Bramblebush Ministries

Federal 501 (c) (3) Public Charity  Fed. I.D. 20-1256563
California Nonprofit Religious Corporation 2636656

Bramblebush Ministries

Introduction

Bramblebush Ministries is a nonprofit fellowship of Christians called by God to help His people return to His Kingdom through Christ-driven Evangelism, Praise, Discipleship, Spiritual Growth and Godly Refreshment. 

Our shared tasks are:
-- to carry out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ as he taught his disciples to do.
-- to help God’s people discover, use, and share His love, His will and His power in their daily lives.

The Organization

Bramblebush was founded in 2004

Our management team consists of the board of directors working closely with the president.

Christian Work

At Bramblebush we believe God calls us to return to the basics in order that His Kingdom may flourish.

  “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
    mind and with all your strength…Love your neighbor as yourself.”(Mark 12:30-31)

Our vision is focused on three areas of ministry.

Evangelism— The Bramblebush Circle of Friends is a Christ-driven, faith-inspired music ministry, sharing Word and faith through fellowship and the making of a joyful noise.   

Discipleship—The Bramblebush Discipleship Development Ministry is called to share Jesus Christ with any and all believers—or non-believers— that they may grow in Him. This is done by teaching and reflecting on the words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels, learning the methods of spiritual growth taught by Jesus to his own disciples, leading by example, just as Jesus did, and witnessing as to how we have personally experienced Christ in our own lives. 

Spiritual Growth—All Christians are called to spend time with The Lord.  It is in His presence that we are nurtured, refreshed, inspired, and strengthened to do the work of His will.  Bramblebush Retreats are designed for this purpose—to bring us to a more simple time and place in spirit with The Lord. 

We go where The Lord would have us go to do the things He would have us do.

The Call

In order for God’s Kingdom to flourish, His people must hear His voice, and act upon His Word and Will.  What Christ began, we are to continue.  We are to walk in His footsteps, stand in His light, hear and obey His teachings, do what He did.  This is why we exist. Just as Christ was put here for our sake, we are put here for the sake of others.

Bramblebush/Outside-In

Bramblebush/Outside-In is a fellowship of Christian men and women—including ex-felons, and individuals with loved ones who have been incarcerated—with hearts for those who are imprisoned, and those who are trying to rebuild their lives after prison.  The ministry is an embodiment of Matthew 25:40—we care for these brothers and sisters of His—and ours. 

We believe that, no matter where we are, it is impossible to find another human being to whom we can say, “God loves you less than He loves me.”

The Challenge

Kern County is home to thirteen California State Correctional Institutions, one Federal Institution, and one County Jail.  These facilities house more than 28,500 inmates.  Sadly, based on current prison recidivism rates, upon their release, 18,525 of these inmates will return to prison within three years.  While the numbers are staggering, our calling is to do what we can—with God’s help—to turn lives around, break the recidivism cycle, and transform  prisoners and ex-prisoners into Godly warriors.

We realize only a small percentage of inmates will opt to participate in programs offered.  However, God and the Company of Heaven rejoice at the individual level.  One soul saved, one return to prison averted brings great joy to the Kingdom.

Our Approach

Just as Christ was put here for our sake, we are put here for the sake of others.  We devote time, talent, and treasure to in-prison evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual growth along with post-incarceration aftercare.  Our work includes:

Weekly Bible Studies – English and Spanish
Chapel Services
Communion Services (optional)
Baptism Preparation
Spiritual Leadership Training
Mentoring
Music Programs
Yard Events
Community Interaction

AftercareBramblebush/Outside-In Operatio

 

Bramblebush/Outside-In is part of the Christian Reentry Fellowship—a local ministry cooperative effort to assist ex-prisoners as they reenter society.

 

We’re all works in progress.