Wednesday, November 18, 2015

WAW Wednesday ... Amy's Account of Her Visit

"The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God's call to minister to those in need," writes Rev. Tim Tam, Director of the Amarillo, Texas-based ministry. "Through our relationships, God reveals needs and opportunities for service. As we come along side the poor, new friendships develop and doors for ministry open. As we serve, God provides the resources to supply for the needs he reveals."



Amy's Account of Her Visit

Hopelessness. Forlorn. Abandoned. Isolation. Lonely. Angry. These are just a few words some might use to describe the feeling of being in prison. In the Belize Central Prison, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. And if I had not seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed it. Under the leadership of the Kolbe Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental agency, this particular prison is described with words such as hope, togetherness, fellowship and love. John Woods of the Kolbe Foundation is a true beacon of optimism while maintaining the necessary order and structure of the prison system.

During my visit to Belize Central Prison, I witnessed John’s leadership and that of the foundation in some very surprisingly heartwarming ways given the context:

   • all of the prison staff treat the inmates with dignity, a kind eye and a soft hand
   • inspirational messages and uplifting songs permeate the campus via the prison radio station, Jeremiah 33.3
   • in Tango 1, the name given to the first cell block, Lisa Haywood, The Word at Work full-time volunteer, is leading a bible study called "Experiencing God"
   • the prisoners go through a 12-step program under the personal and loving care of Pastor Burns

Pastor Burns

The Word at Work comes alongside the Kolbe Foundation at Christmas to provide calling cards to prisoners during a time we all love to connect with family and friends. We thought you might appreciate an opportunity to provide a $25 calling card to a prisoner for them to connect with their loved ones (total cost of project is $3,000). If you can think of someone else who may find joy in learning about this project, please pass this along to them.

CLICK HERE to donate

If you or someone you know is interested in hearing John Woods speak on Thursday, December 3rd in Ocean Springs, MS, please contact Amy Travis at amy@twaw.org or (228) 327-5757.

TT (Tim Tam)
The Word at Work



EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaking from my own first-hand experience - working side-by-side with Tim, Kenny and our brothers and sisters in Belize - won't you give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to supporting the efforts of Tim, the Word At Work staff and their partners? Please please fill out this Commitment Card and return it to their office!

Also, remember that you can follow The Word At Work on their Facebook page!