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THE COALITION
& MORE A New Publication from COPE
COPE 2015 Awards ......................... 2
Welcome Aboard ............................ 2
Conference Feedback...................... 3
Save the Date ................................. 3
Get Involved.................................... 3
Where is . . . ? .................................. 4
Needs ............................................. 5
& Much More . . .
.........................................................
#COPEIndy2015 NEW MEMBERS
COPE's 2015 International Conference, was truly international in scope, with speakers and ministry teams from Canada, Nigeria, and Ghana. God continues to open doors for COPE both locally and internationally. Presently there is opportunity for our reach in Africa and Central America to multiply exponentially. As we reach across international borders we are realizing how much we have to learn from and share with each other.
One highlight of this year’s conference was the high number of exhibitors. Each exhibitor was willing to not only share free resources and information with attendees; networking between the exhibitors and amongst the attendees was at an all time high. Many materials and new resources were also made available at reduced costs.
Between the gathering resources, knowledge from the workshops, and encouragement from the general sessions, we all returned home with new tools in our toolbox.
Going forward I would like to invite you, and all COPE members to catch the vision of LOVE2020 - a movement spreading across the US. Love 2020 is a call to all followers of
Jesus everywhere to love others by living a simple and powerful lifestyle of praying, caring and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those around them in deed and word.
If we each PrayCareShare, collectively by the end of the year 2020, we will have reached everyone throughout the U.S.
First, we pray for our neighbors and those in our sphere of influence. Next, we look for opportunities to show that we care for those same people. And then, we look for opportunities to share the Gospel message directly.
This principle works in every segment of our society, including prison. May God give the increase as we are faithful to live out the Gospel.
’till the whole world knows, Debbie Walsh, VP of COPE Board of Directors
Debbie Walsh is the Director of Prison Ministry for Child Evangelism Fellowship. She lives in Greensboro, NC with her husband Dennis, our resident 501(c)3 expert. They enjoy traveling and sharing time with family.
Individual Members William Bumphus Jr., Jesus Inside Prison Ministry, IN
Pastor Darrell Grimes, Grace and Truth Ministries, IN
Johnny Hill, Jesus House, IN
Kevin King, Jesus House, IN
Chaplain Wayne Moss, TDCJ Estelle Unit, TX
Debi Schlutz, Called to Change, TX
Ministry Members Jeremy Watson, Program Director Christian Library International
Okafor (Pastor) Victor Chinwuba Crusaders Evangelical Ministry Lagos, Nigeria
Devin Cooke, Devin Cooke Band
Robert Morgan, Maranatha Ministries
Darren Pavey, Mercy's Edge Ministry
Robert Camenisch Robert and Kay Camenisch
Don’t miss out on a tax deduction; pay your COPE membership dues today. www.copeconnections.org
2015 COPE International Conference FAITH Behind Bars & Beyond By Debbie Walsh
co-a-li-tion: an alliance for combined action
THE COALITION & MORE |A NEW PUBLICATION FROM COPE | Volume #3 Issue#1 2
2015 COPE Awards Chaplain Ray Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Service
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given at the biennial International Conference. This year’s recipient, Johnny Moffitt, was chosen for his relentless dedication and commitment to the life of ministry. Named after Chaplain Ray Hoekstra for his impact on prison ministry worldwide, recipients are submitted and voted on by the COPE Board of Directors.
Johnny Moffitt, the COPE 2015 Chaplain Ray Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Frank Constantino Award for Prison Ministry Excellence
Initiated by Don Duncan of Oklahoma Jail & Prison Ministries, the Frank Constantino Award recognizes outstanding service in Prison Ministry. With quality of character to excellence of service, recipients … The Frank Constantino award recipients are nominated by the Board and selected by the President.
Louise Jennings, the COPE 2015 Frank Constantino Award Recipient
Welcome Aboard By Chandra Adams
Less than 90 days in, and I had to pack a bag & take off running… to Indianapolis that is! … with swimming pools and movie stars!
Ok maybe that’s not exactly what happened, at least not the swimming pools part. But, I do know the stars were shining, the cameras were flashing, and the guest list looked like a “Who’s Who” of Prison/Jail Ministry!
President's Barnabas Award for Encouragement & Contributions to COPE
Given only on occasion, the Barnabas Award recipient is chosen by the President of the Board of Directors, and only when a candidate’s actions represent the “spirit of a giver”. Manuel Cordero, our sitting president selected Matt Aitken, based on his “behind the scenes” contributions and his consistent encouragement to COPE through word and deed.
