Pubdate: Tue, 08 Nov 2005 Source: Valley City Times Record (ND) Copyright: 2005 Valley City Times Record Contact: http://www.times-online.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3718 Author: Jean Schlegel, Times-Record Features Editor JAMESTOWN PRISON CHAPLAIN HELPS INMATES SPIRITUALLY Pastor Mark Haines, prison chaplain from Jamestown, summed up the methamphetamine problem in a few words. "There's an epidemic out there." Haines was the featured speaker at the Meth Task Force quarterly meeting held in Valley City on Monday. He explained what he does in his job and how the community can help. "There are some tough days, such as when a baby dies or a mother dies, but there are many great days and people getting well," he told members of the Meth Task Force. He said prison is a place where some can arrive in tatters and will get the best of care. His job is to get the prisoners to a place to where they won't have to come back. But many do come back. The reason for this is because many of them can't measure up when they get out because the anxiety is so great. "There is enough work out there for them," Haines said. "They have to know they can succeed." One of the first questions asked of Haines is, "What happens when an addict first goes to prison?" He said each prisoner is given an assessment, and the prison has a points system to decide where each prisoner should go. They are rated by points, and they are sent where they best fit. Those with low points qualify to go to the State Farm in Bismarck, a minimal security facility, where they are watched closely. The prisoners are paid, and they must pay about $300 a month to work off their restitution and pay for their rent. The first thing that must be done is to get the prisoner off drugs. "Many prisoners have a time settling in. They have great nurses and doctors there, but the medical department is a terrible place to get sick; it's not a great environment," he said. Haines said many prisoners don't completely change their lives, but there are many success stories. Some become religious and enter a Bible college and become ministers. Haines explained that many prisoners end up in prison simply because of their personality. It isn't always because of the environment they came from, although many times it is. "I built this church on worship," Haines said. He currently has from 40 to 50 who show up for worship services. He had double that amount before the women prisoners moved to Elgin. He said they have male criminals who have learned how to crochet. That may sound strange, but it's something they asked to learn how to do. It started when one prisoner said he wanted some yarn so he could crochet. He was turning out two baby caps a day, and he then taught nine other guys to crochet, who in turn taught others. They make sweaters and papooses for children in third world countries. When they hear back from third world countries about what they have crocheted for these children, "it's a win-win situation," Haines said. Haines told about the 18-month, Teen Challenge program they have for prisoners. It is also for adults, and Haines said they will have to change the name because it doesn't just involve teens. They learn how the Holy Spirit helps move them past their problems, and how to get their lives squared away. They are regimented to read the Bible and live a disciple's life. They have a huge facility in Bismarck, and many prisoners end up at a religious college. "They make great ministers because they are slow to judge others (because of what they have gone through)," Haines said. There are no licensed addiction counselors in this program, however. "It is a great place to steer kids who have some Christian faith." Haines said prisoners are receptive to Christian values. "They can't run away from what they've been doing, and they become more receptive." Haines said prisoners deserve the chance to do well. They've done their time. "We forgive them, but be wise. Be smart. Some become great ministers, but some just fizzle out." In answer to the question, "Why does he (Haines) do what he does?" he said he puts a goal in sight. His biggest challenge is to raise their expectations of life and what God expects of them. He said some come back, and he welcomes them back. "My job as chaplain is to provide resources available to them; to pursue spirituality and to learn about Jesus and the opportunities for salvation. They are my neighbor and my brother," Haines said. The convict often hears a voice that says, "It's easier being back there (at the treatment center)." Haines said, "The devils takes that and twists that." "But yes, they are receptive to spirituality." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman