The verse Isaiah 58:7 tells us to, “bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Prison parolees are cast out of prison, and they are poor. If we follow God’s fast, as listed in Isaiah 58, bringing parolees into our house is only part of what is spoken of. They need cloths, food, stability, nurture, and assistance. Let us say it this way: If you were to go to an animal shelter to rescue an abused and neglected animal, you will discover that they need a tremendous amount of love to learn how to trust a new human. It is the same with a parolee. No matter what the prisoner has done to earn a prison sentence, prison life is no picnic. They have been abused and neglected while there. Some never even receive a visit or letter. Sure, they get fed and are given a few minutes to gobble down their very minimal meal, (to say it nicely.) Yes, they get a small thin lumpy old mattress to beat into shape each night. It is true that 2 inmates share a cell that is hardly bigger than a sheet of plywood. It is never quiet in prison, and the smells, winter cold and summer heat are only a part of that life. I have seen these things over and over after many years as a prison minister. I still cannot fully understand what it is like to be locked up in tiny cells for years and years and more years. Prisoners have had to navigate a treacherous life for decades and when they are released from prison, they need to learn how to trust people again. They need a lot of love and care to heal and overcome their scars.

Hebrews 13:3 “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them; and those who are mistreated, since you yourselves are in the body also.” NKJV. “Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are.” GNB. “Remember those in prison, as if you were there with them, and those who are being maltreated, for you are vulnerable too.” REB.

Blade of Hope is a ministry to aid prisoners when paroling to transition into civilian life with the support of a secure residence, spiritual nurture, and assistance to find appropriate employment and long term housing. Connecting the parolees to an SDA church family for ongoing nurture and a place of belonging will assure their continued spiritual growth and deter them from returning to a wayward life.