Onesimus Workbook

18 • T HE O NESIMUS W ORKSHOP : W ELCOMING F ORMER P RISONERS INTO THE L IFE OF THE C HURCH

C. The Yellow Ribbon 1

I’m comin’ home, I’ve done my time. Now I’ve got to know what is and isn’t mine.

If you received my letter telling you I’d soon be free, Then you’ll know just what to do, if you still want me.

Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree. It’s been three long years, do you still want me? If I don’t see a ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree, I’ll stay on the bus, forget about us, put the blame on me. If I don’t see a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree. Bus driver, please look for me, Because I couldn’t bear to see what I might see. I’m really still in prison, and my love, she holds the key. A simple yellow ribbon’s what I need to set me free. Tie a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree. It’s been three long years, do you still want me? If I don’t see a ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree, I’ll stay on the bus, forget about us, put the blame on me. If I don’t see a yellow ribbon ‘round the ole oak tree.

Summary of This Session • World Impact developed The Urban Ministry Institute to train leaders that extended to training prisoners. • Local churches can benefit from incorporating seminary-trained former prisoners into their communities upon release from prison. • It will take effort to welcome them into your church. In the Next SessionWeWill Seek To: • Acknowledge your fears and appreciate fears that prisoners have. • Understand what prisoners experience that is different from civilian life. • Recognize the factors that lead to recidivism.

1 “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” (Levine and Brown, 1973).