Welcome to Alaska Correctional Ministries

“He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains!” Psalm 107:14

 

Alaska Correctional Ministries is a non-profit organization that has been partnering with the Department of Corrections Chaplaincy Ministry statewide since 1980, providing life-changing ministry to Alaska’s prisoners and ex-offenders. Together, we are providing ministry and programs that offer hope and real solutions in the lives of offenders through the transforming work of God.

TESTIMONY (continued)

     My mother (was) left with 3 children to take care of and support.  I thank God that He gave me such a strong and loving mother.  Oh, we had our days but she always made sure we had everything we needed.  I had my oldest son at 15 and life got even more complicated, but my mom helped me through all that too and helped me raise my son.  She ended up doing most of the work because I was still so young and still wanted to hang out with my friends. 

     My mom and stepfather came to Alaska in 1984, when I was 18 years old.  This is when I started getting into trouble, using drugs, and drinking whatever I could to numb the pain in my heart.

     So now, it is 29 years later and I am in TLC at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center serving 3 years flat by the grace of God.  You see, I am a TLC graduate.  I came to TLC in 2010 and graduated in December 2011.  It was then that God showed me the things that I had hidden for so long.  Secrets keep you sick and that is very true.  I had been molested by my grandfather when I was 10 many times.  I was also molested by a family friend.  So, needless to say, I have had trust issues all my life.  TLC and God changed my life.  I learned how to communicate properly, to receive and give love, and to cry.  You see, I didn't want people to see me cry because tough girls don't cry.  But they really do!  Jesus worked in my heart and started healing all these broken vessels and I have been set free.

     You see, I have been a heroin addict for 29 years and in and out of jail, so life has not been easy.  Even though I wanted to quit so bad, I couldn't.  I tried many times.  I was 3 years clean when I came back to Hiland and happened to see Chaplain Brenda one day.  She asked me if I wanted to come back to TLC.  Oh, I was so happy.  I did not hesitate.  I said yes.  Now I'm still in TLC and now, it is a totally different journey.  God has a lot more work to do in me.  Every day is an adventure, carefully planned by my friend Jesus.  Life is so precious and I can see that now.  I am thankful today for my life and my trials because I believe that was the only way God could teach me just how helpless I am and how much I need Him.  The Holy Spirit is my best friend that guides me everyday.  Changing has not been easy for me.  It is a battle, but Jesus pulls me through.  Each day, I surrender to Jesus and ask Him to help me see people through His eyes so I can help them believe in His healing love and forgiveness.  All the praise, honor and glory goes to my Father in Heaven.  He is a good, good Father.  I thank you, Lord, for my life, my family, my struggles, my storms because without them I wouldn't be the woman I am today.  ALL FOR JESUS!