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A New Life in Christ

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Alma
   Villagrana

Fausto
   Villagrana
 Fausto and Alma Villagrana, are missionaries serving with Hispanic ministries in the Ozarks in the Missouri West Conference. Among their programs are a radio outreach, an after school program for children and youth; legal aid assistance; and prison/jail outreach. They recently shared how the love and care extended to an inmate not only turned his life around but was passed on to others in the prison population.

Adrian first met us while in jail. He did not speak English and was angry, confused and discouraged. Placed in a two-man cell, he began to fight and release anger with other inmates. As we shared with him he listened, but did not read or pray along with us.

Over the months he learned to trust God and began to read his Bible. As God gave him strength and hope, Adrian reached out to other prisoners and shared what he had found: a new life in Christ. The prison authorities took note of his change of attitude and behavior, and said Adrian had become a positive role model for other inmates. Since his release he and his family are attending church.

The commitment of prison ministry must not end when inmates are released from prison. It needs to be provided as they make the transition to civic life again. Care and support must be provided to assist families in healing and becoming productive citizens and steadfast Christians.

Regretfully, we do not see many of the inmates after they are released, for they return to their native countries or different states. But regardless of their destination, we seek to assure them of Lord's bountiful love and grace for all.

Pray for our work as we continue in this particular area of our ministry and follow His teachings to: Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you are being tortured…" Hebrews 13:3
General Board of Global Ministries
United Methodist Church
475 Riverside Drive - New York, New York 10115
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