Q-What are you doing to give back to society?

A- I have started a prison ministry for those inmates who need help
It is called.
M.O.M.’s Love
M = Mission
O = of
M = Mercy Love
My ministry was developed by myself in 2001 while incarcerated at the Florida State Prison. I was in a single occupancy, isolated cell for five years. I had to much time to think and reflect on not on myself – but found myself repeatedly asking myself “what can I do to help others in prison without putting myself at risk and at the same time serving God and showing His love to the unlovable?” After spending already 11 years incarcerated, and being eyewitness to the despair, hopelessness, wickedness and seeing how ill prepared many of the people are – I asked myself: using my experience, skills, compassion and patience – how can I make a difference? It was at this time “MOM’s Love” came about being.
The ministry is a one on one, individual outreach. My aim is to allow my fellow inmate to “be the best person he can be”. So many of the prisoners incarcerated are just not prepared, or simply not able to function in society (and many times not even in prison). Many are afraid, Lonely, Depressed, Abandoned, and Hopeless. They are so unused to sincere genuine love being shown to them that they tend to abuse and take advantage of those that do love them. They mistake kindness for weakness. Many come from homes that have been shattered. Some simply were never taught or shown “how to live”. They feel victimized It is difficult to reach them because of their unhealthy defense mechanisms. Yet, I felt they needed to be shown dignity, respect and love – even if not returned. Everyone in prison portrays some sort of “macho” image when in fact most of us are afraid and all too aware of our shortcomings. So how, and in what way can I help these guys?
The ministry has three components – ADL Skills, IDS, and the S.E.L.F. Program:
I. The ADL Skills is “activities of daily living”.
1.) Proper bathing/showering. Many (believe it or not) do not know how to bathe.
They need to be shown how to stand under a shower nozzle; To wash from
head to toe; front-to-back; in and out. Rinse; repeat if necessary.
2.) Brushing your teeth
3.) Shaving
4.) Proper usage of the urinal and toilet.
5.) Making a bed.
6.) Opening a combination lock.
7.) Asking (not demanding or doing without) guards for supplies (as available) or help.
8.) How to walk! Walk on the right side of the sidewalk – not in crowds!
II. I.D.S. (“Individual Directed Study”):
Many prisoners are unaware what brought them to prison. What are my issues; hang-ups; fears; desires; worries?
Instead of calling this a “Bible Study” (prisoners don’t want a Bible Study as a general rule) – it is a way of counseling the individual person regarding various individual topics they want to explore or certain common things such as anger, hatred, discouragement, guilt, despair, hopelessness, faithlessness, sexual immorality, unbelief, self-esteem issues, etc.
Together on a one on one basis we look into God’s word and find scripture that deals with the issue/problem and learn together not only the Biblical perspective but how and what must be done to put this into practice. This is a non-condemning approach and what is discussed between myself and the individual is private. Many times they simply don’t “catch it”; what it is that’s causing them all the problems. But with counseling, friendship and a lot of patience we discover a better way to function.
Relationship re-building with family and loved ones is encouraged. Sometimes helping them write a letter is done during this time.
III. S.E.L.F. Program
S = Social self
E = Educational self
L = Leisure self
F = Future self
A picture speaks a 1000 words! Many prisoners just don’t know who they are. They truly are lost – they only identify with a tattoo perhaps or what people think of them. They have a difficult time expressing who they are.
When available, we take old magazines, newspapers, etc. and look for pictures, words, phrases, slogans etc that the individual identifies with. What is my past? What is my future? What did I want to become? What are my weaknesses? Strengths? Who am I socially? Emotionally? Leisurely? Where do I want my future to go?
I ideally would use construction paper (I use the reverse side of grievance forms); paste (I use toothpaste to adhere photos to the grievance forms). Look through the magazines and newspapers. You can take weeks to do this. Tear out photos, words, slogans etc that you identify with. Collect them all and put them in an envelope. Then, lay them all on top of your bunk. During free time – meditate; think about what you’ve chosen for your collage. Talk to God; pray as you walk back and forth in your cell looking at these pictures. Ask for forgiveness. Ask for help. Pray for a new insight. Ask for the desires of your heart. Now take all of the clippings and adhere them to the construction paper. When completed – you have a vivid picture of who you are. How you see yourself. Over time amend it. But you have an idea of who you are.
This is discussed one on one with the person where encouragement and self esteem are emphasized.
It costs nothing! Occasionally I receive a few dollars in from family and I am able to assist them with shampoo, deodorant, Q-tips, toothpaste, a comb, body lotion, baby powder, etc. Most of us are indigent. So many people simply do not have the funds to supply their daily needs. I attempt to assist where possible – on a one on one basis.
When I am released, it is my prayer that the Lord will bless me with the means to supply a “care package” containing hygiene items to the inmates in the county jail at Christmas time. They are in desperate need.

If you would like to help us and are willing to donate to Brians Ministry please contact Jon at Jon@askaserialkiller.com or send your donations to
Askaserialkiller.
4742 42nd ave SW #466
Seattle Wa 98166