How Northland's webcast is helping inmates find freedom in Christ
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 11, 2008 — Since Northland began webcasting its services in 2006, online worshippers have reported bringing the church into some very unusual places: offices, coffee shops, military bases … even a Burger King restaurant.
This month, Northland brought webstream worship to a place that is literally cut off from the rest of the world: John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Sanford, Florida.
Armed with a computer, projector and sound system, a small team of volunteers held the inaugural service on December 7, which was attended by more than 50 men. The response?
"Most men seemed to be happy to see us," explains Greg Harrington, the volunteer team leader for the outreach. "They saw our computer, projector and sound system, and heard the pre-service music playing from the webstream … they started asking all sorts of questions: 'Is this live?,' 'Can my wife and kids watch this from home?,' 'Are we on TV?'
"On the flip side, some of the men were obviously not so happy to be there – staring at the floor as they came through the door, hesitant to shake our hands, fidgeting in their seats."
But as the service began the men came alive, listening and connecting in worship. Most of them sang along … some with lifted hands. "It was a beautiful sight to see," Greg remembers.
The team learned just how deeply the men were connecting when a technical glitch delayed the service temporarily. Gretchen Kerr, Northland's director of local service, remembers: "The system froze, and the group sighed and verbalized that they did not want to miss anything."
She adds, "It was moving to see these men weeping and sobbing as they confessed their sins quietly prior to communion. I had one man tell me this was the most joyful experience he has had in a very long time."
Volunteers spent about 40 minutes with the men following the service, praying and talking about the various options available for them to work with a mentor who would walk alongside of them, and inviting them to worship again next week.
The outreach was a rewarding experience, not just for the inmates, but for those who volunteered that day.
"It wasn't something I had ever envisioned myself ever doing," explains Kim Hulme, who volunteered along with her husband, Bill. "But it was an amazing experience and one I look forward to having again! The experience has left me fully energized and inspired in every aspect of my life."
About Northland Church
Started by 11 people in 1972 in the "north land" of Orlando, Northland is listed among the Top 100 largest and fastest-growing Churches in America. A growing segment of Northland's body has never even set foot inside its building. Approximately 2,000 people worldwide now participate in Northland's worship services online. Learn more at http://www.northlandchurch.net.
Contact:
Robert Andrescik
Director of Public Relations
Northland, A Church Distributed
530 Dog Track Road
Longwood, FL 32750
407.949.7147 Direct
407.923.4440 Mobile
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http://www.northlandchurch.net
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