Canadian Prison Ministry Seeks Passionate Volunteers

Crossroads for Prisoners Canada, an extension of the international organization Crossroads Prison Ministries, is seeking volunteers to serve as mentors to people in prison and as board members.

Crossroads exists to connect people in prison with mentors from churches to develop Christ-centered relationships as they study God’s Word together. Through correspondence Bible study courses and encouraging letters, mentors share Jesus’ love and the life-changing message of the Gospel with those in prison. In this way, Crossroads answers the biblical call to “remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison” (Hebrews 13:3).

In late 2020, the independently governed Canadian organization that deployed the Crossroads Prison Ministries program in Canada suddenly closed its doors, leaving participants unable to continue the program. Since the closure, prison ministry leaders in Canada have been working with Crossroads USA to reestablish the ministry under the name Crossroads for Prisoners Canada. The new ministry has applied to the Canadian Revenue Agency to be recognized as a registered charity, which is expected to be completed within several months. They have now restarted the mentorship program and are eager to expand their capacity to reach men and women behind bars.

In order to serve more people in prison, Crossroads for Prisoners Canada seeks to grow its team of volunteer mentors—caring individuals who love Jesus Christ and have compassion for marginalized people. Mentors review Bible study lessons, offer spiritual guidance and write encouraging, hope-filled letters to people in prison. Mentors receive training materials to assist them in their ministry, and all communication with people in prison takes place through the mail. Anyone with a little time in their schedule and a heart for people in prison is encouraged to apply. If you served as a mentor through the previous Crossroads ministry, you are more than welcome to return.

For its board of directors, Crossroads for Prisoners Canada seeks individuals who have a passion for prison ministry and are willing to work hard on behalf of the ministry. Candidates should have strong leadership qualities, experience in ministry and/or business and previous experience on a board of directors. Ideally, board members will also serve as mentors.

Harry Stam, currently serving as the interim director, has also served as a mentor for the past thirteen years. “All the mentors I’ve ever talked to have said that it’s one of the richest periods of their faith life,” said Harry. “It is truly humbling to have a ringside seat as the Holy Spirit works in the life of those in deepest need.”

To learn more about Crossroads for Prisoners Canada, please visit crossroadscanada.ca. If you are interested in serving as a mentor or board member, please contact [email protected].