Prison Ministry

 “ I was in prison and you came to visit me”  Mathew 25:36

Statistics indicate that 80% of inmates will return to jail.

 That rate drops to 20% if three conditions exist: a place to live; a job; a church.

More than 25 Oakbrook members have participated in one or another of the following prison ministries:

PENNSYLVANIA PRISONS.  Volunteer Teams join well known prison minister, Jim Newsom of Outward Focused Ministries in conducting Weekend Prison Seminars in Pennsylvania State Prisons several times a year.  Team members lead worship, present Workshops, and bring encouragement to the inmates and Chaplain staff.  No formal training, special orientation or credentials are required.  This is a great introduction to prison ministry in a well supervised, controlled environment.  

LOUDOUN COUNTY WORK RELEASE CENTER. Oakbrook volunteers visit inmates held at the Work Release Center immediately before discharge and offer bible-based encouragement and preparation for resuming life on the outside.

FAIRFAX AFTERCARE MENTORING PROGRAM. Oakbrook encourages participation in this critically important Mentoring program to the male and female inmates in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.  Mentoring begins weekly during an inmate’s last 3 months of incarceration and continues post release for a period of 6 months.  This is a crucial time in the life of an ex-offender.  This program is proven to be effective in stopping the revolving door of recidivism.