Chaplain Mike

Ambassador Tour – Arlington, Texas

Chaplain MikeThe second stop on the IFOC Ambassador Tour 2016 brought us to the home of Mike and Ruth in Arlington, Texas.

Mike has been a Chaplain with IFOC since 2014 and spends his time volunteering in the jail, prison system and one hospital in the area. IFOC is honored that he is a part of our organization.

I would like to highlight his work in the prison, leading a group program called “Bridges to Life”. This is a faith-based program designed to help inmates to understand the consequences of their crime. Each week they go through a different aspect of what Faith is and how it applies to them in their present situation. The program also helps those incarcerated to take responsibility for their crimes and recognize the effect it had on all victims involved. All of this leads to responsibility, confession and finally restitution. They are accountable not just to their victims but also to God.

Many inmates have become victims themselves in the prison system, 80-90% of all inmates have been abused in some way. They must also forgive those who have abused them. Their hope is that their victims and the victims’ family will forgive them and they will know how to receive forgiveness from God.

30,000 inmates have gone through this program and it has greatly reduced the rate of repeat offenders from 85% down to 15%, in Texas and the areas where it is being used.

This is not the end of the story. In this ministry we cannot forget the spouses that support the Chaplains. Ruth supports Michael in his work and while she does not wear the IFOC uniform, she is the one person that lovingly supports the Chaplain so that he can go out and serve in the community. She is a great example to all those who know her well.

Michael and Ruth, we are honored and humbled by the service you provide to your community.

Many thanks.