For more than 10 years, The Greater Houston Church, under the Houston Chapter of HOPE worldwide, has had the honor and privilege to serve the children of incarcerated parents and the children’s caregivers. We have served 2,000+ children with our love, gifts and Angel Tree celebrations. On July 2013, the HOPE worldwide Houston Chapter volunteers had the opportunity to go into various prisons to help Prison Fellowship Ministry in assisting the Inmate Parent signing process. Our volunteers have been trained by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in order to continue and strengthen their service.
In the U.S., prisoners’ children suffer through the confusion and shame associated with having an incarcerated parent. The reality is that they are at a high risk of following in their parents’ footsteps. Can you imagine what would happen if all our communities intervened in the lives of these hurting children…if someone stepped in and told them they are loved, valued, and that they have a parent in heaven who will never leave them? That is what Angel Tree does throughout the year. It starts with a gift, but it leads to so much more.
The Houston Chapter is excited to see God answering prayers, as we see the Prison Ministry grow. Brothers and sisters are serving at several local prisons. Some mentor incarcerated youth, while others are serving men and women who are incarcerated. This opportunity has allowed our volunteers to share their faith and their personal testimonies. Men and women prisoners of all ages and ethnicities express their gratitude and appreciation to the brothers and sisters for giving of their love and time. The volunteers have been deeply encouraged through their service.
Charlene Harvey, a member of the Houston Chapter’s Advisory Board, leads the Prison Ministry Program. We are blessed to have someone who has a tremendous amount of knowledge, involvement, and experience. Charlene has served with Prison Fellowship for many years and is currently the Coordinator for In-Prison Seminars and the Angel Tree Program. Charlene states, “It is amazing to have discovered the harvest within the prison system. I look forward to more opportunities where we, the volunteers, may serve.”
