Wayne
Benjamin
Pennsylvania Coordinator
Wayne Benjamin has been active in Prison Ministry for 26 years.
He was named "Volunteer of the Year" with Youth Direct in 2009.
Wayne lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania but has been to Youth Direct events in Florida and Chicago on numerous occasions. He began in sales after studying art at an esteemed school in Chicago and made what he called a "serious commitment to follow Christ" at age 41.
Under his leadership, Yokefellows Prison Ministry has recruited, trained, and placed volunteers in jails conducting Bible studies.
As the current Director of the LeHigh Valley Council he supervises 123 volunteers who mentor, write letters, counsel, conduct Bible studies, and the Directed Life Reentry Program.
Almost 12 years ago, he contacted Don Smarto to come to Eastern Pennsylvania and speak to prisoners. He had previously read Don's book Justice & Mercy and read segments on his radio show. But at this point, they did not know each other. Wayne felt God directing him to invite Don to come to Pennsylvania.
What started as a single invitation has grown into 11 consecutive years of events in Pennsylvania.
Don now speaks as many as 25 times in one week in juvenile facilities, alternative schools, churches, drug programs, jails, and prisons, because of Wayne's considerable organizational skills and extensive contacts.
Everyone who meets Wayne sees his vitality and passion for telling others about Christ.
Youth Direct has had over 220 events in Pennsylvania because of Wayne's energy and his resolve to share the Gospel.