WE ARE ANCHORED
July 7, 2011
It was a windy day on December 12, 2010, as the Branson Belle set out on the choppy waters of Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri. Seventy-six crew members served the 567 passengers on board the enormous river boat. Mechanical problems abruptly changed a simple afternoon outing into a long, dangerous and fearful night. As the 45 mph winds pounded the drifting vessel, the terrified travelers covered themselves with table clothes or whatever was available for warmth. Did I say drifting? Yes, I did say, “drifting”? With some repairs, the ship was brought back into operation; however, it was too late to move the ship after it drifted aground on Poverty Point. The Coast Guard and local residents eventually rescued the fearful passengers and brought them to safety. When a crew member was asked if the Captain had dropped the anchor, he responded, “It doesn’t have any”. “We don’t have any anchors, no anchors.”
Somehow the critical anchor system had been overlooked by engineers, inspectors, and even operators (all the people who knew best about what a water vessel required) during the important construction phase. The lack of planning placed the “prosperous” vessel on “poverty point”.
This great example underscores the importance of our diligence in the construction phase of CMCA. We have worked fervently to assure that our association is grounded on the Lord Jesus Christ and His mission, our Anchor and Solid Rock. He alone will be the success of CMCA. Winds can blow and hardships can come, but we will not waiver, drift or be pushed by any forces to land on “Poverty Point”.
Working committees are pushing forward to establish policies, certification guidelines, publishing procedures, and membership involvement. Administrative Leaders will work together to continue our substantial growth and develop the agenda for the October 2012 conference.
With our solid anchor in place, we are ready to bring people on board. We can proclaim our vessel will be able to fulfill the carefully defined mission: unite, encourage, equip, and strengthen evangelicals in correctional ministries. Welcoming new members will be a vital step as we move forward.
We appreciate your dedication to and sincerity in the CMCA vision and mission. Your support and service to the Lord and those affected by the correctional environment is greatly appreciated. If we can help in any way to make your membership drive easier, please inform us. We have our anchor in place and we can feel comfortable bringing people on board in the membership phase as we complete our mission.
Thank you for all you do. We are praying blessings on you ministries.
Chaplain Michael L. Reighard, D.Min.
FOUNDERS FORUM
May 17-18, 2011
The Institute for Prison Ministries (IPM), a department of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, recently hosted the first meeting of the Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA). The group’s mission is “to connect, encourage, equip and strengthen Christians as they fulfill the Great Commission in corrections.”
More than 40 representatives of 20-plus correctional ministries attended the inaugural meeting in May. The group of professionals and volunteers present included teachers, evangelists, chaplains, reentry providers, mentors, trainers, administrators, case managers, authors, editors, literature providers, missionaries, musicians, and prayer ministers.
Leaders in the field of correctional ministry, who share the same vision and want to work together, have helped the organization take shape as a resource for collaboration, training and advocacy among those involved in prison ministry.
Dr. Karen Swanson, Director of IPM, says “Before the formation of the CMCA, there was not a professional association for Christians, and particularly for evangelicals, in correctional ministry. This organization fills that gap. We hope to raise the level of professionalism in Christian organizations, and bring chaplains, ministries and reentry providers together.”
“Oftentimes, in correctional ministry, people have a relationship with Christ and passion for outreach, but they may not understand prison culture, security concerns, or issues related to potential manipulation by inmates,” Swanson says. “In addition to educating people on these issues, we hope to help them better understand the people and the culture they want to serve.”
CMCA will focus much of its energy on certification, training and support.
