The ongoing ministry to incarcerated youth continues to be blessed. The ministry had its beginnings in 1996 with the first youth retreat weekend held at the Burton Center. This first retreat was made possible through the work of Rev. Bernard Cannon and the late Rev. Henry Fagin.

In 2001 when the Burton Center was turned over to a private company to administer the fear was that the work there was finished. That was not God’s idea for He has opened the doors wider. The Burton Center is now known as the Eliot Center. In March of 2001 every Friday night Bible study resumed and the first retreat weekend ( as the Eliot Center ) was held in September. In November of 2001 a Saturday night worship service was launched. In January of 2003 a weekly Chaplain Visit was added to the schedule at Eliot Center. We gratefully acknowledge the support and assistance of Director Melvin Whitlow in supporting the ministry's programs. Though Mr. Whitlow has moved on 'IYM' continues to be blessed with support from the management of the facilities we serve.

 You are welcome to come and be a part our ministry events.  How do you sign up for a weekend? Read on.

In addition to the programs at Eliot, we have been ministering at  other affiliated centers since 2002. Our involvement is under the direction of Director Mrs. J. Fryer and her Facility Managers. We provide a bible study each Tuesday night as well as Chaplain visits and provide the weekly worship service held on Friday nights. The first retreat weekend for an affiliate took place in August of 2003.The worship services that began in 2002 were under the auspices of then Facility Manager G. Yusef Qualls. Following a meeting with then Director Melvin Whitlow and Reverend Qualls it was decided that 'IYM' would take over all facets of spiritual enrichment at Calumet.

In 2005 we began ministering on a periodic basis at the Adrian Training School for Young Women. In 2006 we added ministry work at a Don Bosco placement facility and Children's Home of Detroit.

Incarcerated Youth Ministries .org Inc. provides a continuum of guest speakers and special events that further enhance the Christian experience for the incarcerated young men.

All the programs discussed above are to help bring young men between the ages of 11 and 20 to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On January 31, 2008 the Eliot Center was closed and the residents were moved to another facility. The residents that had occupied that center were moved to a new center.

To make all of this work requires people. People like YOU. The weekly programs only require an hour or two. Chaplain visits occur once a week at the centers serviced by 'IYM' The work of 'IYM' continues.

If the Lord leads you to be a part of this work please call or ‘e’- mail :

586-381-0003

iym@wowway.com
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Latest Update

 Dear Prayer Community,

 

We wish to announce that we have been requested to return and minister to the young men at the centers we ministered to until 2009. Ministry services under the 'IYM' banner will commence: 

June 15, 2010.

 

 

'IYM' Has A New/Revised Board Of Directors:

 

Kris Davis-Secretary-IYM 14 years

Elder Charleston and Michelle (Sonnie) Day- Directors-IYM 3 years

Pastor Paul Futch-Director-IYM 3 years

Chaplains Bob & Jennie Kirby-Directors-IYM- 14 years

Angela Whetstone-Treasurer-New to IYM

Pastor Bill Whetstone-Spiritual Director-IYM 2 years

 

We are also blessed to have as advisors: Mr. Glen Moore- CPA-Financial; Mr. Melvin Whitlow-Detention Practices & Procedures. Photos of the board and advisors are on the web site now. Please pray for the Lord's wisdom and guidance for 'IYM'.

 

To begin with there will be weekly Chaplain Visits. Worship services will be conducted twice per the night in question. This will provide greater opportunity for the residents to attend and not violate existing laws concerning the congregating of incarcerated individuals. At this time there is no consideration of weekend spiritual retreats as the principles involved in a retreat weekend also violate the law mentioned above. Bible study is under review at this time. It is our opinion that the one- on -one chaplain visit and the worship experience form the most vital elements of a young man's spiritual development.

 

We need volunteers to be Chaplains. If you are interested in doing or continuing this work please contact us. Our goal is to have a sufficiency of ministers to 'rotate' between weeks so that volunteers will not burn out. If you are 'new' to this...we will train and chaperone you until you (and we) are confident of a 'solo' assignment. There is no danger to volunteers as the security at these facilities is excellent. Chaplain visits are Tuesday evening at one center 6:45 to 8:00 PM; the other-Saturday morning 9:45 to 11:00 AM.

 

A word about finances. 'IYM' is not a volunteer's home church. The tithe of a person's income belongs at their home church. We of course could use donations for bible & tract purchases. Rest assured there are no salaries or other perks associated with volunteering to minister to incarcerated youth. We don't do fundraisers. We will depend on the Lord to send those who will assist financially and will give thanks and use wisely any and all donations. We have maintained our 501 C 3 status so donations may be taken on your yearly income tax return. Please do not 'not' volunteer because of finances. We need you to minister to the young men; the Lord will make a way if we are found faithful.

 

Over time many have asked why we do not employ the social networking sites to 'promote the cause'. Simply stated, Center Management does not want any information concerning their facilities going on social sites. As has been seen recently these sites are extremely 'hackable'. Detained youth are protected by a myriad of laws many of which are subject to wide interpretation. The Center Management does not want social sites utilized; END OF STORY. This also means that volunteers may not 'tweet', post ( or whatever) any specifics concerning their involvement with a facility that utilizes 'IYM' as their provider of Spiritual Enrichment programs.

 

Finally, these past weeks have been fraught with violence in our streets and most have youth involvement particularly the victims thereof. WE COVET YOUR PRAYERS FOR THE WORK THAT WILL BE DONE WITH INCARCERATED YOUTH. We will tell and show them there is a better way. Jesus!

 

Your Servants In Christ,

 Kris Davis, Elder Charleston & Michelle (Sonnie) Day, Pastor Paul Futch, Chaplains Bob & Jennie Kirby, Pastor Bill and Angela Whetstone

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