Final Paper

 

 

Final Paper

Gabriel Ramos

Fresno State University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     I observed Tiny non- profit organization during their monthly meeting to discuss their agenda on how to better provide services in prison.  I performed an observation on November 6th 2018 at 6pm. I was there for a three hour meeting. I wanted to find out how they act, communicate, the roles the take on in backstage, frontstage, statuses and roles they take on during their meeting.       I interviewed a Chaplin and an administrator of a ministry to determine what qualities make them effective. Their responses were alike in many ways.  The Chaplin and administrator share similar characteristics, philosophies, strategies, and principles of effective leadership to serve the prison populations. I wanted to find out how they communicate, act backstage, frontstage, statuses, roles and think description. The ministry that I chose to study is well known around the Nation. Ministries constantly have to evolve due to the new generation's ways of thinking. The question that drove my study is why is it so difficult to bring people to the word of God? God word is spread around the world by his servants they use the bible, podcast, social media, books, magazines anything that will reach the masses. Servants reach out to the people in the world in the darkest places. Ministries use the web as much as everyone else in the world, but they use to save lost souls.

          Ethnography research is used to gather information in social and cultural conditions, by studying and interacting in their organizations or activities. Ethnography is done through participant observation it's meant to probe and gather a detailed study of a particular group. It is a primary research method, which often includes to document fieldwork. It's important to approach study groups without being judgmental. Instead, they should be empathetic and understanding to their viewpoints.  

            Once you select a particular group to study you must first identify a gatekeeper that will introduce you the administrator and will give them access. Ethnography research does not only include strategies to study groups with power, social status, behavior, education qualifications, institutions and organizations. Ethnography is focused on one single group or an aspect of a group. The reason you may face a dilemma when dealing with groups is that many, groups are private and there are only a few that are open to the public (Hochschild 2012).  

       Before beginning the observations you must take into account wardrobe. Dressing professionally or casual will make the group more comfortable. It's important to maintain an approachable demeanor. Then you must ask yourself what information you are looking for during observation and how you should interact during the observation. You should also identify ways on how to balance field notes, family life and school. These are the natural things that you should experience while conducting good ethnographic research. After gaining admission into the setting you must identify your role before the first contact, then you can set a date and time to begin.

     Interviewing is qualitative method in which the researcher asks open-ended questions orally and records the respondent's answers, sometimes by hand, digital audio recording device, or verbatim. Interviewing is the second most important method (Fontana and Prokos 2007).This research method is useful for collecting data that reveal the values, perspectives, experiences and views of the group being studied. Typically interviews are conducted face to face, group interviews, telephone, or video chat. Interviews are in depth and less structured. Interviewers should have pre-selected questions but they do not have to be asked in order.

     The interviewer should have a plan, and have specific questions to ask. The interviewer must be familiar with the subject so that things will go as smooth. The interviewee will do most of the talking while the interviewer listens, takes notes, and guides the direction of the interview. The interviewer need to make sure to not ask offensive questions because it will make the interviewee uncomfortable and you will not get honest answers. The interviewee will answer to the initial questions that should help interviewer develop new questions. The interviewer needs to be able to listen, probe and validate.

      Content analysis is a research method that analyzes data by transcription. Creating a written text of the interviews. It is time consuming but efficient. Researchers find the process of transcription a useful way to become familiar with the data, and may even begin to see patterns within the data. Content analysis is a research method to analyze words and images from documents such as, posters, flyers and media. Researchers look at how the words and images are used, and the way in which they are used particularly to one another to draw an inference. Content analysis helps researchers study fields of that are otherwise difficult to analyze, such as social issues, business and policy and organizations. Content analysis way of gaining information on my group was the hardest for some people because if there group not as big or private group, it may be an obstacle to gain information through the media (Becker 2002).

      Researchers start by identifying questions they would like to answer through content analysis. They would look at the use of certain words and images. Content analysis can be used to provide insights into particular groups.

     Content analysis takes the form of reading through the transcripts to develop nodes for patterns and themes that provide a response to the research. Reading through the transcripts you might fall upon unexpected findings. Depending on the research question you might verify the information gathered by checking the data against other information. The research is not complete until it is reported either written, presented, or published through forms of media.

