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MISSION STATEMENT OUR BELIEFS OUR HISTORY |
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235 S 12th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-274-7528
Show the love of God to the economically disadvantaged by helping to meet their physical, emotional, and material needs regardless of race, color, creed, age, or gender.
Provide Christian discipleship to those incarcerated or in after-care programs who are committed to seeking reconciliation with God and establishing a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
God, infinite and perfect, is the one and only true God who exists as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Jesus, the only perfect man, is the Son of God incarnate, the divine Savior for all mankind and the Lord of all creation. The Holy Spirit dwells in redeemed humanity as sanctifier, comforter and guide. The Holy Bible is the written Word of God, inerrant in the original, authentic and authoritative for all mankind.
All humanity is sinful by nature and separated from God. All are in need of redemption and receiving eternal life by the grace of God through repentance of sin and faith in the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. As redeemed children of God, each has the privilege and responsibility to share the Gospel and demonstrate Christ's love. As Jesus states in Mark 12:30-31 (NAS), "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength...You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these."
Jubilee Ministries has grown out of a youth revival in 1972. Young people were prompted to enter the prison and witness, sharing testimony to what God had done in their lives and the freedom available to all who will claim salvation through Jesus Christ. In October of 1977, a group of Mennonite women shared a desire to open a thrift shop that would supply quality, inexpensive clothes to the public and generate funds for the ministry. The first financial transfer made from the Jubilee Clothing Store to the ministry in January 1978 was $7,652. In more recent years, transfers have passed the $250,000 mark. God has been faithful as we have followed His leading.
In 1986, we expanded the ministry to include Material Assistance, which offers rental, heating, transportation, medical, food, clothing, and furniture assistance to families within the community. Our assistance is given primarily to those with a connection to the criminal justice system, may it be on parole, a family member incarcerated, just being released from prison, etc. However, assistance is also given to others within the community who don’t qualify for aid available through other agencies. Approximately $17,000 in clothing and furniture assistance is given annually from the retail stores! And an additional $40,000 in direct, cash assistance to families.
The Jubilee Home Furnishings store was opened in 1993 to provide additional revenue for the ministry and provide work skills and training for men and women leaving prison. Individuals involved in the after-care program work in the stores, attend educational classes, individual counseling sessions, and support groups. Staff and clients work side-by-side to complete tasks and develop mentoring relationships.
Cafe Beracah is an outreach effort to intercept troubled youth before their lives are
controlled by substances or criminal activity. Gourmet coffees and snacks
are available in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that encouraged young people
to spend time with friends and meet new people. Special events like open mic night (where people can sing, play instruments, read poetry, etc) and
Christian concerts are held periodically. Bible study is held weekly for
those seeking spiritual growth.
Because of growing ministry opportunities and incoming donations additional
retail stores were opened in Palmyra (2003)
and Myerstown (2004). These stores have been a
great asset to the ministry. Our desire to is share Christ through
in-prison and community avenues.