THE BRIDGE HOUSE NEEDS US NOW

"Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matthew 25:36)

One of my dearest friends, and possibly the most committed Christian I have ever known, is the Rev. Jim Spence. Jim's story is AMAZING. No kidding, a full length film SHOULD be made, dramatizing and telling the story of his life and ministry. Now age 70, Jim is still ministering in a small church in Florida, and still counseling and helping troubled souls. I first met Jim when he was Protestant Chaplain at the Massachusetts State Prison at Walpole (also known as "Cedar Junction"). Some might assume Jim has been a clergyman for his entire adult life or that he is a "flaming liberal". Now, his views on incarceration DO lean a bit to the left, as I think you'd guess. In fact, Jim is very politically and socially conservative. He also spent many years as a successful engineer at Polaroid Corporation. The last things Jim Spence ever expected to be were a minister or a prison chaplain and advocate for convicted felons.

Jim did an extraordinary job as Chaplain at Walpole...he was and is possibly the best Chaplain they ever had. Sensing the need for "aftercare" to stop recidivism, Jim and a group of businessmen founded New England Aftercare Ministries in 1985. They went through untold agony. Jim especially was vilified in the press as a man who wanted to coddle criminals and ruin family neighborhoods. Angry mobs were whipped up against him. Sadly, even the evangelical Christian community largely distanced themselves from him, telling him to be "realistic" and that a prison aftercare ministry could never fly in Massachusetts.

I joined the Board of New England Aftercare in the late eighties and served on it for about seven years. In 1987, after a great struggle, "The Bridge House" opened on Summit Street in Framingham. Over the years, there have been great victories and tragic defeats...great highs and devastating lows. Yes, some guys have "relapsed". Some have gone back to prison. Some have overdosed and died. But MANY have been totally transformed as they committed their lives to the Lord, and many have gone on to become healthy and productive members of society.

Jim resigned as Executive Director several years ago, and has moved to Florida, but he continues to serve on the Board of New England Aftercare. I received a disturbing letter from Tim Pritchard, current Development Manager at The Bridge House indicating the Bridge House now needs a great financial miracle. (I HAD heard from some contacts of mine that such a letter was coming.) Recently, the Bridge House staff and management were embarrassed when they failed to meet state requirements. This was not and is not a matter of state persecution. In fact,the Commonwealth of Mass. generally likes and supports the Bridge House. Sadly, some carelessness took place and some things have fallen through the cracks. There is a lot of reworking and recomplying to do. There is a huge financial shortfall. The Bridge House COULD close its doors.

I am encouraging everyone who reads this to check out the Bridge House website. It's found at
http://www.thebridgehouse.org

The Bridge House just CAN'T go under. This ministry and program are far too important!
Jim Spence's vision cannot die.

I urge you to pray for The Bridge House and to do what you can. Even a $10 one time gift would greatly help. The address is New England Aftercare Ministries, PO Box 136, Framingham, MA 01704. Please let others know about this!