International Prison Ministry

While visiting a Tijuana orphanage in 1995, Chappy learned that there was no pastoral care being provided for American inmates in La Mesa Prison. Trusting God and his  walk by faith, Chappy opened the doors to one of the darkest prisons known.  Now, seven years later, hundreds of American prisoners have been ministered to, the Word of God preached, many saved,  fed, clothed, connections with families, and medical attention has been provided.

Hundreds of Americans are incarcerated in Mexico's prisons in a near hopeless situation. With limited access to legal counsel, these inmates live a life of sickness, hopelessness, and constant fear. Inmates ages range from 16 to 85 years old. Their crimes range from minor infractions to very violent, traffic violations and partying, innocent Rx purchases to trafficking drugs to murder! Long term sentences are common under Napoleonic Law, where you are guilty until you can prove your self innocent!

When we began ministering at La Mesa prison the prisoners only received soup twice a day, inmates had to pay for everything, including a place to sleep, clothes, medical treatment, adequate food and water, showers, and "reasonable toilet facilities." The desperation inside this prison forced many of the inmates to turn to illegal behavior, including drugs, extortion, and prostitution to support their basic needs.

MOTE began our ministry every week with a prayer walk around the prison walls, ten years later, and consistent prayer walks, has transformed this prison into what Mexico now calls it model prison.  The video link above will show you what we began with.  Look soon to see our new video how the active power of prayer has transformed the prison and the prisoners.

MOTE ministers to these inmates weekly by providing hope through the Gospel, Bibles, Bible Studies, food, clothes, and a link to their families. Weekly services and daily devotionals are provided to scores of English and Spanish speaking inmates. 

SDCC has equipped the inmate believers to carry the Gospel to other parts of the prison by conducting Bible studies, teaching English classes and providing children's ministry programs to more than 150 children living inside the prison.

After School Homework Clubs

In the late '90s New Hope Church was called by God to start a faith based character centered after school programs on a nearby public school campus.  Senior Pastor Joe Rhodes, and Executive Pastor Phil Harris answered the call to begin the first Faith Based Home Work in North County San Diego.

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church caught the vision and retained Chappy Dave to expand and  launch Home Work Clubs in the Poway Unified School District.  Chappy now manages this growing ministry for RBCPC.

The "No Cost" to the taxpayers and "No Cost" to the families was welcomed by the district of Poway.  The Christ centered character based program was given it's test and the vision and is now a reality.

RBCPC's Thrift Shop became the sponsor of the first after school home work club at Midland Elementary School in Poway in the fall of 2000.  One-hundred and ten (110) children were enrolled from the most needy in the school population attending the program on campus five days a week from 2 pm until 5:30 each day.  The families were being cared for by Chappy, a paid site supervisor, over 30 committed volunteers from RBCPC, the faith community and 40 teenagers from local High Schools.

The success of the after school home work club has "caught on" with the Poway Unified School District.  Today, MOTE and it's collaborative partners led by RBCPC is now operating in three local Poway schools, Midland, Garden Road, and Valley Elementary.  Ten additional schools are requesting that we bring the program on to their campus.  MOTE's Board of Directors is seeking additional individuals, churches, and funding organizations to start the next HomeWork Club.

Ministry Videos:

1200 Blankets Distributed to American's In Mexico's Prisons

Bruce Humphrey shares Chappy Dave's story

Chappy Dave ministers to inmate as he receives forgiveness and healing

Chappy Dave preaching at La Victoria Prison

Women's ministry at LaMesa Prison

What sets MOTE apart from other Christian Prison Ministries?

A clear and bold mission strategy means little if it cannot be sustained and expanded. Yes, evangelism and discipleship are keys to salvific objectives. Many prison ministries are equipped to undertake the mission given by Christ in Matthew 28:19 (“Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”). And a meaningful mission strategy requires dynamic follow-up efforts consisting of strong character development, effective financial aid, and economic reconstruction that elevates prisoner, family, and community in soul, in mind, and in spirit.

A devotion to Jesus as teacher and coach has sustained MOTE’s overall prison project for fifteen years. MOTE’s strategy of empowering the Body of Christ within prison walls through conferences, workshops, and practical leadership training is a dynamic release of the power of the Holy Ghost that has resulted in productive Christian service and transformation.

MOTE’s approach to a Christ-centered collaborative program is transformational development in practice. The “preach and leave” approach is not MOTE’s approach! The old model of proclaim, baptize, and leave, while the inmate remains inside knowing that outside awaits him, is not a holistic approach.

Where will he go? Who cares? Successfully answer these questions and the inmate will be transformed inside and out! MOTE’s strategic program and effective follow-up accomplishes these objectives. A harvest of angelic rejoicing is taking place with our MOTE Christ-centered program.

Glory to God, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ!