The SIAFU Guidebook

24 The SIAFU Network Guidebook

fellowship, making their transition into the church and society more smoothly, and in a way that honors God.

Ultimately, our goal is simple for all the ex-offenders in our TUMI student community. We are trusting God that every last one of these believers will be incorporated into a loving church, where they will be welcomed and accepted as full-fledged members of the body of Christ. The SIAFU Chapter can be a smooth, simple, and effective means by which we bring ex-offenders into Christian community in a local church. Your Chapter, by definition, can facilitate this kind of “incorporation” of these ex-offenders through its key goals and objectives. Every SIAFU Chapter seeks to: • Befriend urban disciples among one another: Ex-offenders, who do not know anyone, can attend our SIAFU gatherings, form new, healthy relationships, and learn how to walk as friends with other believers, as well as learn how to befriend others. • Encourage urban disciples to edify one another: In our SIAFU Chapters, ex-offenders can be encouraged and strengthened by their fellow members in a group anchored in a local church, submitted to pastoral authority. They can be lifted up, protected from harm as they participate in the gatherings, studies, prayer times, fellowship, and service to others sponsored by your Chapter. • Challenge urban disciples to serve as ambassadors of Christ: These dear men and women will also learn how to serve and use their gifts for the benefit of others. Through your Chapter’s service projects, they can be challenged to be hospitable, generous, and sacrificial, employing their talents and resources to meet the needs of others in the community.

So then, the very goals of a SIAFU Chapter can make it much easier to welcome ex-offenders and integrate them into the life of healthy Christian community. We must welcome them into our midst, accepting them as full disciples, and expect them to live holy, godly, and commendable