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Pastor Jay Haynes says that he has seen hundreds of lives changed through the KPEP ministry at Blue Roof Church in St. Joseph. In mid-June the church held its annual cookout and appreciation event for the residents and staff at the Berrien County facility. The well-attended evening event featured a barbecued rib dinner and entertainment by David Paul Brooks (DPB), an engaging Christian rapper and speaker.
The ministry holds weekly Bible study groups for the residents of KPEP. “We usually see involvement and attendance increase after these dinners,” Pastor Haynes says.
Haynes relates that the KPEP ministry project began with a retired member of his church, Bernard Hall, who worked part-time with Harbor Habitat for Humanity. Bernard became acquainted with KPEP residents as he worked alongside the men performing community service work for Habitat. Bernard’s informal talks with the men about the Bible soon became a weekly program at KPEP with meals and Bible study, which 15-20 men attend regularly.
In addition to the weekly Bible study, Pastor Haynes brings men to church for Sunday services, and leads three-day Encounter retreats. The retreats are held at a park and include intensive study of the Bible’s meaning, and talks on developing healthy relationships.
Discussing how lives are changed through the church’s ministry, Pastor Haynes relates that the church seeks to help the residents of KPEP with any needs that they have, such as housing, jobs or maintaining family relationships. Through its network of members, many of whom are business owners, a number of men have found long-term employment. Congregants in the real estate business are available to help find housing. Additionally, the church provides services for wives and children of the residents through its support groups and children’s pastoral services. “We want to see the men and their families prosper in every way possible.” he comments.
The results are impressive. Pastor Haynes, who also serves as the prison chaplain at the Berrien County Jail, says that the ministry knows of more than 400 men who have found the help they needed to change their lives since it began doing this work eight years ago.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]