PRISON MINISTRY IN U.K.
We started Prison Ministry in the UK in 2005 at the urging of our friend Colin Green from Closing the Gap Productions. It was his vision, it was his passion. It soon became a passion for both Jeff Steinberg and Larry Stegner. It has been an amazing experience which was really outside our comfort zone. Imagine God using us outside our comfort zone!
We have met an amazing group of Chaplains and volunteers, whom we have ministered with and to.
There was one chaplain who, after hearing our presentation, made this comment; "I commend you for the quality and excellence of your music and message. Many times people come to prisons to minister with the attitude, "It's only prison, whatever we do is good enough" or believe that if the prisoners don't get saved right then and there it will never happen. Both are an insult to the Chaplains who work everyday with them." This comment has been a guiding force in our prison ministry. We commend the chaplains of all faiths who show such dedication in difficult circumstances.
Some ask, why prisons?
Let me share some reasons. In 2005 in the first prison we did, there was an inmate, a big man who was "the man". He was tough, hard, and not about to be influenced by anything we had to say. Part way through our service Jeff got eye to eye with "the man" singing right to him. All of a sudden there was this little smile, Jeff knew he got through. In 2011 we asked the chaplain, what ever happened to him? She said "interesting you should ask" I just heard from him. He was released from prison, returned to Africa, and is now pastoring a church!!!! Ouestion Answered.
We have received letters with quotes as " You saved my life", "You gave me purpose", "You showed me love", "I now know what I need to do" It is not what we do, it is how we represent our Lord and Savior and how the Holy Spirit uses the ministry to touch lives. In 2013 I shared the message "Significant vs. Significance" it challenged the men to become "Men of Signifigance". A number of men approached me after the service and said "I will become a man of significance"
It also has been our privilege to minister to the chaplain staff. They need someone with whom they can share and confide in. They also need someone who will listen and walk along side them. In 2010 I challenged the Christian inmates to pray everyday for their chaplains, because they need your support.
It has been our priviledge to minister in: HMP Buckly Hall, HMP Nottingham, HMP Lincoln, HMP Dovegate, HMP Lewes, HMP Whatton, HMP Lowdham Grange, HMP Doncaster.
If you need a UK contact you can call Mr. Colin Green 0798-904-0408. My email is: larry.1049@hotmail.com
Testimonials
A recent concert by Larry Stegner went down very well at HMP Whatton. Larry has worked in UK prisons
for several years now and is very intuitive about what would be appropriate material to include in his gig. The sun was putting in a rare appearance on
the Saturday in question and I worried that men would decide to go out on the exercise yard instead of coming to the Chaplaincy. But over 40 men attended and they were all still there at the end, even though they had the opportunity to leave! Larry shared helpful insights from his own life, backed up with beautifully written songs.
So 'Thank you' Larry and Colin for giving your time and talents freely to pass on the Good News here at Whatton
Every blessing - and thank you!
Rev. Jo Honour
Chaplainacy Manager
HMP Whatton (May 2013)
Hi Larry,
Thank you to you and Sharon for visiting.
We had good feedback from those who attended. They commented on the genuineness and gentleness of the message and how it was effectively received as a result. Some of the songs moved those in the audience to tears. Overall people left feeling encouraged and uplifted. From a Chaplain’s point of view you were a joy to work with, very relaxed and humble.
Thank you again
Miriam Dann
Chaplainacy Manager
HMP Ashfield
Rev. Jo Honour
Chaplainacy Manager
HMP Whatton (May 2013)
Hi Larry,
Thank you to you and Sharon for visiting.
We had good feedback from those who attended. They commented on the genuineness and gentleness of the message and how it was effectively received as a result. Some of the songs moved those in the audience to tears. Overall people left feeling encouraged and uplifted. From a Chaplain’s point of view you were a joy to work with, very relaxed and humble.
Thank you again
Miriam Dann
Chaplainacy Manager
HMP Ashfield