Gala and Bill Bender own a Christian halfway house for recently released prison inmates. The halfway house was built by Bill, and is located next to his and Gala's home. In a recent interview, Gala described their ministry and provided pictures of the halfway house.

PF: Where is Salvation Place located?
Gala: Salvation Place Ministry Halfway House is located in the southeastern part of Ohio. Our address is 1825 Twp. Rd. 242, New Straitsville, OH 43766.

PF: When did Salvation Place begin, and what made you and your husband decide to start the ministry at the time that you did?
Gala: It was started in 1998 by my husband—or let me retract, by God. Bill started as a volunteer chaplain at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail in Nelsonville, Ohio. Having at one time in his life been an ex-con, he really could relate to the men (and women) of the jail. He went in blue jeans, cowboy boots, and a black T-shirt. They immediately started talking to him. They felt easier talking with him than with someone in a suit and tie.

Bill came home and was talking about how so many [soon to be released prisoners] needed a place to live. Most could not go back to where they came from and/or wanted to change their situations in life and not go back to where they came from. So we prayed about it and came to the conclusion that if it was meant to be, then God would send who He wanted here.

PF: What is the purpose of Salvation Place?
Gala: The purpose is to encourage each one to live a new life with God as the head (from the old to the new); to teach better values for a new life; to introduce each one to a Christian based church; and to encourage attending church and daily Bible reading after leaving.

PF: Is the halfway house part of your house, or is it a separate building next to your home?
Gala: The halfway house is separate from ours. They have their own kitchen (stove, refrigerator, sink, microwave); a small dining area; two baths with a commode and shower; laundry area; weight bench area; and living room with a chair, two couches, a TV, and a stereo. They eat the main evening meal with Bill and me at the main house (ours). My table pulls out to seat seven to eight people.

PF: How are you personally involved in the ministry?
Gala: I am the “mom” here. Most of the guys call me Mom, no matter how old they are. I do all the main cooking for them and provide a family setting. We all eat together at the dining room table.

I am the one who usually takes them to do their shopping, set up doctor appointments for them, and just be a mom. I encourage and love each and every one, and like most “children,” have to correct and direct them in the right way as best as I can.

PF: What aspect of being involved in this ministry brings you the most joy?
Gala: The best joy for me is when I see one give his life to the Lord. Secondly would be to see that they, even though they may not have accepted Christ, have beat the drug and alcohol habit and pray over meals without having to be reminded.

PF: What aspect is the most challenging for you?
Gala: Convincing them that Christ is the only way—not friends, drugs or alcohol. Only Christ can save them and make them clean.

PF: What, if anything, about being involved in this ministry surprised you?
Gala: It surprises me how many of these men crave acceptance. Some have gone through life growing up with a single parent and running with the wrong crowd. They were always put down and felt a criminal life was the only way to survive. Another surprising thing is that quite a few of these men grew up knowing of the Lord, but chose to live a sinful life. All of them show me the greatest respect, so they were taught some morals. They just chose the wrong path.

PF: What do you wish people understood about your ministry?
Gala: People need to understand that yes, they are ex-cons, but we all deserve that second chance. How many times have we sinned and asked God to forgive us, and know that He did? Granted, there are some that just will not change. But even if all the years that we do this, only one gives his life for the Lord and serves Him till he dies, it was worth it all. It’s not about us. We are only here to serve and spread the Good News. We need to truly trust in God, open our hearts and doors and take that leap of faith. Bring someone in and teach him. God will never send anyone to hurt you; isn’t He your protector?

There are very few Christian halfway houses. If the government steps in to help with funding (they say there is no funding) then they can say that we cannot make our guys go to church. One of our rules here is that the guys must attend a Christian based church. (The first ten rules are the ten commandments!) Your donations, prayers, and willingness to support Christian halfway houses is so greatly needed and appreciated. Without them, how will some of these guys learn of Christ?

PF: It sounds as if you and your husband truly open your hearts and home to the men. How do you and your husband find time for each other and your relationship?
Gala: Bill and I really do not have a lot of time together alone. Sometimes I have a “me” moment and say, “OK, I need a break.” My idea of a break is going fishing with him at a nearby lake. It’s a quiet time. We talk about our problems or what we can do to help a certain guy if he should have a specific need, or just to spend that quiet time together. We do not take vacations. Someone has to be here to transport guys to and from work and meetings. It’s OK, though. Also, we get up really early in the morning and have coffee together before I go to work. Basically we just say, “Time Out!”

PF: What are some of the ways you have seen God's hand in Salvation Place?
Gala: The cost of keeping things going is truly expensive. Food runs about $850 per month; electric, $300; water, $120—let alone the cost of gas, insurance, taxes, and a house payment of $759. I make only $9.50 per hour, yet I know that all will be well. I am learning to have faith in God, because if it weren't for God, none of this would be in existence. He is the one who touches the hearts of people who donate time and money. He is the one who provided the material to build the halfway house. (We can house seven guys.) He is the One who at the last minute when there are shutoff notices for the utilities, or food is low, provides the needs here. And He is the One who deserves all the praise and glory, as always.

PF: Is there anything else you'd like to share about the ministry, or about reaching out with Christ's love?
Gala: We believe that all deserve another chance. Once again, doesn’t Christ give you second chances?

May God bless each and every one of you, and may you continue to serve Him with a joyful heart.

For more information about Salvation Place, contact Bill or Gala Bender at 740-380-3824.