Jail Ministry

---

The California prisoner return rate is the highest in the nation – 61 out of 100 inmates who are released will return to prison within 3 years. The state tries to lower this through education, job and other training, but these programs alone are not enough. A Pew Research survey found that 55% of Chaplains said the system did only a “fair” to “poor” job of preparing inmates for their return to society. It is very clear to me that the missing component is spiritual not secular.

Inmates’ time within the confines of jail can be healing, and provide the insight and the strength they need to change their lives. The opportunities come when the Chaplain staff can meet with them, to share scripture and prayer, and in conversation where we can mentor men and women whose situations can be lonely, desperate, or uncertain. Not only are these inmates dealing with challenges of the hardened culture within the confines of jail, but also their lives outside of the jail, and how their lack of involvement in their families can cause such inner (and outer) turmoil. Much of what they deal with is unspoken – and many turn to unhealthy thoughts. It can be easy to sink into the darkness of desperation. The Gospel, and the sharing of Christ's love is so greatly needed in the lives of the incarcerated. They need His transformative Light! 

The county jail branch in Elk Grove --- Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center (RCCC) --- is not a jail anymore, instead it is essentially a prison now.

While teaching in the jail, I have noticed that there is rarely a need to convince a man imprisoned that he is a sinner. Many acknowledge there is a God, but that has no impact in how they live. We can help them to become men and women of faith, who know and accept Jesus Christ as Lord, and guide them on how to grow in their relationship with Him, and all that His love provides. My commitment has and will continue to focus on sharing the Gospel and helping these men and women learn how to change their attitudes and behaviors to coincide with a new Hope and new Life in Christ.   

Enhanced course of action to include:  

• Hold regular weekly Church Worship services, including communion and baptism
• Expand existing Bible study programs, customized for individual needs
• Increase availability for one-on-one mentoring and to be ‘on call’
• Enhance education and training for all volunteers
• Facilitate the ongoing connection of churches with inmates and their families both inside and out
• Serve as a resource to Churches in development and implementation of inmate and re-entry programs

As you can imagine, no day is typical for this Chaplain, but here's a snapshot of what happens...

The first part of the day, I go through paperwork including inmate requests such as Christian literature and dietary needs. Once those are prioritized, I go hand out the requested books and Bibles. While delivering, I get the opportunity to talk and pray with both those who requested the materials as well as any others in the same area. I make sure to wear my Chaplain hat. Usually the men feel free to come up to me with questions or needs. 

At scheduled times I hold Bible studies where anyone in a particular security area is allowed to attend. A Bible study normally runs about 1-2 hours and sometimes will include music or videos. After class there is a short time so individuals can ask questions or we can pray together. 

One part of the day that can be difficult is when I have to make death notifications like when an inmate's family member died and I have to break the news. Sometimes an officer will request that I visit an inmate who is having problems. Although this can be tough, it can also be a good way to start and  continue a relationship with the person.  

Part of this ministry is training volunteers how to minister in the jail system, from  teaching Bible studies, leading music at a church service to one-on-one mentoring, etc. 

If God is calling YOU to volunteer in the jail, please contact me. I will be happy to help guide you through the ins and outs of the process. There are also many other opportunities to help inmate families.