GRAND RAPIDS, MI, 20 December, 2010—Christmastime inevitably brings to mind memories of childhood—joyful gatherings of family and friends, mugs of hot chocolate following afternoons out in the snow and evergreen trees towering far above small heads. This Christmas, however, Crossroad Bible Institute, an international nonprofit prison ministry, calls attention to the many children experiencing something drastically different during the holidays.
For the 2.7 million American children with an incarcerated parent, family turmoil and brokenness darken the days of winter and dampen what might otherwise be a time of joyful celebration. Parental incarceration jeopardizes a child's emotional and mental health, educational and vocational success and future economic mobility. It has been associated with aggressive behavior, addiction and even homelessness.
These children must also deal with the absence of a father or mother, suffer the consequences of diminished family income and cope with the stigma of incarceration.
CBI, however, offers children hope through the Crossroad Kids program, which presents the promise of the Gospel through the newly-revised Manga Messiah course and the guidance of loving Instructors.
Most Crossroad Kids receive enrollment forms from their incarcerated parents, who are CBI students themselves. Others find their way to the program through Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree ministry, which provides CBI enrollment forms to many participating parents and children.
The students find significant meaning in the studies. One student, Nelson, explains, "I've learned how I should always keep my faith with Jesus to keep out of the devil's grip. Thanks a lot for the opportunity to learn about Jesus and how to be a better person."
CBI President H. David Schuringa notes, "Our existing connection to incarcerated parents provides the perfect avenue for reaching out to their children as we continue our commitment to extend the truth of God’s Word and the love of His people to families affected by incarceration."
To join CBI in bringing hope this Christmas, encouragement throughout the coming year and a brighter future to the Crossroad Kids, visit the CBI website at www.cbi.fm.
Crossroad Bible Institute is a prison ministry in its twenty-sixth year of operation. With 40,000 students, CBI now has twelve international distribution centers on six continents and several openings pending. The program is provided at no cost to prisoners and their families.
|