                                                                                      

Methods: Ethnography

     During their meeting they used examples to identify the culture in prison. They gave detail by using language to identify prisoner's rankings. They understood the life in prison because seven out of the ten chaplains present during the meeting have been in prison. Their vocabulary and mannerisms also identified what gangs they were from. Their difficulties and issues they had to overcome in prison, brought them to the word of God. I was able to stay for the full 3 hr. meeting.  Every person in the meeting had knowledge about the street life. After conducting the observation I found out that the chaplain's sole reason for volunteering in the prison system was based on their mantra "pay it forward".

     During my observation I focused on various theories, I focused on status, roles, frontstage/ backstage and thick description. I analyzed my data using a qualitative research software called NVivo. This allowed me to complete word queries, create nodes, and organize my findings. Using this software, I created five nodes which consist of status, roles, frontstage/ backstage and thick description. I also ran two word- frequency queries to find out which words were used the most in the observation.

     The observation was a success because I was able to hear each participants personal experience and reasoning for wanting to be a Chaplin in prison. It was easy for me to gather the data since I was familiar with the prison population, and they knew that I was not judgmental. They were willing to help me gather data because my father is a Chaplin and he been volunteering at the Tiny for years. The data that collected was written as soon as the meeting concluded at 9pm. I was intrigued and amazed at how easy it is to dissect my data using NVivo. It helped me identify emotional reactions, status, roles, frontstage/backstage and make my observation descriptive.

 Methods: Interview

     Each leader has personal characteristics in common that enable them to naturally lead others.  For example, they both speak of being chosen by God to preach the word.  No one has to tell them to try.  They were committed to seeing a task through for the sense of accomplishing and saving prisoners from returning to the life of crime. Personal integrity is tied to their motivation to help others do well. Chaplin's desire to bring prisoners to the Lord. That motivates them to live the life of a leader. They shared traits such as being responsible, diligent, thoughtful, and persistent.  They take claim of their decisions and take responsibility for the outcomes, they earn the prisoners trust. 

     During my interviews I focused on various theories, I focused on status, roles, frontstage/ backstage and thick description. I analyzed my data using a qualitative research software called NVivo. This allowed me to complete word queries, create nodes, and organize my findings. Using this software, I created five nodes which consist of status, roles, frontstage/ backstage and thick description. I also ran two word frequency queries to find out which words were used the most in the interview.

 Methods: Content Analysis

     Every ministry has similar characteristics that enable them to naturally lead others to the word of God. Resources that are used to engage people over the world have changed drastically over time. They continue to adjust to how everyone engages with each other. They all have the same goal and that is to save people from going to a dark path. Integrity and motivation help's the ministries bring people to the word of God. Their motivation by love and empathy. They utilize Facebook, podcast, YouTube, .com, review sites and much more. Ministries are responsible, diligent, thoughtful, and persistent. They take claim of their choices. They also take being critiqued well and they live life by modeling good choices.

     My analysis focused on various theories such as, claims, controlling images, framing, ruling text and typification. I analyzed my data using a qualitative research software called NVivo. This allowed me to complete word queries, create nodes, and organize my findings. Using this software, I created five nodes. I also ran two word frequency queries to find out which words were used the most in the content analysis paper.

