“Little Angels” is the title we have assigned to a special and ongoing effort to bless small children – usually from birth through about the age of 12. We refer to these as “Little Angels” because of their age and size. It was such an innocent child that our Lord used to describe the very essence of heaven in Matthew, chapter 18.

Also, we call them Little Angels because they are truly “not guilty” of any crime. Ezekiel 18:20 clearly states that children are not guilty of the sins of their parents. Still, they suffer. It is excruciating to observe the children during “visitation” at a prison. They cry out (silently at times) for love and attention and can’t understand the reason for an “all-too-soon” end to the visit.

I confess that this scene is too much, even for this prison ministry “veteran” of over 50 years. I admit I turn my eyes away in an effort to regain composure. Surely, this agony ranks at the top of the “price-tag” attached to whatever crimes have been committed by their parents. The child is completely innocent but must go through this pain anyway. Contact with imprisoned parents – males and females – helps everyone. Something almost “magical” happens when one looks into the innocent face of a child. The child loves his/her Mom or Dad. A child has blind faith that good things will happen. Their dancing eyes fan the flames of hope in the hearts of all.

Interesting research is found in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. The “subjects” were children, three to five years old, with a parent deployed in the military. We (in prison ministry) are certain that a child with an incarcerated parent reflects an even more pronounced negative affect. “Hitting, biting and hyperactivity were more frequent when a parent was deployed,” said lead author Dr. Molinda Chartrand, active- duty pediatrician in the Air Force. This age group scored an average of five points higher for behavior problems. About one in five older preschoolers with a parent at war displayed troubling emotional or behavior signs.

Family members influence each other big-time. “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says “an estimated 2,000,000 children with one or both parents incarcerated face a greatest risk of perpetuating the cycle of crime across generations” (USA Today).

One source says they are 7 times more likely than their peers to become involved in the criminal justice system. Three Louisiana brothers are all convicted murderers serving life sentences in that state’s system. Six sets of brothers are awaiting capital punishment for crimes in California. Texas has already executed six sets of siblings and has two sets of cousins now sitting on Death Row. Clyde Barrow (of “Clyde & Bonnie” fame) also had a brother who sometimes joined in robbing banks. And every-one recalls the “James’ boys” – Frank and Jesse.

Crime tends to run in families with nearly 50% of state prison inmates having other family members either in prison or have been there. It is difficult to break the cycle of family crime, but we cannot simply “sit on our hands” and do nothing.

This outreach ministry is doing what we can to teach adults through courses such as . . .

A Sense of Family Managing My Anger
Christian Marriage Skills Parenting Matters
The FamilyNet Series  

 

The Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA) course is the most often used course since crimes are usually committed due to chemical addiction (and their children suffer even more). We utilize the Children’s Edition with those between 5 to 12 years of age. Friends of this ministry help answer calls for pampers. baby-beds, highchairs, clothing, safety seats, toys, etc.

As funds become available, we purchase $25 gift cards from places like Wal-Mart or grocery stores to bless small children. This is not something we do at Christmas only. This is a 365 day-per-year effort. The gift-cards supply more than toys . . . they are used to fill prescriptions, buy a sweater, coat, shoes or groceries. Over the course of the year we receive and easily dispense $10,000+ worth of cards.

In a recent year we were able to directly assist 541 children in 256 families representing 819 individuals.

We wish you could witness the gratitude of the “Little Angels” helped. As small as it may seem, one gift-card can make a world of difference at a critical time.

There are other programs that minister to children of offenders in other ways. We prefer a our approach – directly connecting with and impacting individuals in need – face to face, all year long. Records are kept of families helped with a brief description of their situations. It is not unusual to see things like father in jail or “mother in prison” or dad on parole.

When we look into the eyes and face of a sweet, young, innocent child . . . it breaks our heart. Please join us in prayer for a better world – today and tomorrow.