Free Indeed
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The concept and focus of this writing was birthed in my heart in February of 2005. At that time I had been employed at the Riverside Regional Jail in Hopewell, Virginia for almost a year. I was initially employed as a Case Manager and then presented with the opportunity to assume the position of Chaplain / Faith Based Programs Manager.
Working daily now for over eight years in this environment has opened my eyes and heart to the epidemic of crime in America and the horrible consequences it has on both the criminal and their victims. Most of our correctional facilities are under- funded, under staffed and in dire need of renovated and/or new facilities to secure the inmate population they are required to service. At Riverside where I am privileged to minister our facilities are modern, exceptionally clean and managed by a top-notch staff. Even with these assets our stress level is very high as we seek to house and provide care for a daily average of 1300 inmates. It takes an incredible amount of time, talent and finances for the sworn staff to maintain security and a safe environment for both the inmate population and our staff. This is true in any jail or prison and the average citizen has no concept what it is really like on the inside. I have developed such a high respect for Correctional Officers who work every day on the front line, the civilian staff who provide much needed programs and support and most of all, the Command staff and Administrators who are responsible for the over-all management of these facilities. They need and deserve our daily prayers.
It is very easy, even as Christians, to develop a mind-set that the criminal mind cannot be rehabilitated. At best, let’s incarcerate them and keep them for long periods of time in less than adequate institutions, for the protection of main stream society. However my first-hand experience these past eight years has taught me to think differently. I believe that there is fundamentally good in all people
and with the right nurturing partnered with a sincere demonstration of God’s powerful love, the hardest heart and the most criminally minded can be changed. It requires the work of the Holy Spirit through committed servants who are willing to take the risk and invest the time. I can recount numerous occasions when inmates [both male and female] sat in my office or a cold stuffy jail cell [many who were guilty of such horrid crimes that I would be uncomfortable putting them in print] weeping in sincere repentance having come to the truth he/she read in a Bible donated by a local church and/or group and given with a kind word and sincere prayer in a non-judgmental spirit. One thing that I have definitely learned is that, prison doors, however secure, cannot keep the Spirit of God out... The power of His love can penetrate even the darkest cell in the Maximum Security Unit changing the heart and life of the worst among the worst. I am reminded every day that Jesus died on the Cross for these inmates, just as He did for me.
Eight years ago, as I was walking across the over-walk, for my job interview at Riverside Regional Jail, the Holy Spirit whispered a powerful focus statement that has become an anchor in my life and ministry: He said, “I am not planting you in this place to convince people that they are wrong; but, rather, to SHOW them that Jesus is right...” It is with this burden that I embrace the task of putting into print the truths that the Holy Spirit has deposited into my heart and mind for those who are in bondage. One of the realities of our present culture is the fact that for every incarcerated inmate in America, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of others on the outside living in self-made prisons with invisible bars of destructive habits and addictions; And we need to get real and be totally honest, many who claim the Name of Jesus, attend church on a regular basis and believe the fundamental teaching of the Bible are among them. We live in an addicted society and many live [exist] every day in life destroying bondage. We all need help and unfortunately the help we need cannot be found on the Psychologist’s couch, neither in a pill bottle or even a 2 hour service on Sunday morning. These things might help but we need so much more. I believe that the truths,
insights and principals shared in this book can bring freedom to anyone in bondage to anything, if adhered too and sincerely sought after.
It is my most earnest and fervent prayer that our Heavenly Father will use this work to penetrate jail/prisons cells all across our great nation and more importantly into the hearts and minds of all who read it, that are sincerely seeking positive change through true freedom. I passionately believe that Jesus is the truth, the way and the life and that the truth will set you free: And when the Son sets you free, you will be
FREE INDEED!!!
Chaplain Larry Briggs
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About the Book
Working daily now for over eight years in this environment has opened my eyes and heart to the epidemic of crime in America and the horrible consequences it has on both the criminal and their victims. Most of our correctional facilities are under- funded, under staffed and in dire need of renovated and/or new facilities to secure the inmate population they are required to service. At Riverside where I am privileged to minister our facilities are modern, exceptionally clean and managed by a top-notch staff. Even with these assets our stress level is very high as we seek to house and provide care for a daily average of 1300 inmates. It takes an incredible amount of time, talent and finances for the sworn staff to maintain security and a safe environment for both the inmate population and our staff. This is true in any jail or prison and the average citizen has no concept what it is really like on the inside. I have developed such a high respect for Correctional Officers who work every day on the front line, the civilian staff who provide much needed programs and support and most of all, the Command staff and Administrators who are responsible for the over-all management of these facilities. They need and deserve our daily prayers.
About the Author
Chaplain Larry Briggs lives and currently ministers in Chester, Virginia. He was born in Andalusia, Alabama. After serving a tour of duty in the Navy, he entered Southeastern College in Lakeland, Florida to prepare for the call to the ministry that God had put in his heart. During his first year he met and married Sara Jane McCarter of Clover, South Carolina who also had come to Southeastern to prepare for the ministry. For the past forty two years they have partnered together in ministry to churches in the southeast. They have also been privileged to minister in Evangelistic/Revival services throughout the United States, the Bahamas and the Virgin Islands. They have three sons, who are married and serving the Lord. They have ten wonderful grandchildren.
In March of 2004 God initiated a major change in their ministry. Pastor Briggs transitioned to Chaplain Briggs as he submitted to the direction of the Holy Spirit by accepting a position at the Riverside Regional Jail in Prince George County, Virginia. He continues to serve as the Senior Chaplain and Faith Based Programs Case Manager. Riverside is a regional jail in South Central Virginia that serves the seven surrounding jurisdictions with an average daily count of 1300 inmates.
It was here that Chaplain Briggs was introduced to the epidemic of crime and the profound effect that it has on individuals and families in America. Currently it is estimated that one out of every thirty one persons are incarcerated in America. In 2009 for the first time in our history, over 2 million individuals are being supervised behind jail/prison bars in our country. The economic, social, and emotional ramifications are staggering. All of us are effected in one way or the other by this ever-growing dilemma. And to further the heartbreak, for every inmate currently doing time, there are thousands of others living on the outside behind invisible bars of self-made prisons due to addictive behaviors.
It is with this burden, Chaplain Briggs felt instructed to publish, Free Indeed! The Biblical principles taught in this work-shop were birthed in his heart and presented through Life Skill Seminars to the inmates serving where he ministers. He has witnessed many radical conversions and totally changed lives from some of the individuals who choose to participate in these sessions. This self-journey work-shop can be a powerful tool for anyone struggling with a life controlling addiction. By adhering to these basic, yet very practical truths, true freedom can be experienced. One truth that Chaplain Briggs has learned these past eight years is the fact that no barb wire, cement walls, nor steel bars can keep out the all-powerful love of God demonstrated through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.