George Epp has been involved with M2 for 25 years.  Short for ‘Man to Man’, this friendship ministry reaches out to inmates, parolees, and beyond.  George has learned a lot from the 4 men he has partnered with. 

 

Soon after his release, Doug, his first partner, lived with Adelaide and George  for the first six months of freedom.  Doug moved away and chose not to stay in contact.  George’s second partner chose to break off contact after their first visit.  George’s attitude is that he’s not in this to be "successful" but rather “to do what I can to develop trust and be a friend.”

 

George was next matched with Romeo, who some will remember as an infrequent visitor to our church.  George has stuck with Romeo for 22 years and helped him move from being an angry ‘lifer’, in prison for murder and who spent a lot of time in solitary confinement, to living successfully on the outside. 

 

George continued to visit Romeo as he moved from Maximum Security at Kent through 3 other area prisons before he was released from Minimum Security Ferndale Institution.  Initially, Romeo reacted violently when provoked by fellow inmates and prison staff; George taught Romeo to heap burning coals upon their heads by not reacting violently.  Before Romeo’s release, he became a believer in Jesus Christ and was baptized.

 

Romeo now lives in a basement suite on a pension of $850, but is very content.  He cares lovingly for the surrounding landscape, to the envy of his neighbours. 

 

Recently, when George was admiring Romeo’s handiwork in the gardens, Romeo waxed quite eloquent and wise, "See George, I have nothing and yet I have everything.  What more do I need?  I am content.  I have a good landlord.  His children and wife take me in as a family member.  I'm often invited for dinner.  What more do I need?”  This was a great lesson for George, who reflected, “It's not only me helping Romeo but he is teaching me some important life lessons.”

 

“..I was in prison and you visited me.”

Matt.25:36

 

George Epp

Lives out this verse by his involvement inM2.

 George continues to work in M2 with Glenn, who is the first inmate to whom George has given Rick Warren’s book, Purpose Driven Life.  Glenn and his wife are both renewing their commitment.  He is slowly and determinedly repaying from his $5.25/day prison earnings, the $10,

000 that he stole.  George is frequently asked why he is spending his time with convicts?  Does he have any results?  His reply is, “Well, yes there are some good stories, but that is not a good enough reason to get involved with M2.  For me the answer is what Jesus says about prisoners, in Matthew 25 : 31 - 46, ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory and the angels with him ... and will say I was in prison and you visited me.’”  Talk to George if you would like to become involved with M2. By doing so you may not only help others, but also learn some lessons along the way.   Click here to learn more about M2/W2 Ministry