In May, the Heaven Bound Lifestyle Center celebrated its first anniversary. The center is a ministry of the Sparks church in collaboration with its prison ministries department.

Each Sabbath afternoon for the past 30 years, the Heaven Bound Prison Ministries team faithfully went into the maximum security prisons of northern Nevada and ministered to the inmates.

Many inmates gave their lives to Christ and did well while serving their time inside prison walls. Once they were released, though, they faced the struggle of “transitioning” back into society. The idea for the lifestyle center developed when members of the prison ministries team saw a need for a place where released inmates could make lifestyle changes to ease the transition back into society.

“There are many transitional homes run by government or private entities,” explained Haven Merrit, Heaven Bound Ministries Secretary. "But the problem with these homes is that they don’t offer any spiritual nurturing and that is why we decided to open this home."

The Sparks church, with the support of the Lifestyle Center Board of Directors (all members of the Sparks church), decided to make this a privately funded church project. “We tried working with outside groups and government agencies, but they wanted to stipulate what we could and could not teach or require of the residents,” said Scott Beckett, treasurer. "Since this is a ministry, the church decided to move in faith and fund this project without outside help."

The first year of operation has not been smooth sailing, but members believe the Lord has already performed many miracles in the short time the center has been open. The acquisition of the house that the center operates from is one example. “It was tough trying to find a house that would work for us,” said Bob Pieters, project property manager. "We prayed hard and looked at different prospects, but when we finally found this one, there were three buyers ahead of us. One by one, for some reason or another, they didn’t buy the house and we were able to."

Since opening its doors, the center has housed nearly 25 individuals transitioning back into society. It can house a maximum of 10 people at one time and is currently housing men only — at one time the center housed women only. A house manager lives on the property full-time and assures that residents adhere to center rules.

The Heaven Bound Lifestyle Center is the only Adventist-owned and run facility of this type within the Pacific Union. "There is a need for more of these types of centers within our region," said Pastor Kingsley Palmer. "Hopefully, when other churches hear of our endeavor, they'll be encouraged to start a ministry of their own."

The Sparks church members look forward to many more anniversaries as the center continues to aid those who want to make lifestyle changes and need a place to call home while transitioning back into society.

For more information, contact the Heaven Bound Lifestyle Center, c/o Sparks Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2990 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks, NV 89431.