Caring for Some of the Most Vulnerable Among Us

One of my activities this week has involved being in discussions with Alpha Canada's Prison Alpha Coordinators, John and Roxana Kreklo and a large Edmonton-area church, regarding an upcoming event, probably in late August. I will post more details when they are firmed up.

The event will focus more on Alpha International's Caring for Ex-Offenders (CFEO) ministry, rather than the actual Prison Alpha program.

The CFEO program takes much more of a commitment and much more of a community than merely running Alpha in a jail. That is not to belittle Prison Alpha itself. It is a very valuable and worthwhile ministry. As you may know, I ran Alpha in a Provincial jail for about three years, a number of years ago. I found it very rewarding and a complete blessing to have been involved in such a ministry. I have posted on some of my thoughts and experiences here.

The CFEO ministry, however, is a much broader thing. It has been said that a prisoner's rehabilitation begins, not the day they are released, but the day they are incarcerated. Yes, the relationship with a caring outside community begins in prison, but the real challenge begins upon release. A person who not only has been imprisoned, but has previously lived the style of life that put them there in the first place, faces almost unimaginable challenges. Once released into this new, and too often unwelcoming world, they must begin to find a whole new lifestyle and a whole new circle of friends. And they can't do it on their own. They need a supportive and caring new community - one that can surround them with love (perhaps a love they have never previously known). I sense that even that new kind of love can be a rather intimidating thing. I suspect that some of these people have spent a great deal of their lives surrounded by takers, and now will experience a whole new community of caring givers.

Anyone interested in hearing more can just drop me a line (jkivell@alphacanada.org), but as I said, I will publish more details on this upcoming event as they are firmed up.

Blessings,
John

UPDATE (already): The event will be held at Beulah Alliance Church, August 22 - 23.
Here is a link for more info and registration.
And here is a link to a printable poster.

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