How Does a Prison Show Minister to an Inmate?
Fred asked the same question. The answer came after a show when an inmate started to thank Fred for coming then broke into tears to the point of uneasiness, he apologized and walked away. This was repeated twice more till Fred told the inmate to cry if he needed but not to walk away. Upon composure the inmate said, "Thank you and Bless God for sending you here. We don't laugh much in here and this was a real blessing to laugh again."
At the end of a Christmas show an inmate came up and said to Fred "I'm going to cry so you'll know,(and the person did) you answered my prayer. I prayed I would laugh for Christmas, that's all I wanted and you answered my prayer." Fred(whose eyes were gettin' a little wet) said "Thank you but I don't answer prayer, only God does." At this the person said, "I've only laughed twice this year, once in May and once in August and tonight I had a gut wrenching laugh."
"God gave me a gift to make folks laugh. He then asked me to use it to help His children who are incarcerated to laugh. I never laugh after a show for God has given me another gift. The gift of humble tears. I cry for the joy I receive giving those behind the fence the gift God gave me."
Why a Horse Trip for the children of Inmates?
The world of a child can be turned upside down when a parent is incarcerated. Their emotions roller coaster from love to hate and everything in between. A few will accept this situation in their life and strive to build a solid future themselves. Unfortunately most feel lost and have no desire toward self achievement. The founder of CCM was such a child. Please read his message. The therapeutic and psychological value of horse programs for children with physical or emotional needs is well documented. Add to this a tent camp environment in the Colorado mountains with bible studies, lessons in outdoor cooking and camping, horseback riding and wildlife viewing and you have the Christian formula for inspiring these youth to look to Christ as their savior and to exceed because of Him. These youth will spend a week just having fun and enjoying a part of life most never expected they could.
A Personal Message from Fred G. Ellis
I've know the pain of having a loved one incarcerated. Both my parents and my brother served time in jail or prison. For the grace of God I have never been arrested, yet that situation in my life caused me to know the same emotional problems the young kids of today experience. It is my dream, with God's guidance, to take as many of the children of inmates on these horse trips as I possibly can. The joy of a youth with a horse is indescribable and while many of these youth will only come on one trip, that trip will be with them the rest of their life. I'd much prefer to get them laughing by a camp fire then behind bars. Please consider helping CCM through a donation or sponsorship. We also invite you to come with us on one of our Old West Adventure Vacation packages or treat your church or group to the best family entertainment around by Contacting CCM for 'An Evening in the West' cowboy show. Thank you for viewing our web site and may God Bless you.
Sincerely In Christ
Fred G. Ellis, Executive Director