A Letter from Bishop Ken Carter on Behalf of Cross & Key Ministries

Dear Partners in the Gospel, 

Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries (DBOM) has faithfully led our Conference in prison ministry for the past 21 years. Now God is doing a new thing in the life of this fruitful ministry. Following a time of prayer and spiritual discernment, DBOM has reemerged with a new vision, a new mission, a new name, and a renewed passion to minister to persons who are imprisoned. 

I am honored to announce the relaunch of Cross and Key Prison Ministries! Why Cross and Key? We are reconciled through the cross of Christ, and we are set free by the truth of God's Word. 

Cross and Key Prison Ministries will continue to equip churches for prison ministry but will assume a greater role by providing education on criminal justice issues for our local churches and advocacy for prison reform in keeping with our social principles. Cross and Key Prison Ministries will take the lead in creating teams of advocates for prison reform, providing resources on prison ministry opportunities for our local congregations, and resourcing pastors and laity needing assistance with criminal justice issues and conference supported prison ministries.

The vision of Cross and Key Prison Ministries is "Ministry to the incarcerated; Working for a more just society." 

I encourage you to pray for this exciting new ministry. I also encourage you to receive a Conference Wide Special Offering for Cross and Key Prison Ministries on October 24 (or a Sunday that is more suitable). 

The prophet Micah exhorts us to "Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8. And Jesus tells us that when we are in ministry to persons who are incarcerated, we are doing it unto him. Matthew 25:40. Your offering to Cross and Key Prison Ministries on October 24 will help us to not only be hearers of God's word but also to be "doers of God's word." (James 1:22).

For more information about Cross and Key Prison Ministries please visit www. CrossandKeyPrisonMinistries.com. 

Donations may be mailed to: 
Cross and Key Prison Ministries 
PO Box 358 
Oak Island, NC 28465 

Together, let's be the Body of Christ for over 30,000 men and women in prison throughout North Carolina. Together, let's work for a more just society. Together, let's address the inequities of our criminal justice system and become advocates for reform. 

Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity! 

Ken Carter
Resident Bishop