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	June 8, 2005 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 45

	Prison-ministry conference provides 'boost' to workers

	The Synod's first-ever prison-ministry conference, April 30-May
1 in St. Louis, attracted 107 participants -- 37 more than organizers
hoped for -- "from literally all over the country," according to Rev.
John Fale.

	Director of chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, and clinical
education with LCMS World Relief/Human Care, Fale said the conference
also "offered a wide variety of choices, providing support and ideas for
those who are already involved in prison and jail ministry, and the nuts
and bolts of getting a prison or jail ministry started through a local
congregation."

	"Perhaps more importantly," Fale said, "it assisted in
developing a network and support for those who are involved in prison
and jail ministry."

	He said that a number of participants "commented how refreshing
it was to see so many others in the Synod who are committed to bringing
the compassion of Christ and the Gospel to those who are incarcerated,
and to their families."

	The two-day event, organized and sponsored by LCMS World
Relief/Human Care and the LCMS Southern Illinois District, and partially
funded by the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, featured a number of
plenary presentations from speakers involved in various aspects of
prison ministry and offered an array of workshops.

	It also included a brainstorming session that "enthusiastically
supported having these types of conferences in years to come and forming
an online support network in the Synod," Fale said.

	"A number of people have commented that the conference provided
them a boost to continue in this important service," he said.

	One of those is David Streufert of Deer Lodge, Mont., who leads
weekly Bible classes and coordinates a mid-week worship service at
Montana State Prison.

	A member of St. John Lutheran Church in Deer Lodge and of the
LCMS Montana District's Human Care Committee, Streufert said the Synod
conference "was really a shot in the arm to those who attended. The
workshops, resources, and interactions with others were extremely
valuable."

	Beth Schnitker of rural Middletown, Mo., sits on the board for
Agape House in Vandalia, Mo., which serves the family members of 3,500
inmates at two nearby prisons. An insurance agent, she is a member of
Grace Lutheran Church, Wellsville, Mo.

	"I was impressed [with] the number of dedicated prison-ministry
volunteers, workers, and those with a passion to share the Good News who
had traveled far distances to share in this conference," Schnitker said.
"My eyes were opened to the many diverse needs and opportunities to
serve those who are incarcerated."

	Fale said that organizers of the conference were "especially
pleased" that participants said they intended to encourage others back
home to prepare for prison ministry.

	"That was one of our goals for this conference," he said.

	Fale indicated that "a significant amount of money is available
for those who wish to receive training for prison and jail ministry
through chaplaincy," as part of an LWML grant to LCMS World Relief/Human
Care.

	For more information, e-mail Judy Ladage at
judy.ladage@lcms.org, or call (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1388.

	****************************************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or (314) 996-1231,
or Paula Schlueter Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org or (314) 996-1230.

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