In spring of 2002, Jim Newsom, Director of Rivers of Living Water Ministries, invited Del to assist him in several Pennsylvania State Correctional Institutions. Jim was traveling and ministering extensively throughout the country, and this created a need for assistance in the weekly Bible studies at the prisons he ministered to. In summer of 2003 Jim relocated to Louisville, Kentucky. His desire was to have Del's ministry assume his responsibilities in the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institutions. Streams of Life Prison Ministry was born at this time. Reverend Delmar Weaver was added as an additional volunteer minister to assist Del in his work.
Since this time the ministry has expanded using other volunteer pastors, students of the Elijah Mentorship program, and other lay volunteers to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those behind bars.
Through the work of Derrill Burkholder and Ron Weaver, Hearts for Correction, a gospel and praise band, was formed to provide music for prison services. While the members of the group change constantly from service to service, Derrill and Ron has been the mainstay, faithfully providing appropriate worship music to set the tone for the
evangelistic message that night.
Streams of Life conducts weekly Bible studies in prison. Del and other Bible teachers lecture on Christian discipleship and other growth-building Christian principles based on the Word of God. Lesson series are written by the ministry and distributed to prisoners. Many times prisoners will take these lessons from class and teach them to seeking prisoners on the cellblock where volunteers in the state of Pennsylvania are not permitted to go.
As funds become accessible, chaplains distribute Bibles to the prisoners. They are often poorly educated and having easy-to-read translations available has been very beneficial.
As Streams of Life Prison Ministry continues to grow, your support is needed. Correctional Institutions are increasing opportunities for ministry. Both your financial gifts and prayer base will help our work go forth.
Naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison and ye came unto me. (Matthew 25:36)
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1:3)