Matt Aitken, the COPE 2015 Barnabas Award Recipient
Timothy Award for Genuine Care & Commitment to the Needs of Others
The Timothy Award recognizes a COPE member, or ministry partner, who has shown a "genuine interest in the welfare of others" as stated by Paul in Philippians 2:20.
This year’s recipient, Dave Schlueter, receives the award for being our “boots on the ground” in Indianapolis, IN. We owe much of the success of this year’s International Conference to his support, organizational efforts and humble presence.
Dave Schlueter, the COPE 2015 Timothy Award Recipient
“So how was it?” everyone asks. Hmmm, how exactly do I answer that? After all, one board member told me to expect 200 attendees; another laughed and said we’d be lucky to have 100! Really? Which “new boss” would you believe?
So here are a few of my thoughts …
From a marketing perspective, it wasn’t as well attended as I would have hoped for. But when I consider how little time was had to produce such an event, I think “Dang! We did a bang up job!”
Personally, I had a blast! I was in my element. I was marketing to support ministry, net-working to understand the organization, fellowshipping to hear the heart and catch the vision. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. And no matter whom I asked, or how long they had been with COPE, they all had so many great stories and positive things to say. This was reflected in the overall feel of the conference, warm, friendly, and intimate.
MATT AITKEN RECEIVING THE PRESIDENT’S BARNABAS
AWARD FROM JOHNNY MOFFITT AT THIS YEARS
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE.IN INDIANAPOLIS IN
ACCA AWARD 2015
Bridges to Life Receives the 2015
ACCA Award –Judith Coleman
Chaplaincy Offender Program Award
by the American Correctional Chaplains
Association (ACCA). This prestigious
national award for Program of the Year
is named after Judith Coleman, an
ACCA officer and leader for 30 years.
The award gives recognition to the
chaplaincy program deemed most
creative, effective, and outcome-based
in the United States each year.
synonym: partnership; league
Yes, there were a few comments of short comings, typically in the area of communica-tion. The good news is that can be fixed.
Now if one judges success by numbers, you might think differently. Despite popular opinion conferences rarely break even much less make money. Their actual purpose is to create an environment for discussion, an exchange of information, and to equip the attendees. Based on this, I’d give #COPEIndy 2015 an A+.
But don’t take my word for it; read the attendees feedback for yourself! (page 4)
THE COALITION & MORE |A NEW PUBLICATION FROM COPE | Volume #3 Issue#1 3
COPE 2015 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Pictured above is Quovadis Marshall, Pastor of Hope City Church, and Community Engagement Strategist at Prison Fellowship, was the guest speaker at the opening session of the 2015 COPE International Conference, FAITH Behind Bars & Beyond.
Feedback from the Attendees
Q. Overall opinion of the conference?
A. "Fantastic: worship, training, networking; A lot of good info; opportunities to connect; Excellent: very replenishing to prison ministry worker; Knowledgeable and relevant speakers & workshops; Educational & inspiring; A good time to network & gather info; Wish it was bigger & more participation; Great: awesome to meet so many wonderful people; Very Good; Well done!
Good people attending and a clear sense of God's purpose.
Q. If a member, how has COPE been of value?
A. Great Networking; I am new but it’s a blessing; Encouraging & the working "together"; Most of my training came from COPE over the years.
FAST FACTS
70,000 The average number of inmates released throughout the U.S. annually.
70% The percentage of children with an incarcerated parent who will be most likely be incarcerated themselves.
SOLITARY CONFINEMENT FOR MINORS
What's worse is we put kids into solitary confinement — even though evidence shows this results in profound neurological and psychological damage. #prisonkids
SIGN PETITION AT: http://fusion.net/series/prison-kids/
SAVE THE DATE…
November 7, 2015 RJMN More God, Less Crime Conference – TEXAS
March 31-April 2, 2016 COPE South Central Regional Conference – TEXAS
May 4-6, 2016 InterNational Prisoner's Family Conference – TEXAS
May 20–22, 2016 UNITE 2016: Correctional Ministry Summit – GEORGIA
August 24-27, 2016 COPE East South Central Conference – KENTUCKY
Visit www.copeconnections.org/events for more information.
