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 for them through this tough time. This leads to another one, and another one and another one. Eventually, one of our volunteers, or myself, will pull out the Bible and show how this night was led by Holy Spirit and read something concerning the night. We pray and end the night. People stay and pray and fellowship as long as they want. They get connected to relevant resources and then they head home. • A designated leader over this ministry would be great! • Not to be funny but... It would probably look a lot like the min- istry we have built over the past ten years but with a greater reach. • Group housing or clustered housing with a Resident Advisor and a close relationship with staff and volunteer leadership. • Halfway house and discipleship house. • Our dream reentry ministry would be to have recovery minis- try every night during the week and have almost every church member involved as they are gifted in empowering returning citizens in all aspects. I also would appreciate a full staff to pro- vide the editing and publishing support we need as we create returning citizen geared content online and in creating new recovery groups. This would multiply our reach and empower returning citizens in more ways to move forward in the Lord. • An additional transition home; housing vouchers for indepen- dent living; scholarships for education; a social enterprise to train, employ, and sell product for sustainability • Be able to provide a top-notch transition house near the church.
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