Passion will move men beyond themselves,
beyond their shortcomings, beyond their failures.
Joe Campbell
EXAMPLES OF AIC Actions and Purposes
Bruce S. – became the first inmate to sponsor an OTW child in 2009 and continues today with additional funds for medical needs.
Timothy E. (just paroled) sponsored Juliet since 2016 and wrote to her 2x/mo., with each letter at least three pages and a very sincere prayer at end. His cell mate sponsored Jasper until the cell mate’s death in 2020. Timothy felt the need to take over that sponsorship.
Robert H. – sets the record for the number of sponsored kids at one time. He has supported 5 for 7 years. He loves the process of letters passing across both side of the world.
Florentino S. – takes second place by sponsorship of 4 since 2015. He has included his family members in the communications and gifts to those kids.
Steven A. – supports two OTW children and enlists his family to help send gift items to his OTW kids two – three times a year.
Clint M.- (just paroled) wanted to support an OTW child in 2016, did so, but then found out there were twins. He sponsored Harriet and Sharon until they graduated in 2019. He continues to support OTW.
Inmate Art – Since 2009 AIC artists all across Oregon have contributed over $111,000 in art sales for OTW. Combing all sponsorship funds with art sales brings the current total to over $202,000 (!) to support the OTW children.
VOH, on multiple occasions, has obtained permissions to gather one-on-one video interviews with the AIC artists and sponsors to take to OTW, show the kids, and get responses to then take back into the various prisons. The joy on both sides of the world is priceless!
Financial support from AIC (Adult in Custody) to Otino Waa Children’s Village (OTW) is overseen by Visions of Hope, a non-profit organization dedicated to prison ministry. Monthly sponsorship ($5) from the AIC is matched by outside donors who agree with the purpose. At the same time organized art groups produce art to be sold as a fundraiser for the children.
We provide a means for inmates to support orphans in unique ways,
while engaging our community and applying God’s love to the process.
In each prison presentation we always include this;
“God in His holy dwelling is a father of
the fatherless and a champion of widows.
(This could easily be placed over the gate at OTW.)
He provides homes for those who are deserted.
(In a prison presentation we always say, OK, everyone on the bus.
We are going downtown – whatever city is close by – to interview strangers.
Ask for a raise of hands of those who have ever been neglected, abused, ignored, or forgotten. Would everyone raise a hand?)
He leads out the prisoners to prosperity…..
Psalms 68:5-6
Prosperity is the launch point for our presentation subject
at a group gathering in prison.
Prosperity could be; Purpose, Joy, Forgiveness, Re-direction, Heart Condition, etc.
Now the important question.
Why in the world would God want to place all three of these in the same location?
(Hint: It keeps you going into prisons with instructions,
goals and purpose in mind.)