Buck & Janet Griffith Legacy Fund
What is the “concept” of a Legacy Fund for prison ministry? Basically, these funds are “set aside” and earn interest for the purpose of insuring the permanence and long-term stability of the ministry until Jesus comes. The first requirement is to create and build a nest egg. This is difficult to do in a ministry that usually spends every penny it gets. This means that at some point, the ministry has to “bite the bullet” and decide to set funds aside. It’s easier to dream and talk than do.
Kings Crossing Prison Ministry is blessed to offer donors the option of two Legacy Funds to choose from: (1) The Rachel N. Kolb Legacy Fund that began December 2, 1993 or (2) The Buck & Janet Griffith Legacy Fund for Prison Ministries that started March 17, 2021. Both funds share the same purpose, so it does not make a difference if you select one over the other.
The “story” of the Kolb Fund is told in detail elsewhere. The “Griffith Fund Story” is told here.
Buck Griffith has given his life to jail and prison ministries, beginning in August 1971 in Dallas County Jail while serving as the preacher at Burbank Gardens Church of Christ in Grand Prairie, Texas. It was there that he and the late James Curry put together the first National Jail & Prison Ministry Workshop in 1974. Buck & Janet moved with their two children (Tishanne & Yancy) to Corpus Christi in 1977 where he soon was a fixture in Nueces County Jail.
Recognizing the lack of quality teaching materials available to directly address the needs of the incarcerated, Buck began authoring Bible study courses and tracts. These can still be secured through this website at minimal cost. In 1983, he opened a 90-day facility for parolees called the Christian Training School for Ex-Offenders (CTS). In 1988, he saw a lack of outreach and assistance of those suffering from multiple addictions and organized Christians Against Substance Abuse (CASA). Buck became a member of the board for Family Upreach, Inc. (dba: NewLife Behavior Ministries) – a curriculum-based program – in 1998. He was asked to become its President in 2002 and the central office was moved from Lancaster to share office space with Kings Crossing Prison Ministries at 3833 S. Staples, Suite S-101, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Buck has been the primary person seeking funding for both Kings Crossing Prison Ministries and Family Upreach, Inc. The time has arrived for Buck to step back from being the leader of these ministries and Dr. Dale Underwood is gradually assuming this role. Buck will continue to play an active role as long as he desires and is physically capable of doing so. In March 2021, Kenneth Rich called to suggest the creation of the Buck & Janet Griffith Legacy Fund for Prison Ministries and generously contributed the first $25,000.
This type of fund is normally established to recognize and honor persons after their death. In this case, however, Buck & Janet are very much alive but gifts to this fund will be like giving them a bouquet of flowers while living. As per their request, added gifts will be made in their memory when that time comes. The best part is that the same purpose is accomplished – dead or alive – and whether the contributions are made to the “Kolb” or “Griffith” account. May God receive all the praise, honor, and glory!