ATTENTION COPE MEMBERS
Did you know your ministry events can be listed on COPE's website? Simply send your email to
[email protected]. Include the event name, date, and location. Feel free to include a
website link, event photo, and even your twitter hash tag.
GET INVOLVED
Administration Support — Texas
Our Texas office is in search of part-time volunteer help who excel in administrative work.
Admin support will assist the Executive Director with office and light administrative work and event preparation support. Volunteers will help organize paperwork and supplies, assist with office related tasks, including bulk mailings and data entry.
Volunteers should have experience using Microsoft Office and good organizational skills. Previous experience in administrative work is helpful, but certainly not required. Experts welcome as well!
If interested, please send an introduction email to [email protected] with Admin. Support in the subject line.
Media Support, Nationwide
COPE is in search of volunteers who enjoy media and content development.
Media support volunteers will assist our Executive Director with content development (social and print). Contributors should excel in oral and written commun-ication skills and have experience using Microsoft Office and/or publishing software. Experience is preferred, but not required. Familiarity with social media tools is a plus.
If interested, please send an introduction email to [email protected] with Media Support in the subject line. Please include a brief bio and/or summary of works.
COPE Committee Volunteers
Our International, Programs, Finance, and Membership committees are each looking to add 2 or more volunteers with vision and energy for change. If that’s you, send an email to [email protected] with the Committee of interest in the subject line and one of our Team Leaders will be in contact.
THE COALITION & MORE |A NEW PUBLICATION FROM COPE | Volume #3 Issue#1 4
WHERE IN THE
WORLD IS …
Our President, Manuel Cordero?
AFRICA – After being home only a short time from Australia, Manuel was off to Uganda, Nirobi and Kenya. His three week trip includes visiting & ministering in orphanages, schools, churches and at least five prisons. Manny will also be ministering on a radio broadcast, has several speaking engagements, including both a men’s and a women’s conference, a marriage conference, two Word conferences and another for prison ministry.
Want to know more? Simply follow him on Facebook.
Remainder Travels Include …
UGANDA - OCTOBER 28TH
- 31ST
- Bukanga & Iganga Prison - Visit New Church site - Marriage Conference - Prison Ministry Training - Jinja Prison - Men’s Conference - Women’s Conference - Prison Ministry Training - Lugasi Prison
KENYA - NOVEMBER 1-6th
NAKURU
- Sunday Services - Prison Ministry Conference - Game Park
NAIROBI
- BTL Christian International Conference Centre
Pictured to the left, is Manny with a 2 week old infant whose mother died while giving birth. He and his two brothers were then abandoned by their father for alcohol. “Thank God for the Baby House, where they will be taken care of. Please pray for them and the Baby House to have the resources needed to care for these precious little ones.”
Co-founder & Treasurer, Johnny Moffitt?
MEXICO – December 2015 (full)
CUBA – January 2016 (full)
CUBA – WVIW October 2016 (open)
William Bumphus, Board of Directors?
LAGOS, NIGERIA – Jesus Inside Prison Ministry; December 8-19, 2015
Brent Bishop, Board of Directors?
KENYA – Christian Prison Ministries Inc. will take a team to East Africa, including Kakamega, Jan. - Feb., 2016. This ministry trip will include visiting and ministering to the widows, children, and nine prisons as instructed in James 1:27.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world
By Crystal Wright
153 million orphans worldwide.
17.9 million children orphaned by
HIV/AIDS and most of them in Sub-
Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
7 million children in institutional care.1
These are tragic statistics but, once a year there is a special day to make sure these children are not forgotten. November 8th marks Orphans Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday of each November and World Orphans Day, on November 9th the following Monday, are reserved to draw help, raise awareness, and bring support for the fatherless and motherless across the globe.
This month, we take a close look at this issue on
a global level and then see what it means for
COPE members.
First, what is an orphan? Let’s take a quick run over to the World Wide Web because, let’s face it, no one uses those old paper dictionaries anymore. After reviewing several definitions involving a child losing their parent, Wikipedia sums it up as, “a child whose parents are dead or have abandoned them permanently.” That is a pretty grim statement.
ORPHAN SUNDAY — NOVEMBER 8TH
A day set aside by Christians worldwide to pray for and support orphans around the world
October 9th kicked off 30 days of prayer around the world for orphaned children.
