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| Prison Ministry |
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| The scene is the Chapel of the Redeemer at Sing Sing prison. Richard
Mateyka is presiding and he says "God is Good!" and the 200 plus men in
the chapel roar back "All the time!" How can men experiencing the
confinement, humiliation, frustration, and boredom of prison life, say
this - and mean it? They - many of them - have found that they can trust
a God of hope who loves them unconditionally and has forgiven them
utterly. |
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| What is Richard doing there and how did all this come about?
Sometime after the Civil war and before 1880, God spoke to Mrs. Virginia
Fields, a young, wealthy society matron in New York City. The message
was, "I want you to go to Sing Sing prison and start a bible class." She
spoke to her husband, who spoke to the Governor, who spoke to the
warden, who invited Mrs. Fields to come to Ossining and start a bible
class, which she did. Since that time, once a month, a gospel service
has been held at Sing Sing. The auspices have been transferred to
Hephzibah House, which Mrs. Fields founded and we now meet on the fourth
Sunday of each month. |
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| In 1964 Hephzibah House invited Bjorn Nyborg to take charge of the
ministry. He was joined by Harald Tonnessen whose music ministry
transformed the inmates into such a choir that it was suggested they go
on tour, which they heartily endorsed! |
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| The present team consists of Richard Mateyka, Ken and Jeannie Olsen,
Dale Weaver, Roger Demarest and Bjorne Nyborg. Back in the 1970's the
current chaplain invited us to conduct the Protestant Chapel Hour on
Sunday mornings, which we have done ever since. In addition, to the
ministry, we supply tracts, bibles and we were instrumental in
establishing a library. Through the good offices of Artie Pitt we
secured a very fine electronic organ which is regularly in use. |
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| When Mrs. Fields first went to Sing Sing God gave her a promise -
"Behold I set before you an open door which no man can shut." The door
is still open by God's grace and from month to month the good news goes
out "God is good - all the time." |
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| Please pray for continued access and effectiveness as we obey Jesus'
mandate "I was in prison, and you came unto me." |
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| Before becoming responsible for the Hephzibah Ministry, Virginia
Hammersley Field was already involved in Christian ministry. She was
establishing a world-wide ministry for high school girls, with chapters
in many countries. However, one of her great passions was the ministry
God used her to establish at Sing Sing Prison. When she assumed the
directorship of Hephzibah House, she brought along the commitment to the
men of Sing Sing. It was the first prison ministry by women in the
United States, and it has continued to this day without interruption.
Here at Hephzibah, Mrs. Field built a team for Sing Sing, which we also
do yet today. One of our long term trustees of this work, for over fifty
years, is Bjarne Nyborg, and in this year, 2005, he is still active
although others have taken over the responsibility. Having taken
seriously the words of our Lord, "I was in prison and you visited me"
... thousands of men have been ministered to over the years and have
experienced the life-giving power of a risen Christ transforming them. |
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| Another of our extended ministries is our "visitation tea". When we
are informed that one of our Hephzibah Family Members is ill or needs
encouragement, we have created a very special carrying case... with
teapot and all the trimmings to make a special event. In doing this, our
desire is to share the love and care of our Father for His children.
When people come to Hephzibah for various activities, they become part
of this "family" living here in this brownstone at 51 West 75th Street. |
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| Prayer has always been the center of the Hephzibah Ministry and part
of our extended ministries is to gather in those who need special
intercessions. With telephone, mail, Emails and personal contacts,
Hephzibah House prayers are a part of our day's events, as well as the
personal activity of each of the staff. |
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| Other extended ministries are conducted as we teach Bible studies,
which is a major function of this ministry outside of the Hephzibah
House itself. We will try to keep you informed and updated with this
information just in case it might be one of your interests. |
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