TRC Ministries has been involved in local jail ministry from the beginning. Prior to the pandemic, we had several weekly Bible studies at the Douglas County Jail, one of which had been conducted continuously for over 20 years. We provided faith-based anger management training and other curriculum along with personal chaplain & pastoral services. Due to COVID, programs were discontinued. Relationships with former inmates continued to be nurtured by providing transportation, local gas cards, coffee counsel and conversation, supporting single moms, attending celebrations, sharing Scripture and prayer, and encouraging Teen Challenge graduates. The Douglas County Jail has recently begun to allow us to have Bible studies and other meetings in the jail again.
Part of our jail ministry includes walking people through a curriculum called “Restoring Relationships.” This curriculum helps people walk through the pain of the past to get to the source so they can get to the solution. Participants are from churches, the community and surrounding areas, and include former Douglas County Jail inmates. We have been able to continue these classes outside the jail using Zoom or meeting in person.
We have also distributed boxes of Christian books, devotionals and Bibles through the New Visions Treatment Center. Clients seem to be eager for these materials, and staff happily welcomes these donations. This open door is an answer to prayer!
Blankets of Love is also a part of our local jail ministry. In 2020, 37 “Blankets of Love” were made and embroidered with “You are never alone ~ Psalm 91” for recipients of vehicles through the Douglas County Car Care program.