Dear Friends,

We are so encouraged that our statement of purpose has not changed over these last four decades and that we continue growing into the work behind our declaration! Please read our mission statement as follows.

Our Mission: to facilitate life change and communicate hope in Christ by offering Christian-Based Programming to an increasing number of people currently in confinement and Direct Services to assist them upon release as they navigate a successful reintroduction back into society. We also provide services for our Correction Officers (“CO’s”) including Biblical coaching and counseling, which creates a healthy bridge between our COs and those they currently serve.

Update on Current Programs:

Local jails like Rikers Island and state prisons are again opening to our kingdom-based Christian programming. 

In late November, 2023, we received full permission to initiate our comprehensive 4-phase ministry approach for the women’s jail, Rose M. Singer, on Rikers Island. We are very excited! We have also been permitted to produce two full gospel Christmas concerts in this jail during December, one for the women, and one for the correction officers. Hallelujah!!! Over the last two years, we have also developed strong active working relationships with the top two Commissioners over the entire NYC jail system.

I have learned over the last several years that when a man is incarcerated, there is usually a woman on the outside holding him up.  However, when a woman becomes incarcerated, she is much more likely to be without a supportive partner on the outside.  Unfortunately, I have seen this dynamic play out far too many times.  Our goal at Prison in the Wild is to be a vessel of God's love and a reminder that "He will never leave, nor forsake" them (Hebrews 13:5).

We have continued to support people who have begun their reentry phase from prison, providing weekly conference calls, daily counseling, financial resources, and employment opportunities.   Our men’s reentry program, “Victorious Brotherhood,” meets each Monday by phone, and this week represents our 182nd consecutive week together (as of late November, 2023).  During the past year, we have seen a member healed of cancer, had men miraculously released from prison and parole, assisted individuals in finding and securing housing, provided transportation to and from work, and procured necessary miscellaneous expenses such as food and clothing.  In addition, we continue to work closely with incarcerated men at Rikers Island, providing daily spiritual and emotional guidance, weekly financial support for commissaries, warm clothing for the freezing weather, and Bibles for in-jail Bible studies. 

Introduction of Woman’s Program:

In order to extend our services to more people, we need your ongoing partnership.  As we move into 2023, we aim to increase our organizational capacity and future stability.  Prison In The Wild is seeking to raise support to expand our calling in 2023 to increase our services and bring Christ’s love to incarcerated women.  Our programming for the women’s jail on Rikers has been approved! We are currently in the process of launching Alpha for women, as well as our re-entry program. Check out our latest announcement, introducing the woman’s program, and a short but powerful testimony from a young couple we have supported by clicking on the following link:

Victorious Sisterhood Announcement.

Over the past 45 years, we have been fortunate enough to advocate for the precious souls subject to incarceration and poverty.  Prison In The Wild has been engaged in a work that reflects the loving heart of our heavenly Father.  Jesus was quite clear when He directed us to reach those who are hungry, thirsty, estranged, and in prison.  Jesus says that when we obediently give our time and resources to this work, we do it directly to Him.  (Matthew 25:40) That eternal truth has always been remarkable and becomes personal to each of us because we were all once trapped in the prison of our sin.  Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah), Because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy),” Now we are free!  Hallelujah!  I can’t help but be passionate about our freedom!  John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Hebrews 13: 3, “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.”

Funding Initiatives:

This funding will allow us to accomplish three crucial steps toward fulfilling our mission:

1.       To reach women with the resources to transform their lives and the lives of their families.  We look to connect with those inside the facility and reach out to their children and families, offering resources and community.  We have determined that a monthly gift of $75, based on a one-year commitment, will bring the good news of the gospel, including transportation to and from prisons, and biblical resources, to a woman and her family.  One twelve-month gift can reach beyond a single woman and bring a life-changing impact on her family and friends as well. 

2.       Continue to build and invest in our in-prison programs for women and re-entry programs for men and women. Due to inflation, the rising costs of insurance, gas, and food have increased our day-to-day expenses pertaining to prison visitations. 

3.       Finally, this year, we are looking to hire a full-time bilingual executive assistant who is strong administratively to help us manage our growing volunteer lists and improve our service coordination. 

This is a crucial moment for us to continue building capacity while focusing on a thorough strategic planning process and hiring our first full-time staff member.  Please pray for wisdom for us as we trust God.  We ask that you prayerfully consider supporting our ministry and partnering with us in this vital work.

Gripped By His Grace,

Rex F. Duval (“PR”)
Founder
Prison In The Wild
P: 914-315-9113
E: Rex@PrisonInTheWild.org
W: www.PrisonInTheWild.org 

Online Giving: (Prison In The Wild is a registered 501©3)

https://prisoninthewild.org/donate-giving

Checks: Prison In The Wild
Address: Available upon request

Additional Information:  Who We Are & Impact Testimonies

For more information about Pastor Rex and Prison In The Wild, visit our Media Page on this site, and our Blog.