To truly understand who you are as an individual, you must know what others think about you, thus identifying who you truly are. The mind is a beautiful thing, but can sometimes be scary at times. There are a few readings that brought a sense of realization that depicted a picture that we are not truly who we are, until we break free from the world's grasp of supposed normality.       Durkheim's views on symbols are seen as sacred and profane. Anything can be viewed as sacred or profane as long as there is a feeling of solidarity between groups of people that congregate at a place to solidify the feeling of being a part of something bigger than themselves. Christians consider church their home. It's a place to get fed spiritually and leave with a sense of belonging. There are similar people that share the same beliefs; together the bond between them deepens into something much greater which then transcends the symbol of the cross and church to a sacred status. Praying and wearing a cross is sacred to the individual which also builds bonds with others that become deeper than feelings. These sacred symbols organize, direct, and constantly revive the collective ideals of the community. Holidays also make religion and symbols sacred. The beliefs others have toward sacred places conforms the minds of the believers that God will return and give life a new meaning. A group of beliefs, symbols, and rituals with respect to sacred things bring society together in a collectivity.       Dark humor and compassion is needed to survive the world full of death and agony. People who work for Hospice need to have a certain mindset. They must be able to show empathy to a family in need or console a person on their death bed. These workers must be able to perform their duties without developing an emotional connection with the patient. They cannot be invested in the well-being of the patient. They must not take death seriously, but reframe their mindset to a place of peace instead. These Angels of death have to try to their best to see past others thoughts on how they should act. They use humor as a way to numb and repress their feelings of inability to help, rather than feeling bad for them and try to save them. They must come up with ways to detach. Normalizing death is the only thing a person can control because, death comes when it wants. It is easier for families to prepare for death once these workers are able to detach themselves. It takes time for a person to develop these skills and certain qualities that are much needed during these days.       Symbolic interactionism introduced by Goffman informs us the process of becoming an individual is solemnly based on how others view us. It is a process that leads to social structure which is then put into effect. Individualism is not an option since everyone act's a certain way based on others' opinions, which leads people to act or live in a certain manner. People will also continue to live their life and express themselves as others see fit. Each person internalizes the way people think they should act. It is likely that every person acts a certain way because they think others think they should act that way. People need to adapt or assimilate because of the need to be accepted, which fulfills the desire to belong, even though it is not ones true self.      Goffman's ideas that we are constantly performing, is a theory of front stage. It's a way to show others that we conform to the norms of society. Goffman theorizes how the world is constantly evolving on what's acceptable. Life is not fair to everyone; there are some that have it harder than others. People act in accordance while presenting front stage. Everyone has to adapt to situations differently due to specific environments which leads to create specific impressions in the minds of others. Society chooses our stage to get the response that we think others expect. People act differently while at church with friends and family and act professionally while at work. Performances give off impressions about each individual to control what other people think of each other. If the individual were to break the rules of society and not perform the way others expect, society would be see them as outliers.       Everyone is constantly taking on different roles. When an individual has time backstage to be themselves, such as using profanity or drinking with people that enjoy the same things, they aren't worried about what others are thinking. Being backstage should come naturally, but since we are constantly performing we become more and more false to oneself.  They are always performing; there is no reality; there is a constant play that everyone must participate in willing to or not. Every individual will play the roles of both frontstage and backstage.      Goffman considered roles as a way for individuals to present themselves to others. Their actions helps others form thoughts about them. The roles that an individual may or may not do while performing knowingly or unknowingly. Coming to know oneself through playing out a role, helps the development of the person. The ideas they have formed for themselves become a mantra they must live up to, which is their true self. The role becomes second nature and an important part of their personality. There self is created and shaped by the performance of roles, which maintain the integrity of the overall role they are playing. They want to avoid from being thought of as fake.  Everyone must play their role in order for society to run smoothly.    Theorists have made it easier for people to identify who they are, and why they've become that way. Everyone in the world is trying to figure out who they are as an individual, but fear asking each other what they think of each other. We must free ourselves from the bounds of our own mind, to find our true self. Each individual must not fear to be an outlier in society, which harnesses our mind from thinking outside the box. It prevents us from becoming who we are meant to be and that is unique.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analysis

 

Backstage

      During my observation many of the Chaplin's spoke on the reasons they volunteer for Tiny non- profit. During their break they interacted with people they felt comfortable with. They identified with each other because of being in prison, and the difficulties they face readjusting after feeling that they violated social norms.

A few of them reported being in prison and not having a reason to live. The others reported being drug addicts and living one day at a time. A guy that was quite all night replied by saying I just got out of prison and I got time knocked off my term and I am grateful for the second chance I was given.

The Chaplin's felt that these stressful events were viewed as being outside of the control of the individual. The stressors themselves were most likely prominent experiences. Chaplin's fear, anxiety, a feeling of helplessness, longing to adapt back home which is in society.

Front Stage

    The participants act like they have adjusted, and re-assimilated into society. They do not seem disorientated which sometimes characterizes a return to homeostasis.  Having shaped their values and roles to fit into society.

The meeting began by everyone praying for God's presence to be in the meeting. The other's smiled and clapped at how remarkable the Spirit of God works to touch lives through trials and tribulations. They discussed the importance of having high standards for each other and holding prisoners to them as well.

 No reentry problems has been reported by any Chaplin. Their identity is intact and there is no conflict, social withdrawal, depression, anxiety, grief, or interpersonal difficulties. They have a sense of who they are and who they were.

Role

      During the observation language generally characterizes the roles of the participants. There were participants who were shy, stressed, angry, bored and disillusioned. The roles participants took on during the observation changed throughout the meeting.

