The Denver Weekly newspaper highlighted New Destiny Community Church, with an emphasis on the recent PTS (Prison to Society) Prison Ministry. Praise God for Good News that our local newspapers share! We realize He changes and transforms lives.
I have copied and attached the article below.
Blessings,
Mike Teeter
pastor
New Destiny Community Church
phone: 704-947-3829
cell: 803-448-5699
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Helping prisoners to the light, then to society
Posted by CW Editor on October 6, 2011 in Faith | 0 Comment
New Destiny volunteers at South Carolina prison
by Alan Hodge
Pastor Mike Teeter and his wife Melissa lead New Destiny Community Church in Denver. The church recently sent a group to prepare a meal for prisoners in Kershaw Correctional Institution in Kershaw, S.C. (Courtesy of New Destiny Community Church)
When Pastor Mike Teeter, of New Destiny Community Church, in Denver, decided to get his congregation involved in outreach programs, few of those volunteers could have imagined that they would see the inside of a prison.
“We are a small congregation of about 25 to 30 members,” Teeter said. “Yet, we wanted to not just minister to our own families, but to communities as well.”
New Destiny sent members to work with Chaplain Joann Cook at Kershaw Correctional Institution in Kershaw, S.C. They not only ministered to inmates, but helped prepare a celebratory feast for a large group of them that took part in a special program called Prison to Society.
“I have nothing but good things to say about Pastor Teeter and New Destiny Community Church,” Cook said. “They are very gracious and the volunteers bring light to this prison.”
In addition to his own congreation, Teeter also enlisted the aid of several other churches to help in the campaign, including New Destiny Community Church’s mother church, Lake Wylie Christian Assembly.
Prison to Society was set up at Kershaw Correctional Institution two years ago to help inmates get ready for a successful transition back into everyday life. About 100 inmates are involved in the program at Kershaw Correctional Institution, and most are due for release in a year or so.
The faith-based program connects inmates with positive role models, families and churches like New Destiny Community Church.
“It is interesting to see how the power of the Gospel can change lives,” Teeter said.
The program also hones the intellectual and life skills of the participants by offering General Education Development classes as well as courses in anger management, employability, managing finances, communication skills, and self-discipline.
After they’re released, former inmates can still find help from Prison to society with issues like clothing and job search.
The effort that inmates put into the program pays off in many ways, including the graduation dinner ceremony. Besides ministering to the spiritual side of things at Kershaw Correction Institution, Teeter and about 16 members of his congregation also contributed by preparing the dinner.
“We made fried chicken with all the trimmings,” Teeter said. “It was just to show them how much their hard work and good behavior was appreciated. They said it was a real blessing.”
An extra treat during the dinner was music by three women from the ministry team.
All the work that Teeter and his crew have done at Kershaw Correctional Institution has been well-received.
“Churches like New Destiny Community Church truly make a difference in the lives of our inmates,” said Warden Cecelia Reynolds. “We are blessed by having them come and volunteer in events such as the graduation dinner.”
Teeter said he sees New Destiny doing more prison outreach work at Kershaw Correctional Institution sometime soon.
“We plan to hold a holiday dinner on Dec. 2 for members of the general prison population that have shown good behavior,” Teeter said. “It will be a good meal with turkey and ham. We will also present a gospel Christmas message and music.”
New Destiny Community Church meets Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. at The Club at Westport, 2525 Shanklin Lane. Anyone interested in the church or volunteering in its programs can visit the church website at www.newdestinydenver.org.
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