Forging Community Behind Bars
Check out this encouraging update about the amazing community being built in Ark Valley.
Check out this encouraging update from Kenny, the Community Group Director at Woodmen’s Ark Valley Campus!
We have a Community Group that meets at least once a week in all six living units on different days and at different times. On average there are eight men per group, meeting in a 10' x 20' space called the "laundry room". This is where our laundry is turned in and picked up, although it does not get washed in there. Chairs are often in short supply so some men sit on metal locker boxes for that hour. A real commitment. I'm sure those in other countries wish they had it so good; a climate-controlled, secure place to study God's Word.
Here at the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility, many of us feel alone and isolated at times, even with a cellie (roommate) and 185 other guys in the building we live in. Our Community Groups are a safe, relaxed, and non-judgmental place to develop close friendships and grow spiritually. None of us have it all together. We are far from perfect, but we will affirm the best in one another. We listen, answer questions, study God's Word, and pray together, expectantly waiting for God to answer those prayers. Our Community Groups are also a good alternative for the men who are hesitant about attending a large Saturday night service. We offer a smaller setting to gather, connect, grow, and contribute. Every voice matters. Each man is important and valuable to the group.
We look forward to seeing you throughout the week. You are the only "visit" some of these men get while here in prison. Some have no one on their phone list to call and rarely get mail. Our biggest nights of attendance are when you are here worshipping with us.
Interested in visiting Ark Valley and taking part in the amazing ministry happening there? Click below!
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