OJPM Volunteers
Luke 10:1, 2 After these things the lord appointed other seventy also and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore, said he unto them, the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
During the past thirty years, the LORD has sent forth laborers into his harvest, the Oklahoma Jail & Prison Ministry. God’s favor towards OJPM is evident through all the volunteer chaplains he has provided to minister to the poor, the brokenhearted, the blind, the bruised, the broken, and the bound. Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. We are so thankful for the faithfulness of our volunteer chaplains. We know God will continue to bless their service to Him.
Our prayer is for God to continue to send laborers into the jails and prisons. Though we may not know all of the trials and situations which have resulted in these men and women being placed behind bars; we do know that someday the Lord will take everything He has allowed in each of our lives and work it all together for good (Romans 8:28). God has a plan. How great and good our God is to have a purpose in everything.
Is God speaking to you and do you desire to do His will? Was it the Father’s will for Christ to come to minister? Certainly so!!! In every town and city across the State there are jails and prisons where you will have a “captive audience” which you can reach by ministering with the only message that can free them from sin and unbelief. Matthew 25;34-40, ‘…I was in prison, and ye came unto me…
Solomon wrote in Proverbs of those who are generous. Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Because of what Jesus has done for us, may God give us grace to make a generous difference in others’ lives. Provers 11:25, The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watered shall be watered also himself. Thank you, Lord for seeing my needs and sending your Son. Please help me to act on Your Love by ministering to others.
Testimony: 20 year OJPM Volunteer Chaplain
I have the privilege to visit with approximately six hundred inmates per year. I volunteer twice a week, ministering approximately six hours each day, sharing and listening to these men at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. It is my personal opinion, that after a person has been locked up and given the time for the drugs and alcohol to leave their system…this allows them clarity and time to think. Many will listen to the message of Christ and accept the opportunity to trust Him and be saved. What a blessing it has been to have the opportunity to follow up with those who have recently been saved. It is an awesome opportunity to teach them and see them grow in the Lord. You may or may not be able to spend this much time, but you can still volunteer for whatever time your schedule allows. You can be a faithful part of the ministry of reaching this very neglected segment of society.
Bill R. Smith
