Al
Replicating the Apostle Paul’s invitation to give a second chance, the Philemon Ministry is a Baltimorean nonprofit dedicated to breaking the recidivism cycle. It provides a mentoring community that supports men from incarceration into stable living, encouraging Christlike behavior as they navigate the pitfalls of reentry. Al is one of hundreds of men who has been benefitting from his time with the ministry.
When asked about his experience, Al says, “To my knowledge, there is no other place in all of Maryland like Philemon. It opens its doors to all reentering citizens and welcomes them with mercy and grace. It requires residents to both get on their feet and get on their knees at the same time. No ulterior motives, no judgement, no double standards.”
Al started working with Philemon Ministry after the social worker who is in charge of reentry at the prison found it for him and suggested he be a good fit. At first, Al was very nervous to go to a conventional transitional living/halfway house. Despite his apprehensions, he interviewed with Jack Weber, a board member at the Philemon Ministry, and received more information. After hearing that Jack’s faith had a role in his connection to Philemon, as Al later learned, the deal was sealed. Al says, “As a Presbyterian, in prison, I often found I did not fit in with the Pentecostal style of worship that is prevalent there. So when I interviewed with Jack Weber, and he told me he was Presbyterian and his church is involved in supporting the Philemon Ministry, that clinched it for me.”
Al’s experience with Philemon has been great. He says, “It has been just what I needed. I have enjoyed the fellowship and support of the other reentering residents as well as brothers that no longer live at the house but are still involved with the Ministry. In particular, the help of the Case Manager has been key in helping me reenter more quickly than I could on my own. The environment of the house and the support of the Pastor have also helped me strengthen my relationship with God.”
With his new foundation, Al has become more confident, comfortable and relaxed. With these feelings comes more time to reflect. He says, “I have begun trying to define who I am going to be as a Christian man in society and working on how this will impact my life choices.”
Pastor Payne, the founder of Philemon Ministry, has been a source of inspiration for Al. He says, “Seeing how Pastor Payne has dedicated his life to helping men successfully reenter society and live lives in Christ... it has been inspiring to me personally. That he could go from rock bottom to where he is now while still reaching down and pulling others up with him means that I can be successful as well if I put my trust in God and follow His path.”
Philemon Ministry has four key pillars: spiritual formation, Christian community, accountability and/or meaningful acts of service. When asked which has been most impactful to him, Al says Christian community. He explains, “For me, communion with God is most meaningful when it is based on a contemplative humility, paired with deep and honest conversations about His Word with other Christians. When I have been able to find this at Philemon, it has helped to guide me and bolster me against the challenges of reentry.”
Al is one of many men Pastor Antoine Payne and the Philemon Ministry have helped come home for good. To help support men like him and aid the ministry provide resources to break the recidivism cycle in Baltimore City and beyond, please consider donating your time and/or monetarily here.