As you know, throughout this year there have been challenging times for Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy as well as opportunities.
Previously we identified that without significant structural change, the increasing levels of 
governance and compliance, insurance, legal, risk management, and the escalating issues of accreditation were potentially ministry ending.
Yet we committed to God to pray about a pathway for the future … and God answered our prayers.
The necessity to join in partnership with an evangelical, kingdom-focussed ministry that strategically aligned with our objects, that prioritised chaplaincy and assisting those in real need as they re-enter into the community, culminated in an offer from The Baptist Union of Queensland – Carinity. That offer seemed like God’s answer to prayer, however we wanted to be sure. Once again, we asked you to join with us in prayer as this offer was being considered by Members and ultimately, voted on at a Special General Meeting on 18 June.
I am pleased to advise the Special General Meeting on Saturday 18 June 2016 was unanimous in accepting the resolutions put to Members. We believe this unanimous acceptance is a sure sign of the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The meeting itself was positive with an address from Carinity’s Head of Chaplaincy and Mission Services Don McPherson, who said:
“I am triply delighted to be assisting today as you make your decision about the future of IOPC. Firstly, I’m delighted for Carinity to be applying its resources to enable a fellow evangelical ministry to maximise its impact into the future. Secondly, I’m delighted to be part of making a difference in the lives of prisoners, their families and the community. And thirdly, I’m delighted to be doing that specifically through the means of Chaplaincy which is right on Highway #1 of the strategic pathway for Carinity and for me. I look forward to a very fruitful ministry working together as one from here forward. May Christ be exalted and people blessed!”
These comments endorse the collaborative approach we have come to expect from Carinity and I am convinced we have made the right decision to ensure the long- term survival of Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy and the ultimate delivery of our mission.
As the structural change takes place, we want you to know that the all of our members, supporters, prayer partners and subscribers (yes, you dear reader!) will continue to have a critical part to play in the ongoing future of Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy
Specifically, we remain a praying people, making known to our God the stories of those whom we are reaching out to in the prisons of Queensland. We will continue to ask people to pray for the needs of our chaplains, our mentors, and those who are in roles underpinning these ministries.
We remain a sharing people, active in speaking about what God is doing in prisons in Queensland. We ask you to continue to raise awareness in your circles of influence about how prisoners are being transformed by Jesus. If you haven’t already connected with us online, why not take a look at our website or Like us on Facebook.
We remain a body of believers who sacrificially give towards the ministry, sowing into God’s Kingdom by materially resourcing this critical, gospel-focussed work.
To this end I am thankful to all of you who have remained long-term supporters of Correctional Centres Chaplaincy Association Incorporated, secure in the knowledge that you will join with us in thanking God for his grace and care over what has been a significant period of transition.
While the structure has now changed, the future of this ministry remains in the hands of our sovereign God and to this end we thank you for your continued support and joining us in prayers of thanksgiving to Him.
Jesse Caulfield
Director – Inside Out Prison Chaplaincy