Matthew 25:36 (King James Version)
I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
AZALEA CITY PRISON MINISTRY
God first called me into the prison ministry in 1979. I first started out ministering at Lowndes State Prison by an invitation from my father-in law. Prior to this ministry I was a businessman and worked with inmates on a work release program in the early 70's. After my store was burglarized, I overheard an inmate's plan to rob a place when he got out of prison, then I realized that the Word of God was much needed in the prison system in South Georgia and North Florida. Azalea City Prison Ministry was founded in 1979 and incorporated in 1985. We exist as a Christian organization consisting of ministers from all denominations in the surrounding community. We conduct weekly services in the following prisons: Lowndes State Prison, Valdosta, GA; Valdosta State Prison, Valdosta, GA; Jimmy Autrey State Prison, Pelham, GA; Dodge State Prison, Chester, GA; Wilcox State Prison, Abbeville, GA; Madison Correctional Institute, Madison, FL; Madison Work Camp (we plan to start having services in 3 more new prisons this year), Madison, FL; Jefferson Correctional Institute, Monticello, FL; and Gadsden Correctional Institute, Quincy, FL. Also, we plan to start having services in three more new prisons in 2001. We do jail ministries in Lowndes, Brooks, Berrien County, and Nashville City. We conduct over 95 spiritual revival meetings at the prison during the year and visit the five community Nursing Homes during Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.Approximately 80% or our prison population is totally indigent. They have no money and no one will contribute to their monetary, emotional, or spiritual needs. Each prisoner in Georgia is given one bar of lye soap, one toothbrush, state produced toothpaste, toilet tissue, and institutional clothing. The Chaplain of one of the Prisons informs us that 70% of the men in the institution were imprisoned for alcohol/drug related crimes. In an effort to meet some of the basic needs of the inmates, God has given us the privilege to do the following:
a. Provide soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, lotion and other toiletry articles-currently we distribute about 1000 pieces of each per month.
b. Provide musical equipment for Prison Chapels. In 1997, the state of Georgia decided to remove all musical equipment from all state institutions except pianos and public address systems. The ministry maintains ownership of the instruments but loans them to the Chaplains for Chapel use. So far we have provided 6 sets of drums, 6 bass guitars with amps, 4 rhythm guitars, one tape recorder, and 2 keyboards
c. Provide cards for the inmates to send including Mother's and Father Day, get well, Easter, Christmas, and
d. On special occasions we provide cookies, chips, and other snacks
e. Last Christmas we gave out over $400,000 at retail value. Items provided were books, Christian literature, cookies, candy, soft drinks, pens, fruit, deodorant, shampoo, soap, lotion, and toothpaste.
Other efforts of the ministry include a proposed "Whole way House" to provide support for men and eventually women released from Prison. The goal of this facility will be to provide a Christian environment, shelter and assistance while the individual re-establishes himself as a productive member of society. We are applying for block grants to assist with this undertaking. We hope to establish support groups for the families of inmates and provide Christian influence to help them during this difficult period in their lives. We welcome your prayer and support. Thank you for giving to the Lord.
Andy Squires
President and Founder