Testimonies From Correctional Chaplains
The following statements come from real prison and jail Chaplains, including many that have attended our
Chaplains Seminars
from a new Aurora Chaplain’s Training Academy student after his 1st session, May, 2011
“Thank you for all your hard work and commitment to equipping others to the work of the ministry of chaplaincy. I would also like to extend my heart felt appreciation for your ministry of providing BIBLICAL BASED training for prison chaplains. There is so much that is so far from the Bible, your ministry is truly refreshing and edifying. Thanks again,”
Two notes from our last One-Day Seminar near Chicago, Illinois, April 2, 2011
"There's just nothing like a bunch of "Jail People" getting together! Chaplain Tom is convinced it's the closest thing to Heaven! Our friend Rich Hines from ChaplainHelp.org, a division of Aurora Ministries (Bradenton, Florida) visited us again. This is Rich's 3rd Seminar here, and as usual, God was glorified, and He was enthusiastically received, by a record crowd of 76 Jail & Prison Ministry devotees!"
"Hi Rich, Thank you so much for the manual's etc. I have been ministering at Cook County Jail for 3 years. Marlene and I are currently mentoring 4 men who have been released from the jail. Your seminar was a gift from God, the biblical insight was amazing, all in His plan. Thank you for all you do for His Kingdom. Blessings, Art."
from a Chaplain in Texas
“I was able to camp a day early before the retreat (3-Day Seminar) ... I spent much time in prayer about the retreat. ... Well, after camping I was ‘primed’ when I reported to Glorieta for the retreat. You did not disappoint!... I hear so many ‘easy answers’ from all kinds of ministries and the State also, that your message was like clear cool water. It reaffirmed truths I hold very dear. ... During the retreat my heart was ‘strangely moved’ and I felt the love and presence of God in a wonderful way. I will always look back on this retreat as a very important time in my ministry.”
from a Chaplain in Oklahoma
“I want to thank you for your ministry to those of us who work as jail Chaplains. I appreciate your insight and advice in working with inmates. I am a former jailer who now works as a volunteer chaplain to inmates. You bring out information that sometimes I don’t think about as I work closely with the inmates. You keep me apprised of the fact that working with inmates is not exactly the same as dealing with the general public. Your advice and teachings bring a viable approach to my ministry, with what I believe are good results. Again I thank you and may God bless your ministry as you walk in his will.”
from a women’s Chaplain in Michigan
“From time to time, I feel slightly depressed after visiting inmates and hearing the sad stories surrounding their lives. This Seminar has enlightened, encouraged and inspired me to strive for greater heights in the Lord and in the prison ministry.”
from a Chaplain in California
What I appreciate most about Aurora Ministries is the clear teaching of the word of God. No fluff. Good solid teaching. We must know our doctrine and guard against the movement that says teaching doctrine is bad.
from another Chaplain in Texas
“As a state trainer for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, I train volunteer Chaplains. With my contact with Chaplains at this conference (meaning Aurora’s Seminar) and with the presentations, I now have new knowledge and understanding of prison ministry. Thank you.”
from a Chaplain in Massachusetts
“Aurora Ministries has been the most generous in continuing to support the chaplains throughout the United States Correctional System. In all my years of working as a Chaplain, I have never experienced the openness and the giving like that of the Aurora Ministries.”
from a Chaplain in Pennsylvania
“As a pastor of a church made up of 60% ex-offenders, and as a 10 year chaplain at a maximum security facility, I thought this year’s Seminar was the finest I have ever had the privilege of attending. It was the most informative, inspirational and enjoyable time I have ever had.”
from a Chaplain in Nebraska
“What I continue to be so very grateful for is the encouragement and equipping and enrichment God has brought to us through Aurora Ministries.”
from a Chaplain in New York
“We go through times when it seems that no one cares. You have shown how much you really care about us (Chaplains). You may be the only support some of us have.”
from a Chaplain in Arkansas
“You not only minister to the inmates with materials you share, but you also minister to the Chaplain. The Seminar was great!”
from another Chaplain in California
“Paul complimented Philemon for ‘refreshing the saints.’ I compliment Aurora Ministries for doing the same for correctional chaplains.”
from another Chaplain in California
“We go away encouraged, better equipped to help others.”
from a Chaplain from Florida
“Greetings! Thank you and all the fine staff of Aurora Ministries for the outstanding seminar in Memphis. Betty and I appreciate this opportunity; all the arrangements were excellent. The theme, “Ministry In The Light Of Christ’s Return,” was a timely message. Dr’s Stephen and David Olford blessed and challenged us. The two books, “Anointed Exposition Preaching,” and “The Second Coming,” will be read with much interest and profit. Thanks for these quality books. Aurora Ministries is making a difference in the lives of many people. We pray God’s blessing and strength to be with each of you. Thanks friends for everything.”
from a Chaplain and his wife from Pennsylvania
“A brief note to say thank you, a big THANK YOU for your kindness in putting us up and putting up with us at the “Chaplain Enrichment Seminar” at Sandy Cove last month. It was everything you promised and more. Speakers - challenging, Service - superb, Accommodations - outstanding, Food - delicious, Fellowship - sweet & abundant . . . Thanks for the rest, challenges, etc. We are blessed. We pray that you may continue to be a blessing. Looking forward to next year if the Lord should tarry.”
from a Chaplain in Tennessee
“I suggest that you contact Aurora Ministries in Bradenton, FL. Their ministry is geared toward prisons . . . Each year they sponsor a Bible conference for Chaplains. Those who attend are Chaplains with a heart for the Lord. They send out a newsletter to those Chaplains, and they should be able to assist you in getting your message out.”
from a Chaplain in Georgia
“Words cannot express the impact you have made on my life and ministry in the last ten years”