We're long overdue in updating you. Its been a busy spring and summer. Thank you for your constant support and prayers.
In the months ahead, we have a few large scale events that we'll keep you posted on, as well as a documentary in the making of the past 10 years. Our days have been full, and they have been long. Sometimes slow and often fast. Our educators, volunteers, and countless musicians that we partner with have grown SMTP in to a larger community than we could have planned. As you read about our school in Nashville, we ask for your continued prayers as our educational programming continues to grow in other states. As we continue to learn, serve, and share hope and reconciliation through music and education, please know that this wouldn't be possible without you.
THE ACADEMY
This summer, we started a school for women in The Davidson County Correctional Facility in Nashville, TN, in partnership with The Davidson County Sheriff's office.
This program is run by our women's program coordinator, Joanna Lampa.
The Wild Ones Academy is an eight-week program of pre-release curriculum aimed at improving the physical, spiritual, and mental health of female participants.
WOA has partnered with a transitional housing program so our students have a place to go once they've graduated the program and been released.
Wild Ones Academy believes that every person has giftings and talents to offer the world. In our Bible curriculum we discuss the stories of the 'wild ones' of the Bible--the people that God met in the margins and called into their destiny as world changers. These biblical characters were incarcerated, sex workers, and people who spent time on the fringes of society before and during the time they became who God intended them to be. We believe the identification as a 'wild one' is a badge to be worn proudly as we learn to use the giftings that once isolated us, and ultimately contribute those gifts to the community and to society. We believe the church needs the wild ones and misses out on a part of God's heart without them.
The Wild Ones Academy is honored to partner with participants as they develop their leadership skills and pursue healing during their time of incarceration.
Semester 1 Academy Graduates and Educators
HOSPICE PRISON
For the past 18 months, Send Musicians To Prison has been working in a Hospice Prison every Thursday, just outside of Nashville, TN, at The Deberry Correctional facility.
The majority of our time is spent bedside, bringing friendship and prayer to those in their last days. For the past 6 months, we've been cleared to bring communion as well.
Our Thursdays have become a constant reminder of why we do what we do. In the process, we have made some truly amazing friends.
Nathan Lee & Robert Smith (eucharist minister) at Deberry Correctional Facility