Read More Here

Crossroad Connection

Each month, Crossroad Connection, the broadcast ministry of Crossroad Bible Institute, offers inspiring messages, interviews, letters from prison and news about restorative justice. New episodes are available online every week at www.cbi.tv.

Recent episodes include:

Befriending a Man on Death Row

Special Guests: Burt and Anita Folsom

From Mafia to Ministry

Special Guests: Frank and Judy Palermo

Who Deserves a Second Chance?

Special Guest: Ronald Simpson-Bey