Ministry reaches out to help former inmates

This is a drawing of the main building that Change A Heart Ministry hopes to build to help former inmates make a transition back into life outside prison. Contributed photo.

By Lori Kennedy-Stewart
StarNews Correspondent

Published: Monday, April 19, 2010 at 8:43 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, April 19, 2010 at 8:43 a.m.

Paul and Lisa Huffman could have purchased a lot of things with their last $250, so they invested it into starting their own prison ministry.

“We really did not know what the Lord wanted us to do,” said Lisa. “But every time we turned around, prison was there.”

Lisa’s oldest son, now 24, has been incarcerated since the age of 16. Throughout the years of visits and phone calls, the Huffmans have witnessed first-hand the prisoners with no family support. Upon release, many of these former inmates enter society with no money, food, clothing or even a home.

The Huffmans would take nearly six months in 2008 planning out their vision for what is now known as Change A Heart Ministry. With a purpose of assisting newly released prisoners to becoming successful members of society in a Christian context, the Huffmans minister to inmates from the mountains to the coast, including the New Hanover County Correctional Facility and Caldwell Correctional Center in Hudson.

The Huffmans have recently instituted a Christmas event held at Caldwell for select prisoners to enjoy breakfast, crafts, singing, wrapping presents and dinner shared with their children and families. From the food and crafts to the presents the inmates give to their children, all items are donated to the Huffmans.

In early 2009, Change A Heart Ministry became a 501(c) 3 non-profit incorporated organization with financing for the ministry made possible by donations from speaking engagements in churches, gospel concerts, yard sales and individual and business donations.

“We speak about this ministry everywhere we go,” said Paul. “Whether it’s on the sidewalk or wherever, it doesn’t matter to us because we aren’t ashamed of what we do.”

Taking their ministry a huge step further, the Huffmans, along with the help of architects and builders, have developed a plan for Healing Hearts Haven. This facility will feature a ranch-style environment along with a chapel. Free structured housing will be available to qualified male inmates upon their release. Along with the necessities of daily living, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and job placement services will be provided.

With a building budget of $750,000, the Huffmans are still seeking the location for the future home, but have not had to go far to find local support for their cause.

Although the Huffmans have been greeted with many negative responses and closed doors, the couple came across two Pender County pastors who saw the end result of their vision to be a beneficial one; Rev. Stephen Dupree of the Holly Ridge Church of God and Rev. Rick Armstrong of Topsail Baptist Church, located in Hampstead.

Armstrong was no stranger to the benefits of a prison ministry. During the early stages of his career as a minister, Armstrong worked at a downtown Wilmington prison ministry.

“I saw the passion they had for wanting to start this ministry and hearing their testimony I knew they were sincere,” said Armstrong.

“We started our journey,” said Lisa, fighting back tears. “And it has been an awesome one.”

For more information on Change A Heart, go to www.changeaheartministry.org.

To volunteer, call 270-5127.

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