The Rhema Interventions Ministry was developed by Harvest Renewal Church to    promote the emergence of a positive self-image (self-esteem) in prison inmates through personal counseling and the use of proven study techniques.  To meet all student needs we offer services in both English and Spanish.

To get involved or find out more information please contact our church office at 804-353-2997.

Why is this important?

· Research in regard to personal growth during the formative years of child development has proven beyond a doubt that a positive self image is a prerequisite for the successful development of an individual.

· Society is acutely aware of the crucial role played by the family in early childhood development.

· Society is also aware of the far reaching influence of the environment on the formation of either a positive or negative self image during the formative years.

· Research also shows that a healthy self image more often results in a close relationship between a positive self-esteem and genuine life satisfaction which ultimately leads to success.

· Low self esteem leads to a personality that excessively craves approval and exhibits an extreme desire for personal achievement. Such individuals tend to overcome their perceived inferiority through the development of strengths and talents that oppose  the norms and values embraced by society. The outcome of this is detrimental to both the individual and society.

· It can only be through a process of “renewing of the mind” that such an individual will be transformed into possessing a positive self-image of “I am Able, Valuable and Responsible”.

Why we use Study Techniques:

· There is a close relationship between academic failure at school and potential negative behavior.

· There are many reasons why students at school/college/university struggle to study which often results in the failure to achieve required grades and resulting in failure.

· Failure is primarily linked to a lack of motivation due to the absence of sound study techniques.

· Many inmates gratefully accept opportunities to “start all over again” in their studies. They realize that knowledge is power and they develop an intrinsic motivation to succeed.

· Academic failure for such individuals will result in the lowering of an already negative self image.

· Academic success can be achieved through the introduction of proven Study Techniques such as the SQ3R Method and Mind Mapping.

· Personal motivation and examination techniques will further stimulate a positive mindset.

· Academic success will have a snowball effect and lead to a meaningful relationships where trust and mutual respect form a bond between facilitators and students inmates.

Our Objectives:

1. To establish a positive inter-personal relationships with all inmates entrusted to our care through individual counseling.

2. To facilitate a sense of personal worth fundamental to each individual.

3. To empower prospective students inmates through a series of workshops which enable them to master various study techniques that will ensure future success in tests and examinations.

4. To change the thought paradigms of individuals through the renewal of their minds; to show individuals how a faith-based value system will ensure personal growth, generating responses that are greater than the challenges with which they are faced.

Workshop Sessions: In addition to individual study, we also host workshops sessions for students.   These workshops will:

1. Provide personal interaction and a hands-on experience at all times.

2. Cater to separate groups for male and female inmates.

3. Require two 3-hour or three 2-hour sessions limited to 20 students.

4. Be conducted in both English or Spanish based on each student’s needs.

Success: How will we measure success? As much as possible the sustainability of the intervention is secured by means of follow-up sessions after examinations throughout the year.  True success comes with a fundamental change in a person exhibited by their choices and life goals.