Shultz
John & Judy Shultz
John and Judy were born in Pembroke, Ontario and raised in Chalk River. They were married in 1967 while living in Ottawa, where Judy worked in a bank and John was on the Ottawa City Police Force. They were blessed with 2 children: Tim in 1970 and Debbie in 1972.
They had always had a deep respect for and faith in God because of their upbringings, but it was in 1974 that they, together, responded to an altar call. At that time, John recommitted his life and Judy gave her life to the Lord. From 1974 to 1982, they experienced many fields of service: community volunteering; youth leadership; group home relief parenting; and foster parenting. In 1982, they were invited to sing at Guelph Correctional Centre. To their surprise, they felt very at ease sharing with the inmates and continued as volunteers for the next 2 years. In 1984, they made a decision to start working full-time with inmates and ex-inmates. They thank the Gospel Echoes Team for helping them their first year in ministry.
In 1985, they felt led by the Lord to join Shantymen International. Their ministry, directed by the Holy Spirit, has included programs in many different federal and provincial institutions. Now, they work primarily in the Hamilton/Wentworth Detention Centre and The Brantford Jail. They function as team members with chaplains and community workers. The programs they provide include: Sunday worship services, Bible studies, one-on-one visits and correspondence (to encourage men and women in their spiritual walk).
John and Judy also have a follow-up ministry from their “Hospitality Home” in Paris, Ontario, for ex-inmates and their families who contact them. Here, the ex-inmates are helped with job search, nutrition, budgeting and Christian family counseling. Follow-up correspondence, phone calls and visits are also an integral part of the ministry. Now, after over 22 years in ministry, John and Judy have formed relationships with many ex-inmates and their families and are like parents or grandparents to many. Reunions for these people are hosted in the summer and at Christmas by the Shultz’s.
John and Judy provide programs and work shops informing churches or community groups of the need for outreach to the prisons. Anyone who is interested in helping their cause may contact them.