“Residents Encounter Christ” (R.E.C.) is a non-denominational program of spiritual awakening and personal experience of Christ; it is designed for residents of correctional facilities. Male residents experience R.E.C. in a 3-day weekend at the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow, MA. Female residents have a 2-day weekend at the Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee, MA. In addition, 2-day weekends are conducted at the Western Mass. Correctional Alcohol Center in Springfield. On a R.E.C. weekend, a Team of around 20 volunteers spends three or two days with 20 – 30 residents. Team members and residents sit at tables and hear a series of witness talks by Team members. Other activities on the weekend include discussion times, worship services, making posters, and the “Hootenanny,” a surprise party at the facility, attended by members of the outside community as well. R.E.C. weekends are experiences of joy and spiritual growth for everyone who participates, residents and team alike.

Following the R.E.C. weekend, weekly reunions are held in the jails on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. This method of Christian support is available to all residents who have made a weekend, for as long as they remain at the facility. Upon release from jail, residents are invited to “Beyond R.E.C.” meetings every Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church (361 Sumner Avenue, Springfield).

There are many ways to become involved in R.E.C.:

1. You may write letters of encouragement to residents who are participating in a weekend; letters should be signed with first name only.
2. You may attend a “Hootenanny” during a weekend; this takes place on the Sunday evening of the weekend, and it is 2-3 hours of good Christian fun!
3. You may attend a Wednesday evening R.E.C. reunion in the jail. Time is 7-9 p.m., and in advance you will need to submit your name, birth date and Social Security number. Talk with someone at your church who is already involved for details.
4. You may attend a weekly “Beyond R.E.C.” meeting at Trinity United Methodist Church…all are invited!

REC is non-denominational and focuses solely on Christ, His message, His service, His teachings and bringing that good news to those that are or have been incarcerated. If you feel led to check any of this out or have any questions about REC feel free to contact Blake or Kelly Gibson at church or call 860-653-5207. We go up every Wednesday night leaving church around 5:45 PM. This ministry is open to anyone who feels the call; there are no special gifts or talents needed to be involved. The doors of REC are open to anyone who would like to join and serve. Come and have a Mathew 25:36 experience (“…I was in prison and you came to see me.”). Your time will not be wasted and your presence will be such a blessing to people you don’t even know. Please keep REC and the whole family of REC in your prayers. God bless you all real good!

COMMENTS FROM RESIDENTS WHO ATTENDED R.E.C. #39 AT WMCAC/HOWARD STREET ON JUNE 26-27 2010