Addicted to Chaos

When working with men and women who have spent years in the cycle of addiction, it is common to hear them say that they are “addicted to chaos.” Any kind of success feels uncomfortable, so they quickly sabotage their circumstances in order to move back to a place of disorder. For many individuals, chaos is all they have ever known. They were raised in chaotic homes where drug abuse was commonplace. They were taught in chaotic schools where drugs, gang violence, limited resources, and low expectations were the norm. Consequently, it is no surprise that many of the people we work with say that they experienced their longest stints of sobriety while in prison.

Prison is a place of order. Inmates are told when to eat, work, play, and sleep. Very little is left for flexibility. When an individual returns to society after incarceration, freedom can be their worst enemy. This time of transition is therefore the most vulnerable and crucial time. It is in this time of transition that the formerly incarcerated individual must decide whether to return to their old life or begin a new one. However, beginning a new life with a criminal background is profoundly difficult because opportunities are so limited. Many churches and employers are fearful and unequipped to work with men and women coming out of prison, so these individuals remain on the margins of society and often move in and out of institutions.

In our work with formerly incarcerated men, my wife Rebecca and I continually turn to the ministry of Christ as the central source of our inspiration. We feed daily on the images of Christ feasting with prostitutes and tax collectors and offering new life and healing to strangers and lepers. So long as we remain faithful to the mission of Christ, we have faith that God will open up doors for His Kingdom.

We are happy to announce that the Siafu Leadership Home is forming a partnership with The Philabundance Community Kitchen. The Philabundance Community Kitchen is a 13-week program that uses culinary arts as a workforce development and job readiness program. This program works exclusively with low-income and no-income individuals, 80% of whom are formerly incarcerated. Right now, our next resident for the Siafu Leadership Home is currently finishing up Philabundance's program. This program will work with our future residents in helping them find and keep a job.

Our second resident moved in to the house at the beginning of the month. We pray that many more of our future residents will benefit from this program as they transition out of the criminal justice system. We also pray that God will bless our ministry financially to handle the administration costs involved in this partnership. 

Raj Lewis is the Associate Site Coordinator for TUMI-Chester.