Transformed Lives Shine at Prison Ministries Summit
Story by Debra Anderson
Under the direction of Hank Branch, the Prison Ministry Department of the Potomac Conference recently participated in the Western Regional Prison Ministry Summit, held in Roanoke, Va. The event attracted participants from across Virginia and Maryland, representing the Potomac and Allegheny East conferences. The summit highlighted the critical role of community and faith in transforming lives through Prison Ministries.
Cleveland Houser, the director of Prison Ministries for the North American Division, delivered the keynote address, “The Least of These.” His message underscored the commitment needed for those working in Prison Ministries.
“The gathering was not only inspiring but was marked by a profound sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence,” says Branch. “It was an honor and a blessing to collaborate with the pastoral and minis- try team as the two conferences came together in a shared goal of reaching our incarcerated brothers and sisters.”
The day continued with Ryland Holmes, a church elder at the Meadowbridge church in Mechanicsville, Va., who discussed innovative re-entry strategies and the importance of vid- eoconferencing to maintain family connections and support inmates. Branch and Yair Zapata, a church elder at the Bealeton (Va.) Spanish church, explored practical aspects of sustaining Prison Ministries, such as the Angel Tree project, letter writing, video conference prayer sessions, and in-prison worship services.
The summit concluded with a strong commitment to act, encouraging attendees to engage more deeply with Prison Ministries efforts. Leaders say that the powerful blend of presentations and discussions left attendees inspired, reinforcing the summit’s mission to bring light and hope to those within the prison system.
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