I've worked for CIC Ministries since May 2019...

"Working alongside chaplains over the last few years has changed me. I often notice myself listening more closely and trying to ask questions instead of just waiting for my turn to talk. My thinking has changed, and I am seeking to better understand others. I choose different words and even decide to say nothing at all sometimes (silence is not my default setting). I can better name my feelings and identify my history to understand how experiences affect how I see and interact with people. I am definitely a work in progress, but being a part of jail ministry has brought me so much more peace, acceptance, joy and purpose than I ever expected from a job. I sincerely credit that to our chaplains, those on staff and all of our volunteers too.

If just spending my work week observing chaplains interact with others has changed me, can you imagine the impact chaplains have on those they are working with inside? And what if more people in the world became like chaplains? What if we started a movement of being everyday chaplains inside and outside of the jails? If we could develop and teach others the skills that make good chaplains, patience, self awareness, cultural humility, non-judgment, inclusivity, bringing no agenda, and more, I believe we can change the whole world! Maybe a bit grandiose, but I can definitely imagine it."

On #GivingTuesday, I hope that you will consider sharing your financial gifts with CIC Ministries to support the life changing work of chaplaincy inside of the jails. We can’t do this without you!