The facilitator reacted by explaining the lessons they will go over during the meeting to get everyone on the same page. They all agreed to serve prisoners they don't have to be a religious educator, they must be knowledgeable enough to teach bible studies and be able to apply the scripture to life in prison. They reiterated the importance of teaching inmates positive affirmations, teaching them how to live with their choices and dissecting lessons to apply them while in prison. Their vision is to help inmates pass their time and better themselves to help the system reach thousands of inmates with the word of God.

 The interactions between them made the meeting entertaining. Even though their communication was dysfunctional, they were still able to work together.

Status

     The statuses held by the participants were portrayed by the way they interacted with one another. I intentionally did not mention the term status during the observation to be able to identify how serious they took their status.

The facilitator gave his life story on how he found himself incarcerated. He reiterated that it was start to a productive life. He was not assertive, he was passive. The connection to the program, those involved typically have a lot in common with the prisoners.

 

The participants who believe in the mission gives them a sense of superiority. The participants who are empathetic and unselfish have a better opportunity to reach the prisoners.

Thick Description

      The environment was set up in such a way that the participants who say very little, quiets them even more. The sense of purpose could allow for a greater investment in a program that has a sense of connectivity which is fostered between volunteers and prison inmates.

The walls in the conference room had only two posters with verses from the bible. There were two people wearing suits, two others wearing football jerseys and the others were wearing button up shirts that were wrinkled and baggy pants. There were two wearing white t shirts. There were two others who had tattoos and rarely spoke during the meeting. Some of the men reacted to others by rolling their eyes, others being attentive and others not engaged. The quietest guy stated being imprisoned physically but also mentally.

 The effective and ongoing process of acquiring general knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for effective communication and interaction with individuals in prison start with making sure the environments welcoming and the volunteers are not blinded by their status of being free.

Analysis

Status

      Being an example is most important, and both leaders embrace the values of being a leaders.

"The inmates feel that they can relate to me by seeing me turn my life around they know that they can change their life as well".

The Chaplin I interviewed reported being in prison for many years and wanted to be a living example that God can change you. "Scripture says that the harvest is plenty full but the laborers are few and we have to be as a soldier".

They want to reach those by helping them reach the status of being a born again Christian. Prisoners reflect the values, beliefs, and leadership styles of their leaders. The administrator I interviewed did not expect Chaplin's to do anything that they wouldn't do themselves.

 "Yeah, I was in prison for 27 years you're going to think I was incarcerated for 27 years it was worse I was in prison in my mind. He delivered me in 73, before I was like you not with me your against me".

This administrator felt that he was the worse of the worse until God delivered him from self-destruction. He viewed himself as a vessel that God uses to reach the lost souls. They viewed themselves as representatives of change and it defines their position and they strive to motivate and serve those they lead while keeping the goal always the top priority. They kept their eye on the light at the end of the tunnel at all times while leading others.

Roles

     Chaplin's and administrators in the ministry strategize to better serve the prison population. Chaplin's that volunteer in prison give prisoner's the opportunity to find religion to make their time in prisoner easier. The Administrators observe and communicates with each Chaplin to identify individual skills.  This strategy helps them in choosing the right people for the right tasks based on strengths. They believe that it doesn't matter who gets the credit as long as the job gets done.

 "Once I was released I began to volunteer and I began preaching in the prisons, from that day on that's when it all started".

The Chaplin understood that as soon as he got out of prison he needed to follow his heart which was to be a disciple of God.

 "The majority of them preach for Jesus and they are chosen even before our parents thought about having us we are already chosen by the Lord".

Each interviewee did not know their role in the ministry, until God showed them light. God had it planned out before they were born. "He created us and he knows who and what are calling is". They all need to work together for the betterment of the ministry, because they were meant to be on the same team.                

       The Chaplin's desire to bring out the best in prisoners by helping them fulfill their callings without a need to be praised. Their focus is prisoner's salvation. Administrators simply direct Chaplin's on what to do. Collaboration between them is encouraged and they were happy with the result when the task was complete. The ministry brings volunteers into prisons to bring prisoners to God. They joined teachings with Chaplin's throughout the implementation of the curriculum in prisons. They implement standards along the way to monitor and evaluate the process. The ministry effectively share the vision of God which motivates administrators and Chaplin's. Prisoners take what they've learned and apply it inside prison and in society once they are released. Chaplin's learn to implement the curriculum without constant directives because they embody their role.

