William “Dubs” Byers presented information on the Colossians 418 Prison Ministry program at the Dumas Chamber of Commerce meeting January 3, 2023.
The Colossians 418 Prison Ministries was formed to support the training of inmates within the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Inmates earn a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Memphis, Tennessee. Mid-America is a fully accredited college and seminary and has a satellite campus at Varner Unit. The program started in Arkansas in 2019 with 25 students with 19 students who will graduate. The program was patterned after the Angola Prison Program in Louisiana in 1994.
The overall goal of the program is to carry the gospel of Christ to the inmate population; Reduce re offending by providing moral rehabilitation for those who will be released from prison and to change the culture within the prison system by bringing the positive influence of Christ's teachings within the prison system. This translates into less violence, more respect, and a higher value for other people and property.
Byers said the program needs prayer and moral support and asked for contributions for the new building being built to house the program at the Varner Unit. They have received several donations, but still need to help to reach their goal. They will be raising funds for the ongoing program. It cost $4,000 per year per student with a current cost $100,000 per year. It will expand to $400,000 per year when fully operational.
He asked for businesses to consider donating to either the building fund or scholarships for students and to help spread the word about the project.
Read more about the Chamber of Commerce in next week's issue.
