The Lord is moving mightily throughout the World Impact East Coast region and by his grace, we look forward to seeing more “good fruit” from our various missional partnerships.
In December we wrapped up the final session of the “Fight The Good Fight” classes through our connection with Staying Connected Program at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, NJ. The Lord has moved mightily through this work. At this time, we have had two gentlemen confess that they feel called to the pastorate and anticipate their enrollment into TUMI (The Urban Ministry Institute) classes at the World Impact Christian Transformation Center upon their release.
Our OTAC (Opportunities Turn Around Cities) Initiative is in full swing and we are praising The Lord for having successfully transitioned two inmates from incarceration to release and then full time employment within Essex County. Through weekly group meetings and one-on-one Christ-centered coaching sessions, OTAC seeks to identify inmates that are committed to rehabilitation. This selection process identifies ex-offenders that have proven themselves ready to integrate successfully back into society. We are currently counseling and coaching 60 inmates inside of the facility.
In 2016, OTAC looks to provide services to three other New Jersey Prison systems – Trenton, Passaic, and Union Counties. The vision is to install the OTAC program as the template for successful re-entry to other troubled inner-city areas throughout the entire United States. Our efforts are on a volunteer basis and we believe that our God is in the “restoration business” and will continue to bless our efforts as servants to help transform these men’s lives to His glory.
Keith Wilks is the East Coast Regional Director of Ministry. Read more from Keith.