On November 2nd COPE Ghana kicks off a full week of activities planned to minister to and celebrate the children. Members will host and partner with other ministries and organizations to:
- Hosting a Special Football Game played in honor of the many orphans
- Intercessory Prayer
- Meeting topics: The Churches Responsibilities, Education, Foster Parenting and Aging Out
- Celebrations in over 60 churches & venues throughout Kenya on Orphan Sunday, Nov. 8th
- Media coverage includes radio and print
F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N
If you are interested in learning more about how to participate or support an upcoming event, send an email to [email protected] and we’ll be certain to flag it and get it to the appropriate parties.
THE COALITION & MORE |A NEW PUBLICATION FROM COPE | Volume #3 Issue#1 5
NUMBER OF ORPHANS ORPHANS % OF ALL CONTINENT (1,000) CHILDREN
Africa 34,294 11.9%
Asia 65,504 6.5%
Latin America & the Caribbean 8,166 7.4%
TOTAL 107,964 7.6%
Surprisingly, the rate of international adoption has drastically declined over the last decade. CNN reports, “After decades of steady growth, the number of international adoptions has dropped nearly 50% since 2004.” That number has fallen to 8,668 American adoptions as of 2012. CNN goes on to say, “The decline isn't due to fewer orphans worldwide nor waning demand from prospective parents. It is due to rising regulations and growing sentiment in countries such as Russia and China against sending orphans abroad” but, “as international adoption rates fall, there is one country that is sending more children abroad: The United States.”
3
We are a super power; a nation to be admired. How is it that the U.S. is in the predicament to send children across the globe to find loving families? Let’s think on this: there are children whose parents are now in custody of the justice system and their rights to parent have been taken. We are creating our own orphans. The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges has given us the term, “legal orphan.”
4
Legal orphan – A child whose parents’ rights has been terminated and is waiting to be adopted
These children are thrust into a system, which is ill equipped to deal with the influx of parentless children, and are now forced to attempt to escape a cycle of abandonment and fear. Unfortunately, the odds are rarely in their favor and a vicious cycle is continued.
The US Administration for Children and Families, along with the US Department of Justice has found an unprecedented correlation of children who are in the foster care system and rates of incarceration. Over the past 4 decades, the number of children with a parent in legal custody has risen to nearly 3 million in the United States
5. This means that 90% of
children in long-term foster care have a parent who has been arrested or incarcerated and 1/3 of children in the child welfare system have parents who are currently under correctional supervision.
6 74% of prison inmates have
spent time in the foster care system and to further exacerbate the situation, 50% of
children who “age out” will end up behind bars. So what do we do?
This is the call to action of our members. We do as we are called to do in Isaiah 1:17 NIV Learn to do right, seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
As ministers and members of COPE, you make a difference each day. Each of you have visited the youth and parents behind bars, you have ministered to their hearts, held conferences, prayed, and spoken into their life. Now the Lord calls us to do more. Do more for the children who have become, yet another victim of incarceration. Make a difference, take some time to figure out what you can do and get to it!
For example you could:
organize an event to raise money
sponsor an individual child in an orphanage of your choice in a particularly poor part of the world, or to
invest in education programs that aim to give orphans a new start in life
Host a community meal in a low income neighborhood
Invest in a child and seek opportunities to minister to their parents.
Whether they are behind bars or on the street, provide encouragement and opportunity to do better: to be better. There are many ways to help and this annual day aims to bring those ideas to as wide an audience as possible. For more information on ways that you can help in
your own community, please visit The Christian Alliance for Orphans at cafo.org or visit their Orphan Sunday event page directly at http://orphansunday.org.
1. UNICEF – www.unicef.org
2. SOS USA - www.sos-usa.org/our-impact/childrens-statistics
3. CNN - www.cnn.com/2013/09/16/world/ international-adoption-main-story-decline
4. National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges - www.ncjfcj.org
5. The Atlantic - www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/07/in-a-year-child-protective-services-conducted-32-million-investigations/374809/
6. The Center for Children of Incarcerated Parents - e-ccip.org
Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.
ISAIAH 1:17:17
InterNational Prisoner's Family Conference Calendar
Support artists and authors behind
bars and children with incarcerated
loved ones.
Donate $20 and receive a 2016 Desk
Calendar. Each calendar page
features the donated art work of an
artist behind bars.
The calendar is the ideal holiday gift!
Everyone needs a 2016 calendar and
one size really does fit all!
