Pastor’s Column: Damascus Way Reentry Center
Minnesota has over 10,000 men and women living in our state prisons and another 111,000 living in our communities on Supervised Release or Probation. This is the harvest field into which Damascus Way has been sent. For over 40 years we have been proclaiming the gospel and offering hope to all who come through our doors.
Founded in 1975 in a local parsonage, Damascus Way has expanded to four properties in Minneapolis, Golden Valley, and Rochester with a total of 75 beds. Our resident services include setting goals and providing assistance in finding employment, housing, and supportive communities. Also offered are Bible studies, counseling, and prayer. We are pleased to have received the MN Corrections Association President’s Award last year for our excellence in these services.[pullquote2 style=”right” quote=”dark”]It’s this kind of bold encounter with Jesus that we are praying for in the lives of the men who find themselves involved with our ministry.[/pullquote2]
Damascus Way gets its name from the Apostle Paul’s story in Acts 9. It is there, while on his way to Damascus, that an angry, murderous man had an encounter with Jesus. Saul was told that all the harm he had been causing people, families, and communities were actually assaults on the Lord Himself, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He was then directed, “Now get up and go into Damascus and you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.” (vs. 4-6) It’s this kind of bold encounter with Jesus that we are praying for in the lives of the men who find themselves involved with our ministry. [pullquote2 style=”left” quote=”dark”]”We are grateful for the part so many play in the lives of our men.” [/pullquote2]
Later in Acts 9, the body of Christ begin to play their part. Disciples Ananias & Barnabas as well as the whole community of believers in Damascus and Jerusalem assisted Saul in his transformation to Paul. This is the Damascus Way of doing things. The whole body of Christ involved in the discipleship of new believers, helping them to discover God’s destiny for their life. We are grateful for the part so many play in the lives of our men whether it’s prayer, gifts, or volunteering. If you would like to get involved please visit our website at www.damascusway.org
