13 Nov Randy and The Crew

In this interview with Randy Kerkman, we learn why a PFNI volunteer from the USA who lives in the Republic of Ireland travels to Belfast twice per week to work on the aftercare team!

Tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to volunteering with PFNI?

I have been involved in ministry of some sort since the early 80s. Much of that has been to people on the “edge of society”. In the mid-80s, I was part of a church forming outside of Chicago (where I’m from) that routinely had homeless people or those dealing with addictions stopping by the church needing food, shelter, clothes, or something more complicated. Years later, my wife and I moved to Chicago to pursue being full-time musicians. After 8 years of performing 120-150 shows per year as an acoustic duo with my wife, we felt exhausted and led to coming off the road and back to her home in Denver. Not long after, I became a Denver County deputy sheriff assigned to the correctional facility. Having spent 11 years there, I often made the choice to share my faith with inmates in crisis, trauma, or looking at going away for a long time.

When I left the sheriff department, I had been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of being involved in many fights. Many people assumed that I would be going into prison ministry. However, at the time, I was hoping to never enter a jail or prison facility ever again. About 4-5 years ago, those feelings started to change. The memories of sharing my faith with those men, in situations where most people will never be allowed, felt significant. God had brought my wife and me to Ireland, and me to attend the Irish Bible Institute. Staying in a “comfort zone” did not feel like part of the plan. After the COVID-19 lockdown subsided, I got involved with Release Ireland in Dublin, establishing/fostering relationships with a group of “lifers” through music at Mountjoy Prison. I also helped facilitate the sycamore tree course all over the country.

A little over a year ago, my wife asked me if I had ever looked into PF in Belfast. I said that I hadn’t, but proceeded to. I filled out all the paperwork and met with Grace, and had a long chat. Not long after, I was invited to help with aftercare on Wed and Thurs. Thursday at PF has morphed into being “the crew”. It is a smaller group that is willing to get involved in helping where it is needed. This can include cleaning or repair projects at the PF office. We have also branched out to cleaning our alleys and the front of the building. We are hoping to continue to expand in the future. I am thankful for the PFNI staff and the opportunities to serve the lord and his people through PFNI.

Any standout memories from serving with the aftercare team?

The most standout moment for me at aftercare was the first wed where I led worship. Not knowing the guys or their expectations, I was a little anxious. However, the guys are very willing to make a “joyful noise”

Tell us your heart behind The Crew?

I am blessed to be in a supervisory role with The Crew. The guys show up with great attitudes (mostly), and we have stressed the importance of blessing others and taking care of the building that God has provided for us to meet. I feel like they truly have grasped that concept and work hard and take pride in their work, and seem to enjoy being asked and trusted to do so.

How can we pray for you?

I have been having more physical issues with my wrist and a bad knee. This has led to me missing some weeks. I would appreciate prayer for healing or wisdom on how to overcome this.