Donate early for delivery in time for
holiday giving. Shipping is included in
the USA. Please add $3.00 for
shipping outside the country.
For additional information contact:
Michelle@
prisonersfamilyconference.org
All proceeds support the Conference Creative Arts Competitions for prisoners and children with incarcerated loved ones.
THE COALITION & MORE |A NEW PUBLICATION FROM COPE | Volume #3 Issue#1 6
COPE NEEDS
Office Space Donated office space needed in North Texas (DFW area). Presently we are operating out of a home office, very well I might add, but we are in need of dedicated space.
A dedicated space would immediately give us the ability to combine our operations and storage space, resulting in improved efficiency and monies redirected.
If the amount of space made available is enough for the set up and storing of 2-3 brand new cameras and related equipment, we have been invited to use this equipment to develop ministry materials. This is “coalition” at its finest!
If you or someone you know has unused office space available, or if you would like to make a financial donation to support this initiative, please contact our office at (682) 692-8009.
Conference Committee Would you like to be a part of the upcoming COPE South Central Regional Conference (SCRC) but don’t know how? Here’s your chance!
The SCRC date & the location have been chosen, but there’s plenty left to influence. Bring your ideas and creative energy to our first Planning meeting November 17th. Time and place TBD. Conference call and/or Google Hang Out will be made available.
WE NEED YOU Send your email to [email protected] with
#SCRC #Planning in the subject line.
MEMBER BENEFITS
COPE members are eligible to submit financial management and compliance questions to the Financial Management HelpDesk. Dennis Walsh will do his best to address your question or refer you to an appropriate resource. Send your question(s) to: [email protected]
WWW.COPECONNECTIONS.ORG
COPE: A coalition established to provide fellowship, promote excellence, share resources & encourage unity among those called to criminal &restorative justice ministry.
PO BOX 740843 DALLAS, TX 75374 682-292-8009
ThanksGiving Volunteer Appreciation
Therefore, since we are receiving a
kingdom that cannot be shaken, let
us be thankful, and so worship God
acceptably with reverence and awe. HEBREWS 12:28
It is with a heart filled with gratitude that I say thank
you to everyone who has served COPE over the years.
From past Board & Committee members, to the
behind the scenes volunteers & financial contributors,
your generosity is what makes every event a success.
You are the heart of this organization, you define
ministry.
With much gratitude,
Chandra Adams, Executive Director
p.s. A very special thank you goes out to everyone who has made my job easier through your support, kindness and generosity.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,
who has given me strength, that he
considered me faithful, appointing
me to his service. 1 TIMOTHY 1:12
Gratitude … Receive 15% discount off your next online
COPE resource purchase when you submit your volunteer story by Nov. 27th . With your permission, your story may be chosen for our next publication.* Be sure to include where, how, and why you volunteer.
Receive up to 50% off your next COPE conference fee when you volunteer to serve on a COPE service committee, or during a 2016 conference.
*which future publication your story will appear is
based on the number of submissions received.
Double-Layer Pumpkin Pie Submitted By Chandra
This version of a holiday staple, pumpkin pie, is a great “light” alternative to the “heavy” traditional pumpkin pie.
Prep time 20 min. and refrigerate for 4 hr. Makes 10 servings.
1 pkg. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened (8
oz.)
1 cup+ Milk, (+1 tbsp.) divided
1 tbsp. Sugar
8 oz COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed,
divided (tub)
1 Deep Dish ready-to-use graham cracker
crumb crust
1 can Organic Pumpkin (15 oz.)
2 pkg. JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant
Pudding (3.4 oz. each)
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger 1/4 tsp. Ground cloves
Mix & Make It
Beat cream cheese, 1 tbsp. milk and sugar in large bowl with whisk until blended. Stir in half the COOL WHIP. Spread onto bottom of crust.
Whisk remaining milk, pumpkin, dry pudding mixes and spices 2 min. (Mixture will be thick.) Spread over cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Serve topped with remaining COOL WHIP.
Celebrate Emmett Solomon Day RJMN “More God Less Crime Conference”
Huntsville Mayor, Mack Woodward has proclaimed Saturday, November 7th as "Emmett Solomon Day"
WHEN: Saturday November 7, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM CST
WHERE: Texas Prison Museum, Huntsville 491 Hwy 75 N., Huntsville, TX 77320
MORE: visit: http://rjmntexas.net/ or email Anita Parrish at: [email protected].
