We are blessed, thankful, and appreciative of the opportunity to serve our community in our local detention center! We are grateful our elected officials who have literally opened the door for us so we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ in a public facility! God’s Word has been received in relation to this ministry. For several years, we have been able to conduct Bible studies, assist families, individuals, and even staff members with their spiritual growth there. We are fortunate to have numerous members of our congregation who continue to serve and are dedicated to teaching others about Jesus. We have baptized many who have requested to have their sins washed away and who have sought to live faithfully despite many challenges. We don’t always get see the “rest of the story.” Many inmates who attend our classes are transferred to other facilities or go back to their home community. However, we have maintained a relationship with some of those we have met and assisted via Bible Correspondence Programs and/or when they attend services with us.
The Jail Ministry started with one question. “Will you be back?” was the question I was asked at least once a week on Saturday mornings in 2012. That year, I was given the opportunity to volunteer at the Barren County Detention Center and teach classes to individuals who were incarcerated. Originally, I set up a program to test a social/emotional intervention curriculum, but quickly discovered the inmates desired God’s Word and not a man-made curriculum! I was soon finished with the curriculum. I did not want to stop going. After all, they were still asking, “Will you be back?” I delivered a Bible lesson one morning and that led to the opportunity to share the greatest instructions we can receive, the Bible. Those in my classes agreed and I began to teach classes from Scripture. The inmates quickly latched on to the truth found in Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
During my time teaching in our local jail I learned several things. I learned those who have lost their freedom both physically & spiritually are craving for a strong foundation on which to rebuild their life. I learned those who have relied on themselves see the need for God’s Word. I learned that most people really do want to start new and many will, once they are shown Jesus died for all of us, even those who break the law.
I’ve learned in life, we may not be able to reach everybody, but may we never give up on anybody. Somebody somewhere has asked us the question, “Will you be back?” The Father in Luke 15:11-32 wait- ed for the one that was lost to return. And we he did, the Father told the older brother, it was right to “make merry and be glad” for “he was lost and is found.”
If you would like to assist with helping others transform their life and submit to Christ and help those who are lost, but seek to be found, please consider joining this ministry. If you have questions about this ministry or would like to know more, please contact me and I will be happy to assist you.
