Fire Watch continues its mission, though the delivery has changed
The mission to ex-offenders in Moncton is alive and well, even if it’s changed in the past few years.
Fire Watch Ministries has been operating as a Christian support for men and women leaving incarceration for more than 15 years. At its helm are Eden and Carolyn McAuley, who work tirelessly for the cause they have adopted.
But the years have caught up with Eden, who, at 69, is beginning to experience the effects of 20 years of Type 2 diabetes, namely diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
While his conditions are well-managed, he is also spending a lot more time with healthcare professionals.
When you add that to the limits the pandemic introduced to society, you have a ministry that is somewhat pared down.
“The mission is every bit as active as ever, but it’s more one-on-one and small groups,” said Eden. “We’re still really busy helping people who really need help.”
Two decades ago, Eden had a successful career in fire safety, hence the name of his outreach ministry. Then his son’s best friend died by suicide, and Eden was never the same again.
He began taking a greater interest in young people and their issues, took courses at Threshold Ministries and went from full-time work to part-time.
He and Carolyn sold their Riverview home and bought a condo so their time could be spent on their new ministry.
“I was watching the degradation of addicts and I wanted to do something,” he said.
These days, they meet at Tim Horton’s, in the car or at a church, if one is available, but the big group meetings, at least for now, are out.
Some of his group have been with him for well over a decade, and to many of them, Eden and Carolyn are their de facto mom and dad.
Eden spent 10 years as the Moncton community chaplain for Correctional Service of Canada, a paid position. He worked with those on the outside, whereas his colleague, the Rev. John Paul Westin works with them on the inside at Dorchester Penitentiary.
Last May, he found he had to give that up due to his health issues, “but we still have dozens of folks, and new ones coming out of jail each day,” he said.
The support Eden and Carolyn give can be a drive to an appointment, guidance on education plans, attending a hockey game and even arranging for couples counselling. He still regularly visits the jails and prisons.
“This ministry keeps a lot of guys out of jail,” says Eden. “It’s a support and no one’s judging them. Here they have a ‘family’ to turn to.”
He’s become proficient at seeing what ex-offenders need and doing his best to provide it or find someone who can.
“My expertise is with guys coming out of the pen or jail and all their issues,” he said.
A NEW ADVENTURE
Jamie Newman, a friend of Eden’s, recently opened a 12-bed drug recovery program in Moncton, and Eden is there volunteering wherever he can.
“We’re just beginning on this new adventure,” said Carolyn.
“It’s just a new arm of the octopus,” said Eden. “Many need to be taught lifeskills — how to eat, how to act. I’ll be teaching and counselling. We’re excited.”
MONCTON AND ADDICTION
Eden learned recently that Moncton is among the top five violent cities in Canada, along with St. John’s, NL.
The rise in popularity of fentanyl has led to widespread addiction. In recent years, Moncton has experienced a sharp rise in homelessness, and with it, an average of one drug-related death and countless overdoses each week, which tie up paramedics, hospitals and police.
“It’s all about the drugs,” he said. “Fifty-five per cent of Canadians behind bars are addicts, and they don’t really belong there.
“That’s not to say they didn’t break the law, but prison is not the place for them. They come out worse.”
He and Carolyn find it frustrating and shockingly predictive when a person is in the throes of addiction.
“I call it Satan’s merry-go-round,” he said. “It starts with addiction, extreme poverty and homelessness. That leads to violence, crime and incarceration. Then they come back out and the cycle starts again.”
PANDEMIC EFFECTS
Fire Watch changed when the pandemic hit and did not allow face-to-face meet ups. People who desperately needed in-person support were at a loss. And support for the ministry waned as well.
“COVID devastated every charity,” said Eden. “We’re struggling like everyone else. We had to give up the van during COVID.”
That cut the bills, but didn’t allow them to easily pick up a lot of their guys for gatherings, even when they were allowed to meet.
Even with his diminished health and little financial support, Eden has only one thing on his mind: continuing the ministry.
“I’m never going to retire,” he said. “St. Paul wouldn’t allow it. We’re doing our little part to help the community and the kingdom.”
CRYSTAL
Crystal has come through the Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) system, and has successfully made it to her ‘wedded out date,’ her warrant expiry date, meaning she is no longer on parole or probation.
COSA is a program where a person who needs intense support in their rehabilitation is mentored and befriended by people who meet regularly.
Annette and Carol, volunteers at St. John the Baptist Church in Riverview, where Eden and Carolyn are members, have been the near constant companions of Crystal as she navigated life on the outside.
“They’re the best volunteers we’ve had, and they’re 81 and 82,” said Eden. “Crystal credits COSA with making it to her wedded out date.”
“She’s becoming a strong Christian,” said Carolyn.
MONI
Moni is a native Samoan who immigrated to Canada when he was 30. Unfortunately, he discovered drugs and all its problems.
“For awhile, things went very badly,” said Eden. “But he’s married now and has a teenaged daughter. He’s a very strong Christian.”
He works as a caregiver at a local drug rehab facility.
“His passion is mission work with the same people we work with,” said Eden.
SUPPORT
If you would like to support the work of Eden and Carolyn financially, you can send a cheque, made out to St. John the Baptist Church, with “Fire Watch Ministries” on the memo line. Mail to Fire Watch Ministries, PO Box 25022, Moncton, NB E1C 9M9.
Eden and Carolyn are grateful for your prayerful and financial support of their ministry.
Photo caption:
Eden and Carolyn McAuley are still as busy as ever working with ex-offenders in Moncton. McKnight photo