Prison Ministry - Gospel Baptist Church & Christian School

According to the National Bureau of Justice, the number of people in prison has been increasing rapidly for the last 10 years. Take a look at the following:

• As of June 2005, Florida had the 4th highest prison population with over 87,000 inmates.
• Our nation at large had incarcerated over 2 million persons as of mid year 2005.
• 1 out of every 136 U.S. residents is either in jail or prison.
(Statistics received from the Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin)

The above statements are frightening. And though society tends to frown upon and look down on these types of people, I am reminded of the fact that God has called us to help those who have made a mess of their lives. Notice the words of Jesus in the following passage:

Matthew 25:35-36, 39-40
(35) For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
(36) Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
(39) Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
(40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

The Gospel Baptist Church Prison Ministry was started for that very purpose in 1995. Since ministering to those whom the world has cast aside is just like ministering unto Jesus Himself, GBC has endeavored to reach out to inmates and point them to the saving power of Jesus Christ. Our objective is to challenge them to look to God for three changes in their life:

1. Change of destiny
2. Change of perspective
3. Change of lifestyle

The first and foremost thing is for inmates to realize that any lasting change will only come when a person asks Jesus Christ to save them and wash their heart from sin. This is accomplished when a person puts their faith in the fact that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again that they may be free. When they do this, their destiny changes; they are no longer bound for hell, but now heaven.

The second thing prison inmates are challenged about is a change in perspective. The daily grind of prison life has hardened many men. But, for those who know Jesus as their Savior, peace, joy and comfort beyond all understanding can be theirs when they spend time in the Word of God, prayer and avail themselves to the Bible-based programs at the facility. The stress we place in this personal relationship with Christ is what we believe will help bring attitude adjustments amidst the daily struggles these men find themselves in.

The third change is often yet to be seen. The number of repeat offenders is astounding and our goal is to not only see a change inside the prison walls, but to see something last outside the walls upon their release. It is our goal, when an inmate approaches us for help upon leaving, to connect them with a local, Bible believing church under which they can become accountable. Through the participation of a local church, these men can grow in their spiritual walk with Christ and show forth a change in lifestyle; In other words, the change that has taken place inside (new birth in Christ) becomes evident on the outside (changed life).

It has been a joy to reach out to these people whom God loves. The efforts in doing this ministry are huge and the rewards often seem so small. But Jesus said it: this type of ministry is just like doing it unto Jesus. I am so glad GBCS has invested in those who cannot repay us.