I’m a Para-Chaplain now!!!

I  am now a full time Para-Chaplain with a nonprofit Evangelical Christian  organization called Pacific Youth Correctional Ministries! PYCM has ministered to incarcerated youth for over 30 years!  I am a home based missionary now in Orange County, living 100% off donations. As a Para-Chaplain with PYCM i come along side the Chaplains and help teach the Sunday services, weekly Bible Studies, disciple teens one-on-one/mentor/counsel, raise awareness in the community by sharing with different churches, & help serve at annual incarcerated youth events throughout the year. These activities take place at different detention facilities such as: Juvenile Hall, YGC (Youth Guidance Center-drug treatment center for incarcerated youth), Joplin Center, YLA (Youth Leadership Academy-where i teach Monday night Bible Studies each week), and  Orangewood.  Between these different facilities we are able to come in contact with thousands of teen boys and girls!

I was a Probation Volunteer with Pacific Youth for over 6 years prior to World Race and when i returned from my  11 month trip, i knew i had a burning passion for incarcerated youth and could not imagine my life without being involved with it!  I finally found what i am best at and what God created me for!

 

These youth (minors ranging from as young as 9yrs old to 18yrs old) are all felons and the term “at risk youth” is an understatement. They are in life and death situations and while they are locked up in these detention centers, i have the rare opportunity to reach them at such a  crucial time in their  lives in these structured, sober environments. Literally a “Captive Audience.” They are broken, thirsty and hungry for His love, truth and to hear the Good News of the Gospel. Many are at rock bottom and  they need to know there is still hope in Jesus and that their lives have value and worth.The majority come from broken families with moms, dads, and/or siblings active in gangs or in prison. Many have been abused/neglected and have grown up in homes with hardcore drugs at their reach. A lot of the time their own family and society itself has given up on them and branded them as “good for nothing screw ups” who will  never have a chance or a future. But we have the opportunity to share God’s Living Word with them and to see God correct their lives, right in front of our own eyes. We see lives change everyday, even though it takes time. We see the fruit of the Holy Spirit moving powerfully through this ministry.Through Him and His precious Blood their chains can be broken and they can be free!  I just helped lead the 28th Annual Christmas Pageant at Juvenile Hall where 400 locked up teens heard/acted out the true Christmas story/Gospel and we had 200 volunteers come participate/serve/love on them. Many of those teenagers who grew up in Orange County heard the TRUE CHRISTmas story for the FIRST time! This is what i get to do on a daily basis….. guide them to Christ and then be there to help them grow in their relationship with Him! It’s the best job in the world!! In a way they are orphans without families and we get to BE their family, their encourager, their life coach, and be JESUS to them.

 

One teen boy at YLA  told me this after i taught  Bible  study “Michelle- tonight i walked into Bible Study feeling suicidal and hopeless.Now i’m leaving Bible Study knowing there is hope and someone cares about me. I did not think that God still loved me, after everything i have done. Thank you for coming.”  THIS is why i do what i do.

 

 

God also lead me to join a Gang Intervention Ministry team called Lives Worth Saving. Took 12 week training class lead by Pastor Kevin Brown who is a former SWAT member for 12yrs/ former police officer 30yrs. We hit the dangerous streets of inner city Santa Ana  Sat nights where there are over 90 gangs and 5-6,000 active gang members. This ministry has opened up doors for me to connect with the community/juvenile hall families and through it God has broken my heart even more for the broken hearted. It has helped equip me to better understand the incarcerated youth  because i run into many of them out on streets there and see where they are coming from.

 

If you want to know more or are interested in partnering up with me in building His Kingdom at these detention centers, here are few ways you can do that!!!  

** Prayer support -join me in prayer! I will begin sending out monthly newsletters/updates. Always in need of more prayer warriors! Please contact me if you’re interested!

** Financial support–  since i am a home based missionary living off 100% donations (no other income coming in) i do depend on people to partner up with me financially so i can continue to do what God has called me to!! Any amount helps 🙂  You can donate online at:  

 Click donate at the top of the page and you will come to
the donation page.My name is the 2nd to the last name on the list at bottom of the page! You will receive a tax write off!

You can also donate by mailing a check to: Pacific Youth Correctional Ministries, P.O.Box 8875, Redlands CA 92375

PLEASE MAKE THE CHECK OUT TO: PYCM

ON A SEPARATE PIECE OF PAPER IN THE ENVELOPE, MAKE SURE TO  WRITE: Michelle Smith/ Account  #041.

 

**Volunteer Opportunities: there are annual events you can sign up for a 1 time clearance and there are also regular/weekly volunteer opportunities if you feel that is what you are called to. Our next volunteer orientation is coming up in Feb 2012!! Please email me if you are interested in getting involved in teaching bible studies/mentoring.

 

Contact info: email      [email protected]

cell   (714) 514-7006

 

Hope you all have a blessed CHRISTmas and a Happy New year!!!   “Every good and perfect gift is from God.” James 1:17

His Servant,

Para-Chaplain Michelle Smith

                                                                                  Juvenile Hall,  City Drive, Orange CA