Our Involvement
One of the goals in our ministry over the years has been to establish relationships with men and women who are behind bars so that when they eventually get released, they will have some type of support system that they can count on, namely the church. We also feel as a ministry, it’s important that they personally have a group of people that they can be accountable to.
As the body of Christ, we need to come along-side these men and women to support them. Many have been saved and have given their lives to Christ while in prison, yet have no idea how to start over. We need to assist them in whatever way possible in restarting their lives. This is better known as "Re-Entry".
Trenton and Rahway State Prisons
OFPLM has been working to establish relationships with men behind bars over the last 25 years in Trenton State Prison. In the past we have run a wonderful visitation ministry at this prison on Saturdays. It is currently on hold due to covid restrictions. Over the years many have given up their Saturdays to come out and encourage the Brothers in Christ on a general visit. This is not evangelistic. All the men we visit have a solid relationship with the Lord. We are just coming alongside and encouraging them through their remaining time there. (Matt. 25:36) If this is something you feel the Lord has been calling you to do, please feel free to contact us through the website. When it restarts, we will update you.
Monmouth, Middlesex, and Hudson County Correctional Facilities
OFPLM is currently conducting Bible Studies for both men and women behind bars in these county jails. (Currently again, due to covid, Hudson County Jail is the only one that has been re-opened.) Our ministry is not for the faint of heart. If you feel the Lord calling you to present the gospel to men and women who are broken, please feel free to contact us through the website. If you don't feel qualified, and you would just like to assist in some other way that is fine too. We will still require you to fill out our ministry application. The jail will also require a mandatory orientation class. This class is only held a few times a year.
Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women
Clinton is the only women's prison in NJ. We are finding out that when "Our Girls" leave the county jail after sentencing, we want to remain in contact with them and be a support for when they are ready to go home. If you are interested in encouraging a woman behind bars by letter or visit, contact us through our website. The visit times vary and some are in the evenings. Many of these women have children and their hearts are breaking for their kids. We believe this part of the ministry is all about "Mentoring". If you feel that your gift is coming along-side and giving Godly counsel to those who have struggled most of their lives, this ministry is for you!
Inmate Children Gift Giving Project
In the month of December we receive over 100 requests for gifts for the children of men and women behind bars. We use these gifts as a vehicle to get the gospel into the household. We also seek to establish relationships with the family members when the gifts are delivered. Meals and food have been used to bridge that gap. We also have had small parties for the children when possible. We also take pics of the children opening their gifts and send them back to the Dads and Moms in prison. This is a great way to get your family or youth group involved and reaching out to the community.