Epiphany Ministry Aims to Touch Lives of Young Inmates
By Deacon Ray Persson

Epiphany Ministry of Florida is an ecumenical Christian ministry for young men and women who are in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Detention Centers. The weekend models on which it is based are: Cursillo, Happening, Kairos Prison Ministry, and Walk to Emmaus. Our purpose is to manifest God’s love to incarcerated youth, known as “stars” through a three-day short course in Christianity and an ongoing follow-up program. Each Epiphany weekend involves a team of adults and youth from the Christian community who work together to show the love of God to those attending.

God’s love has been revealed throughout history, especially in the life and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In church history, Epiphany is traditionally celebrated on January 6, marking the arrival of the Magi in search of the Christ child. “Epiphany” is from a Greek word meaning “appearance.” The coming of the Magi marks the time when God is manifested on earth to the entire world through Jesus Christ.

As in the first Epiphany, we can know the coming of God’s love in our lives and introduce his love to others. The mission of Epiphany is to facilitate change in lives of young men and women incarcerated in juvenile justice facilities.

Goals of Epiphany

Epiphany is designed to give Incarcerated Youth an invitation and opportunity to begin or renew a relationship with God through Christ and give support to that new life in Christ.

Measurable Objectives:

  1. To decrease recidivism among the participants.
  2. To involve a high percentage of youth in ongoing relationships with other Christians through follow-up reunions.
  3. To increase adult participation in the detention center mentor program by increasing the awareness of that need within the Christian community.
  4. To help youth see the Christian Church as a supportive, loving community so they might seek to participate in a congregation after their incarceration is over.
  5. To increase involvement in the chaplain’s in-prison ministry through development of youth inmate leaders.

You Can Be a Part of This Ministry!!!

  1. Pray for “Epiphany Ministry of Florida.” daily.
  2. Become a member of the “Epiphany” team.
  3. Pray for “Epiphany Ministry of Florida” daily.
  4. Make a tax-deductible donation.

You can make your check out to “Epiphany Ministry of Florida” and send it to:

The Rev. Raymond E. Persson
St. John’s Episcopal Church
1676 South Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33764-6517
Phone: (727) 521-3101
E-Mail: DeaconRayP@aol.com

National Epiphany website is:  http://www.epiphanyministry.com

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