someone who has a boy or father or other dear one in trouble: “When you receive such a call, remember that there is an organi zation ready to help you day and night: Christian Jail Workers, Inc. Our entire staff o f trained and ex perienced chaplains stand ready to help you at any time. This is our calling. This is specialized ministry into which God has led us . . . We are here to help you, as an arm of your church working in this most unusual mission field behind bars.” He also states some of the princi ples upon which this successful, soul winning work has been built and which should be followed by others: 1. Whole-hearted acceptance of the prisoner is basic. We may not condone what he has done, but it is vital to anyone to be loved and to be accepted. 2. If possible, bring good news that will interest him — perhaps from his wife or family. 3. A suggested way to begin your conversation when the prisoner is rather reticent to speak: “ John, how can I best help you?” 4. Listen! 5. Remember: Prisoners are peo ple, and no two are alike. Your ex perience as a pastor should give you guide lines in your interview. 6. Unfortunately, some inmates are “ con artists.” Be sensitive to the man who would “ use you.” Y. You are not allowed to bring in literature. We can provide Bibles, Testaments, etc. A man with a heart, loving the Lord and his fellow-men, Chaplain Bascom and his co-workers should have a place in the prayers o f all God’s people.
Chaplain H. L. Bascorn teaches God’s Word at the 400 seat chapel at Central Jail. The message of the cross is a vital part of the program. wanted to go on from here with God, what would we do?” With great joy, Miss Adams ex plained to her what it meant to be come a Christian. The mother then asked the children, “ Do you want to believe in Christ too?” They all agreed at once. So mother and chil dren all knelt together with our Chaplain and put their faith in Jesus Christ. The mother’s heart was finally at rest. “ I am no longer afraid to face the future,” she said. Her husband is now attending Bible study classes in jail, awaiting the day when he can join his family in church. Out of his experience, Chaplain Bascom gives some valuable advice to those who receive a cry from
Sheriff Peter J. Pitchess says of this work: “We recognize the minis try of the Christian Jail Workers as an important part o f our rehabili tation program and give the staff our full co-operation. A chapel and counseling areas are provided in most o f our facilities fo r the convenience o f the chaplains and inmates.”
Standing left to right, Inspector Ralph Welch, Chief Joseph M. Gaalken, Lieutenant Gordon Torres, Chaplain H. L. Bascom (seated) works daily with these officers in the Sheriff’s Department.
Chaplain H. L. Bascom has many opportunities to counsel young men and present to them the Lord Jesus Christ.
20
THE KING'S BUSINESS
Made with FlippingBook HTML5