 Backstage

    Ministries are made up of diverse populations. Many of them have different personalities and passions. They also have past experiences that have modeled their social background into what it is today. Even though they have many differences, there upbringing brings them together.

 "I believe that it works because I been through the program and it changed me because I now share my testimony to the inmates that are incarcerated because I can relate". 

The Chaplin I interviewed reported being a hardened criminal unwilling to mold himself to society, until he found God. This relates to backstage because Chaplin's have past obstacles that are seen as horrible by ministries and they do not know about them.

"I know their depression, I know that people judge and forget about them".  Chaplin's upbringing makes them the best person to lead others to a better future.

Their commitment to a common cause creates a strong bond among all members of the ministry, which results in prisoners being saved.  I believe diversity brings value to ministries. Everyone created differently so when they work together as a team, they are more complete because if one lacks knowledge the other fills in.

 "I am willing to go in there and teach them about who Jesus is to touch their lives so this way they can have hope and become the person they're supposed to be inside because if you don't stop and think most of people that are in there is because drug related crimes not violence".

My interviewee has struggled throughout their life with drugs and being incarcerated, but you would not tell by looking at him.

"It does not make them bad people because they did drug but once they touch drugs it changes them. I am trying to get warriors for God".

Through diversity and how they act and what they share about their past unify them with individuals value the back story to the person in front of them. Administrators, identify individual strengths enhances an organization if individuality is treated with respect and assign tasks that match their strengths. Chaplin's acknowledge that prisoners have to be reached in a different manner to bring out the best in them. Chaplin's teach that no matter how they were the past it will not dictate how they will be in the future. Ministries as a whole promote salvation for all.

Frontstage

     Both spoke of wanting structured curriculums for their teachings. They agreed to disagree on how to integrate the curriculum in the prison system.

 "I have had the opportunity to go to Utah for a training and it has taught me that I may want to become an instructor or establish my own church".

My interviewee has the desire to become more involved in the ministry to save the lost souls. It is based on how he was presenting the information rather than how he really viewed it. He wanted to give a good impression of the ministry, but they are not happy because other Chaplin's are not doing what they are supposed to. They were being fake not only in front of God but in front of the people they were trying to save. They were portraying a life happiness, but in reality was a life full of sin. They wanted everyone to believe there lies.

 "I have brought what I learned from the training and applied it to the curriculum I teach in the prisons".

They try to live the Christian way.

"I have taught about forgiving which is a hard subject but we have to always remember if God can forgive for whatever you have done in life why can't I do the same".

 These quotes further explain how God is the only person being truthful to his word. The other quotes say that man is using training and a curriculum developed by man to reach those in the prison system. Which is a way for them to hide who they really are. Christ loves us and that speaks volumes. God wants us to forgive those who have hurt us. Chaplin's are able to adapt, the ministry continues to grow because they are able to adapt and act a certain way to engage prisoner's in their environment. Administrators and Chaplin's interpret the bible differently but understand that the most important thing is the way you present it and how you act.

Thick Description

     These leaders implement things differently.  The chaplains are careful not to expect immediate testimonials from prisoners. Their decisions are guided by an internal confines toward the greater good even if prisoners do not see it at the time. Instead of becoming discouraged, they continue on toward the objectives knowing one day prisoner's will appreciate and understand what they do. The administrator starts each day with a prayer. Though their habits are different, both realize that in order to care for and reach others, they have to be able to take being judged.

"I look at it this way, well it was in here I use to see people incarcerated in jail and I see them aguitado, down and don't know how to get out of it".

They wanted to help reject their negative thoughts.

"It was in here and it bothered me a lot".

They had a revelation that motivated them to try and get out of their comfort zone.

 "God put a desire in me to go out to help I could see myself encouraging people you know I been there and Jesus is the way, you know what he helped me and he sent me out to help others".

Their life was forever changed, the darkness of their past is the past and the future will be however they like because of the anointment God placed on them.

Analysis

Claims

 

      Being an example is most important to ministries. They embrace their roles as leader to those lost in the world.

"Jesus desires to set the earth ablaze with his love, an energy that fills everyone and everything in its path with the power to lift everyone from his or her condition of sin to his consuming, healing, Spirit-filled life within the fire of his love".

 

 God wants to fill everyone with ambitions to help others in need. Ministries use life experiences from the past to convince people to be a part of their religious denomination. The also provide grounds/ warrants to further explain why their life and God is great. They use testimonies to convince people in the world to live for God. They discuss their rules and guide they live and how it's helped them become a better person hoping to reach those in the world.

