jar writes:
Too many Christian groups act as "chaplains" or "counselors" in prisons and go there to "take the Good News of Christ" instead of going to feed, comfort, educate, clothe. In reality, they are nothing more than another way for the State to avoid providing the help that the prisoners really need and instead simply peddle platitudes and word salad.
I visit as a mentor to a local youth prison. I have been doing so for over ten years, and while I have made my share of mistakes...I have also learned a lot from the discipline. At first, I used to go to "preach word salad", as you so cleverly put it. Volunteers have a limited amount of time to spend with their charges, and while educating them is an option, many are not ready for the discipline needed. Treating an individual is a holistic endeavor. Many of these youth come from families that have had generations in prison. The system is broken, that much we can agree on.
I seek to establish a rapport and a level of trust with my charges, which can often take several months of visits. I often attempt to educate them in the basics of planning for the future when they will be out. We often discuss such topics as the sociology of their current environment, global competition and the necessity for education in America, the responsibility of bringing kids into the world, the charge and responsibility of a spiritual life, and some strategies for planning...which I usually encourage them to initiate. Each individual is different, of course, and I always have to question my own motives for volunteering and attempt to do the best that I can at it...but quite frankly, in a broken system, they will not get better opportunities than I.
add by edit: Took out my offensive jab and personal attack on jar
Edited by Phat, : edited my mouth
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