Luke 13:3; I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. I’m amazed at how many times I ask the question of an inmate: “What does the word ‘repent’ mean to you?” 95% of the time their answer is, “… to ask for forgiveness.”

Through my reading of the Bible, it appears the Bible’s definition is: to make a personal, absolute, unconditional surrender to God. By repenting according to this definition, it brings about sorrow and regret. But more than that, through repentance, one makes a complete change of direction – a 180◦ turn toward God!

The Greek word in the New Testament for repentance is metanoia, which means, “a change of mind” and “turning towards the light” away from the darkness.

At the Macomb County Jail, we meet with men and women who have lived some very riotous lifestyles. We, as volunteers and lay ministers, have the awesome opportunity to announce to the men and women that, “Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” ~Luke 5:32 He came for those who live a riotous life style! Now, if they will just turn from that life and turn towards the light, they will be given the gift of righteousness. They will literally be transferred from death to life and all things will become new (2 Corinthians 5:17)!

How can it get any better than that? Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us to be a small part of what You are doing in this mission field located at the corner of Elizabeth and Groesbeck in Mt. Clemens, MI!

From Riotous to Righteous,

Chaplain Steve Malek

In the Bible, from start to finish, we see a God who pursues the outsider – foreigner, the helpless, the stranger, the outcast.

Adam and Eve who were outside the Garden of Eden, Hagar outside the camp of Abraham, Lazarus outside the gate of the rich man –prostitutes, lepers, thieves, the down and out and demon possessed – the Bible is filled with outsiders pursued and transformed by God’s relentless love.

What an awesome privilege and honor it is to be a part of what God is doing in the Macomb County Jail and the aftercare of Gateway. We are able to watch God pursue the outsider, the down and outers with His unfailing love shown through the volunteers (who consist of Pastors, lay clergy, and even a couple of ex-offenders!)

God has organized one body of fellow workers to accomplish three things: 1) to share the love of Jesus, 2) to water, plant and win souls for Him, and 3) to disciple the men and women upon their release to society. To help them become productive citizens and restored to their families. Essentially to be the men and women of God they were called to be!

In the last three months, we’ve taken in 7 new men at the aftercare homes. They have all been enrolled in our new “Rooted” class at church. This class gets then rooted and grounded in the Word of God. They will be instructed and participate in God’s sacraments of baptism, holy communion, foot washing, holy matrimony, laying on of hands with the anointing of oil, and confirmation.

Thank you to all our volunteers, prayer team, jail ministers, mentors, aftercare Bible study teachers and Board of Directors.

All for Jesus,
Chaplain Steve Malek

From Riotousness To Righteousness By Way Of Repentance

Outsiders