Re-Entry Prison and Jail Ministry

08/08/2026

ProMentors are looking for volunteers in San Diego County to mentor folks being released from prison or jail. Please contact them specifically at https://www.pro-mentors.com/

04/19/2026

05/10/2025

Welcome to May 2025.
One of my favorite Psalms for the Month of May is Psalm 20

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion;
May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice.
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.

This is also my prayer for you and all those I get to minister to whose lives have been affected by incarceration and substance abuse. This month at the San Diego Adult Rehabilitation Program(ARC), we have over 90 people currently enrolled in our six-month program. Please keep these men and women in prayer that they may find victory in overcoming substance abuse and homelessness. Also, please pray for the staff that ministers to all these beneficiaries.

THANK YOU!

Chaplain Art.

01/28/2025

January 2025 Newsletter

Thank you so much for supporting Re-Entry Prison and Jail Ministry throughout 2024. Some of you prayed, some of you gave financial support and some of you donated your time to keep the ministry up and running.

I have always been amazed on how our Lord supplies what RPJM needs each year to minister to those whose lives have been affected by incarceration. Since I have been volunteering at the Salvation Army [almost two years now] we have been able to help lots of men, one-on-one through counseling and to continue through the Salvation Army’s six month Adult Rehabilitation program. Many have graduated from homelessness and incarceration to staying sober and carrying on to productive lives. Some have not made it yet but seeds have been planted for God to grow and harvest at a later date.

This last year, I purchased a used Chevy Suburban to take men to church with me on Sunday mornings and other events, yet many more men wanted to come with us on Sunday’s. So I was able to purchase a used Ford Transit that seats 15. It is filled every Sunday with men who want to learn more about God. All this happens because of a partnership with God and each other.

2025 has begun with a blast. Please continue to pray for the work in all aspects to help men successfully re-enter our society. Blessings to all!

Chaplain/Pastor
Art Lyons, D.Min.

08/14/2024

August 13, 2024

Hi Folks! I wanted to share a quick update on our ministry at the ARC.

What’s the ARC you may be thinking? It is the Adult Rehabilitation Center at the Salvation Army in San Diego. As many of you know, I have been blessed in doing counseling there for over a year now. I get to volunteer there a couple of days a week and have been helping guys get through a 6-month rehab program. It’s been great to see men come into the program homeless and addicted then leave 6 months later sober and hopeful for a better life to come!

A long with being able to work with guys to help them succeed with their program requirements, I along, with other guys on the RPJM Ministry Jail Team, also get to take guys to church on Sundays after they attend their regular chapel service at the facility.

Presently, we are taking around ten guys to church every week. Our
Great God has provided me with a suburban to transport more men than I could take in my car. I am now hoping the God will provide a 15-passenger van so we fill it up with guys. I am hoping for a Ford 350 Transit Passenger Van but am open to a different vehicle. I know where God guides, He provides. I am thankful for your support prayerfully and financially in considering to help with this ministry goal.

Blessings!

Chaplain Art

12/25/2023

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

For helping me minister to those whose lives are affected by incarceration. You provide the finances and prayer support that is needed for this ministry. I am interacting with at least forty people monthly that are finding Christ or growing closer to Christ. God is touching lives through our combined effort.

Some of you have been praying and supporting this ministry since 1980. That’s 44 years! And, I must say, this year looks like another year of great opportunity to reach out to broken lives and help them find hope in Jesus in 2024!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Chaplain Art

09/13/2023

Monday, September 13, 2023

Dear Friends in Ministry,

Thank you for your continued support of Re-Entry Prison and Jail Ministry.

As you may know the jails here in San Diego are still hesitant to open for church services and bible studies. They are only allowing select people to come into facilities. However, there is good news!

I have been volunteering as a counselor at the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) that is run by the Salvation Army across from Brown Field on Otay Mesa Rd. CA. This is a free residential program for men who commit to a 90-day program. After they complete their 90 days, they can stay another 60 days while they find work and transition into a residential home outside the facility. Most of these men were homeless or just recently released from incarceration.

There has been only one counselor for over 80 men in the facility. The men are supposed to see a counselor every two weeks after they start the program, so you can imagine how much work that is for only one counselor. They are happy I am there and it is something that I am really enjoying. There is a structured program and freedom to follow the Holy Spirit’s ministry to the resident.

Again, thank you for your support of RPJM, you really help me have the freedom to help those whose lives have been affected by incarceration.

Blessings!

Chaplain Art

Please keep in mind that most of our Re-Entry Resources are “San Diego County, California Specific”. We are always updating our San Diego Directory. If you would like to receive updates on our ministry please be sure to email Chaplain Art Lyons at [email protected].

11/11/2022

Thank you for your faithful support to me and RPJM.

I wanted to let you know that although the Sheriff’s Department is still closed for religious services because of Covid, I am still ever busy working with those whose lives have been affected by incarceration through correspondence and phone calls. Also, RPJM is still actively ministering to the homeless population in Chula Vista which is part of a revolving door for those who are released of incarceration.

Over the years, I have observed that some correctional facilities will do what they can to delay or stop volunteers from entering the jails because it is a lot of extra work for the staff. However, soon the inmates will be able to put pressure on the department to restart church services and bible studies. When that happens, we have a team that will be ready to share the love of God to all those we can inside the jails not only to inmates but to the deputies and civilian staff. Please continue to keep RPJM in prayer. Thanks!

Chaplain Art Lyons, D.Min.