"We are here, rather, to start blazes in the lives of those around us, to kindle love for Jesus in each person we meet, to assist the needy, feed the hungry, and pray for those who seek our ruin".

 

Ministries want people to live as an example that God can change anyone. They want to teach those that are lost in the world that they are living in sin, and must reach out to God to change their ways. They want to baptize them to be a new creation. They want people in the world to have the same values and beliefs as them.

"God has tremendously blessed me, and I have mostly praise to give to Him. I do ask prayer for my son, 22, who has been arrested numerous times for drugs. This breaks my heart, as he is my only child and I cannot stand to see him so far away from God. He made a decision to follow Christ at 16, but started drifting away shortly thereafter. So, while I have a million things to praise God for, I do request prayer for my son to HATE drugs and to return to the Lord".

 

 

The quote further explains that no matter the hard times people are going through, they ask God for help. The decisions they make will either lead them to the life of prosperity or a life of struggle. God will never leave you during your time of need. God will do anything and everything possible to have you by his side once you're taken from this life.

"We are here to be the fire that Jesus is waiting to start on the earth the loving, purifying, life-giving, fresh start to the world".

 

God wants to deliver them from a life of hate and self-destruction. God wants to touch their hearts to reach their souls.  If they simply live by faith and keep their eye on the light, God will relieve them of their pain and make them a new vessel. They utilize the image of God to motivate people to go to church or get saved.

Controlling images

 

      Ministries strategize and utilize bibles, crosses and other forms of religious symbols to motivate the people.

"Our vision is to see the incarcerated be saved and set free by the power and saving grace of Jesus Christ. To see restoration and reconciliation between incarcerated, family and society. To make disciples, mentor, and establish the incarcerated by incorporating the local church utilizing it leadership, resources, gifts and talents. Lastly and importantly, equipping the incarcerated with the word of God".

 Ministries want to reach people by having them view things as holy and sacred. They want to inspire them and motivate them to make better choices. They utilize churches as symbols of peace, respect, love and belonging. It challenges their mind to think differently because of the respect they see others give churches, crosses, bibles and God.

"Since Christmas is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus, let's remember to give him gifts, too. God deserves more gifts than anyone else, but what can we give to someone who already has everything".

 

This influences how people act toward one another during the holidays, which can in fact change how they view God. This affects how people think because many people feel that they should do something nice for someone because that's what God would want them to do.

"We can believe in Jesus and yet remain in the darkness of sin and eternal death. To have faith in Jesus, we must not only believe that he is God. We must not only believe that he is Savior. We must also believe in everything - oh yes, everything! - that he taught by word and by deed".

 

 Believing in the word of God influences people views on things. They view darkness as a way to keep people from going on that path. By believing everything God says in the bible is the key to internal life. Faith in God being the savior will certainly motivate others to make better choices. Ministries want others to believe that it doesn't matter what you have done in the past as long as you make better choices in the future.

"Christ's Holy Spirit is in us. This means that we are already holy. A good examination of conscience is not just about identifying how we have sinned but also our victories of renewal, our steps toward Christ and toward heaven".

 

The ministry understands that the Holy Spirit is viewed by many as a vital source of Christianity. It helps people examine their victories and progress toward getting to heaven. It lights a fire in them to become more like Christ since he is in them. Ministries teach them that God has had a plan for them before they were born. Ministries want to help them fulfill their dreams. Their focus is salvation and collaboration. Ministries brings people together by using faith, fear and eternal life. There teachings and consistency sets expectations and standards to live by.  The ministry effectively shares the words of God which motivates the people. Everything is based on belief.

 Framing

 

     Even though ministries have challenges and negative thoughts they always find a way to be positive.

"Life presents us with so many challenges. Reading the scriptures and reflections in Ministries has given me insights and guidance on how to deal with them".

Even though society is filled with negativity, pain and fear. The ministries commitment and belief in the word of God has created a strong bond between each other. The majority members of the ministry believe that God has yet to fill the churches, due to the people not being ready for the blessings that God is sending their way. Ministries view the cup half full not half empty.

"God recognizes his Spirit within you. And he is saying: "You are beautiful to my eyes! I see and rejoice in every good decision you make and every good desire you have."

 

Their struggles in life has broken them down, chewed them up and spit them out, but yet they see the good in these experiences. By looking at them you would see a broken person, but their heart is full of joy and love.  They understand that no matter what they have been through, God will continue to use them as his warriors. Through diversity they are united with God and his people.

