JAMESTOWN PRISON CHAPLAIN HELPS INMATES SPIRITUALLY

Pastor Mark Haines, prison chaplain from Jamestown, summed up the
methamphetamine problem in a few words. "There's an epidemic out there."

Haines was the featured speaker at the Meth Task Force quarterly
meeting held in Valley City on Monday.

He explained what he does in his job and how the community can help.

"There are some tough days, such as when a baby dies or a mother
dies, but there are many great days and people getting well," he told
members of the Meth Task Force.

He said prison is a place where some can arrive in tatters and will
get the best of care. His job is to get the prisoners to a place to
where they won't have to come back. But many do come back. The reason
for this is because many of them can't measure up when they get out
because the anxiety is so great.

"There is enough work out there for them," Haines said. "They have to
know they can succeed."

One of the first questions asked of Haines is, "What happens when an
addict first goes to prison?"

He said each prisoner is given an assessment, and the prison has a
points system to decide where each prisoner should go. They are rated
by points, and they are sent where they best fit. Those with low
points qualify to go to the State Farm in Bismarck, a minimal
security facility, where they are watched closely. The prisoners are
paid, and they must pay about $300 a month to work off their
restitution and pay for their rent.

The first thing that must be done is to get the prisoner off drugs.
"Many prisoners have a time settling in. They have great nurses and
doctors there, but the medical department is a terrible place to get
sick; it's not a great environment," he said.

Haines said many prisoners don't completely change their lives, but
there are many success stories. Some become religious and enter a
Bible college and become ministers.

Haines explained that many prisoners end up in prison simply because
of their personality. It isn't always because of the environment they
came from, although many times it is.

"I built this church on worship," Haines said. He currently has from
40 to 50 who show up for worship services. He had double that amount
before the women prisoners moved to Elgin.

He said they have male criminals who have learned how to crochet.
That may sound strange, but it's something they asked to learn how to do.

It started when one prisoner said he wanted some yarn so he could
crochet. He was turning out two baby caps a day, and he then taught
nine other guys to crochet, who in turn taught others. They make
sweaters and papooses for children in third world countries. When
they hear back from third world countries about what they have
crocheted for these children, "it's a win-win situation," Haines said.

Haines told about the 18-month, Teen Challenge program they have for
prisoners. It is also for adults, and Haines said they will have to
change the name because it doesn't just involve teens.

They learn how the Holy Spirit helps move them past their problems,
and how to get their lives squared away. They are regimented to read
the Bible and live a disciple's life. They have a huge facility in
Bismarck, and many prisoners end up at a religious college. "They
make great ministers because they are slow to judge others (because
of what they have gone through)," Haines said. There are no licensed
addiction counselors in this program, however. "It is a great place
to steer kids who have some Christian faith."

Haines said prisoners are receptive to Christian values. "They can't
run away from what they've been doing, and they become more receptive."

Haines said prisoners deserve the chance to do well. They've done
their time. "We forgive them, but be wise. Be smart. Some become
great ministers, but some just fizzle out."

In answer to the question, "Why does he (Haines) do what he does?" he
said he puts a goal in sight.

His biggest challenge is to raise their expectations of life and what
God expects of them. He said some come back, and he welcomes them back.

"My job as chaplain is to provide resources available to them; to
pursue spirituality and to learn about Jesus and the opportunities
for salvation. They are my neighbor and my brother," Haines said.

The convict often hears a voice that says, "It's easier being back
there (at the treatment center)." Haines said, "The devils takes that
and twists that."

"But yes, they are receptive to spirituality."