MOTE

MOTE, San Diego - USA, Receives Rave Review and Approval from the Dominican Republic Government for its Christ–Centered Collaboration Prison Rehabilitation Program!
April 14, 2009

On March 2, 2009 Dr. David Walden (President and Founder of MOTE Inc., USA and its International Non-Profit Organization, Fundacion MOTE Dominicana ) met with Dr. Manuel de Jesus Perez Sanchez (Director General de Prisiones in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) through the recommendation of Superior Court Judge, Lic. Rafael Baez Garcia and the Department of Social Services. The purpose of this meeting was to allow Director General Sanchez an opportunity to review and evaluate MOTE’s Christ Centered Prisoner Rehabilitation Program that was launched at La Victoria Prison in Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic

in 2007.

The comprehensive Christ centered rehabilitation program in La Victoria prison was developed by Dr. Walden and modeled after the proven program currently operating at La Mesa Prison in Tijuana, one of the most brutal and darkest prisons in

Mexico

. Dr. Walden, an Adj. Professor at Bethel University and Seminary, San Diego campus, (aka Chappy Dave) heard God’s call to reach those in prison for Christ and founded MOTE (Missions On The Edge) in 1995 to realize that call. With the help of MOTE’s faithful partners and volunteers, Chappy Dave has been able to reach thousands of prisoners for Christ, and witnessed the miracle of transformed lives as hardened criminals have become devoted Christ followers and productive citizens making a positive difference in society.

Hundreds of inmates are participating in this leading edge approach to prison reform. MOTE has strengthened over 700 church leaders through six all day conferences in the past two years. MOTE has developed and supports thirteen in-prison churches inside Dominican Republic’s most violent prison, La Victoria Prison. MOTE’s leadership has set the model based on Jesus instruction manual, Himself. The participants in Santo Domingo’s La Victoria prison abide by MOTE’ daily schedule beginning at 6:30 am and ends in the evening. The men are actively learning, diligently productive and constantly involved in serving others. It takes a devoted church collaborative to accomplish the mission. MOTE has successfully involved local churches from all denominations, which is why the Director General and the leading Judge has given their written approval to continue moving forward.

The Spiritual, educational, behavioral, and vocational training are all components of the MOTE project. This training is designed to assist inmates in developing a personal relationship with Christ, acquiring essential life skills, and actively participate in a church family. Once inmates successfully complete the in-house training they are placed in transitional housing where they will be further prepared to become independent, self-sufficient and Christ-centered citizens in their communities upon their release.

After a full program briefing Sanchez told Walden, “We are very appreciative of your efforts in engaging our government systems, social services community and local church denominations to work together in this program.” Sanchez followed up their meeting with a letter to MOTE providing an official project designation which opens the doors for expansion of the program to the remaining twenty-one prisons in the country. Chappy Dave and his wife, Sandee, will be joining the Director General for dinner on May 5th to deepen and strengthen their relationship. Go to www.mote.ws/sanchezltrenglish.pdf to read the English version of the letter or www.mote.ws/sanchezltrspanish.pdf for the Spanish version.

In addition to receiving an outstanding review from the Director General of Prisons, MOTE was also provided with office space within La Victoria prison where the rehabilitation program will be headquartered. The Dominican Republic prison system also provided MOTE with five acres of land where an agricultural production training program is being developed as part of the vocational training. Dr. Walden shared, “The hand of God has faithfully moved with MOTE’s leadership into the

Dominican Republic

and brought together a wonderful team of people whose desire is to reduce prison recidivism and bring men and women into a closer walk with Christ and return to their communities as productive citizens.”

Hebrews 13:3 says “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Walden has a special place in his heart for those behind bars and has devoted his life to helping them step out of darkness and suffering and into the light through a personal relationship with Christ. As part of their devotion to this ministry, Dr. David Walden and his wife Sandee are preparing for their relocation from San Diego California to Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic

where they can provide vision and leadership on a daily basis as the program continues to develop and expand within the country.

For more information on how you can support this Christ-Centered Program, please go to www.mote.ws. MOTE is looking for ministry partners and volunteers in the U.S. to help plan and coordinate local events so that this ministry can continue to reach others for Christ by creating, sustaining and expanding Christian programs within hostile environments. For more information email MOTE at info@mote.ws or call (760) 317-5960.

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