would get the most out of their lives and never have to return to jail unless to carry the message of God’s love and Grace to those inside. • More people in a larger setting that would have a place for the children to play. • It would look like the reentry ministry that Paul described in the Book of Philemon. • If we had more volunteers, we would be able to offer more re- entry classes. • In an ideal world, our congregation would engage in this work. I would love to see a community of volunteers, professionals, people who have walked this path all working together to help reentry folks discern and understand their baptismal identity as a beloved child of God, rather than as prisoner. A continuum of care could be present to give them the support they need to thrive in their now-earned freedom. • Many circles of restoration going on throughout the area, cop- ied by other jails around the country, greatly reducing recidi- vism rates, engaging the amazing generosity of this community, stimulating folks to realize this is a big problem that needs at- tention—rehabilitation, transformation, 2nd chances. To know personally the reality that incarcerated people are like all of us, needing a hand and someone to listen and care. Recognizing that a different mindset can make all the difference in a life. • Any person reentering with any connection to our church—via in-reach, family, or referral—would have a small group of people who were trained to understand their unique needs (e.g., trau- ma aware, healthy giving, etc.) who would invite them into both church life and daily community. Every congregation member in our church would know someone else who is engaged with a returning citizen and would actively be open to God leading them to participate as well. • People would come in, sing and praise God with a worship team. Returning citizens would come in and feel right at home. They would grab some coffee, some doughnuts (or a plate of dinner, if that’s what we doing that night). After eating, I address everyone and thank the volunteers and make sure everyone knows about the resources and organizations we are connected to (so they can seek further help with housing, jobs, mentoring, transpor- tation), and then we open the floor to those that would like to say something. Usually, people express how God came through
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