Chapels of Hope Ministries Inc. (COH) seeks to build chapels in every prison in Texas so that inmates' lives will be changed by the power of Jesus Christ and effective lifestyle changing faith-based courses can be taught by an army of available Christian volunteers. These faith-based inmate rehabilitation programs will result in productive citizens being released from our Texas prisons. COH can only accomplish this incredibly large and far-reaching evangelical Christ centered mission through the grace and will of God coupled with the financial donations from "born again" supporters.
Why will the new Chapels of Hope built in every prison and jail make Texas safer? Carol S. Vance, former Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice, wrote that character traits may play a greater role in whether one returns to crime than the lack of skills or schooling to hold down a job. Every inmate is different, but there are some very common problems that are pervasive. All experts agree that these negative characteristics have a great impact on criminal behavior.
The new chapels COH is helping build throughout Texas will provide a place to allow prison ministry volunteers to help inmates deal with these negative feelings and emotional issues. Spiritual training and family and parenting classes given to inmates while they are inside prison fences will better prepare the inmates to handle the responsibilities of the free world once they are released.
Every effective training program has four essential components: education, discipline, encouragement, and love. Currently, without adequate chapel space, very little worship space exists for the implementation of these techniques. Quality training programs exist, under the direction of the Chaplaincy Department of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and many talented Christian volunteers are available to minister to inmates, if only there were enough space for all of them to meet.
The Drug Czar for the United States, Army General Barry R. McCaffrey, stated to the New York Times that to curb violent crime, "We've got to provide treatment for these convicted criminals' [before they are released]." COH seeks to provide that needed treatment opportunity through the construction of adequate chapel space.
Will you help?