"More tortuous than all else is the human heart". We don't like admitting our sins or going to Confession because we so easily torture ourselves with self-condemnation and we fear the disapproval of God and others".

 

 God acknowledges those who can admit their sins and confess that they are not perfect. Once they confess God will forever have them in his favor. Ministries will continue to utilize the negative things in life as positives. It will build a stronger foundation for them to build on.

 

Ruling text

 

    Things that are most important to ministries is living by the word of God.

 

 "Finding opportunities for our chaplains to share with local churches about what God is doing in the lives of the incarcerated. We covet Bibles and reading glasses for inmates who are in our Life Learning Program and volunteers to come into the facilities and teach classes".

 

 Ministries agree that structure is important in the development of a solid Christian. The rules that Christians live and die by is the 10 commandments, it's important to their way of life. They covet the bible because it's the sword they use to fight evil spirts in the world.

"We use technology as tools of outreach, always striving to be on the cutting edge of this technology to reach people in the contemporary culture".

 

Ministries have evolved to be able reach the younger generations to save their souls. The way the act is still the same, because they follow the rules of the bible. They live by the words being preached by the vessel that God calls a pastor. They want everyone to have a good impression of them. They also want everyone to know that Christ is leading the way.

"A growing Christian witness in every prison. An awareness among Christians of the needs of those in prison. A penal policy informed by both love and justice. More accommodation and support for those coming out of prison Prayer for every prison. A commitment to evangelism by Christians, only Jesus can bring Salvation".

 

 Ministries want to inform everyone that God is forgiving and protects us from those who try to hurt us. Ministries continue to grow because they provide support, commitment, awareness, love and undeniable belief in what they are teaching. The bible feeds their soul, which impacts how they behave in society.

Typification

     Problems are a constant in life and it plays a major role in the development of every individual. Everyone has trials and tribulations and everyone handles things differently.

"The insights shared by Terry & her team are always spot on to what is going on in my life & I consider that an anointing from the Holy Spirit. The reflections on the daily readings are so practical & thought provoking & they support me in my journey of holiness".

 

People verbalize their feelings, act out or isolate. Causes of issues can be internal conflict, conflict with others or simply a distorted perception on why life has treated them unfairly. Problems that affect our generation today is drugs, depression and violence that stems from not feeling apart of society due to lack of social interaction because of the technology revolution. Ministries are utilizing blogs and other types of technology to reach those who feel they are lost amongst themselves in this dark world.

"It's impossible for God to cease being God and for love to cease being loving".

Ministries want people to ask God for help through prayers. These habits are molded one day at a time, until they realize that in order to solve their problems they must first give it to God. They cannot handle it alone.

"In most cases when I read the daily reflection the Holy Spirit has something to say to me for that day (ex. when I'm worn out for the week, I'll come across the strength to keep moving forward from the reflection".

 

 They must reject the negative thoughts that hold them back. They must be hungry to hear the word of God, rebuke the problem and prophesize the solution. Once they have a revelation it will forever change their life. The must except the holiness and rebuke the darkness of their past.

     The observation that I conducted and data that I gathered, suggest that the Tiny non- profit must improve their curriculum. They must also learn to work together and become a team to be able to reach those in prison. If they are able to reach those in prison, they can reach anyone in the world. They must trust and rely on "God" not themselves. To positively interact with prisoners they must first humble themselves. After interviewing a Chaplin and an Administrator, I realize that implementing the right principles and strategies combined with a clear belief of servant leadership creates an effective leader.  We need to embrace differences while maintaining unity by working together toward the common goal.  We need to lead by example. The principles and strategies ministries use to save the lost souls is priceless. They believe that the word of God can conquer any issues that arise in our life as long as you believe. A servant of the lord will never be forgotten. They have learned to embrace the struggle like they do the good times. Working as a tandem with God will lead you to a fruitful life. The solution to all our problems begins with faith, and ends with commitment to live by the word of God.

 

 

Work Cited

 

Fontana, Andrea, and Anastasia H. Prokos. 2007. The Interview: From Formal to postmodern. Walnut.

Hochschild, Arlie. 2012. The Managed Heart: The Commercialization of   Human Feeling. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Becker, Howard S., and Robert R. Faulkner. 2008 "Studying Something You Are Part: The View from.