I WAS IN JAIL The Jail Chaplains’ 2011 Appreciation Event

WRITER: JILL N. KANDEL | CLASSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Over 700 people attended the Jail Chaplains annual dessert and silent auction appreciation event. This year the Jail Chaplains hosted Sheila Raye Charles, daughter of famous performer Ray Charles, at the Ramada Plaza Suites on November 15.

After the silent auction, former Sherriff Don Rudnick was honored. Current Sherriff Paul Laney, Executive Director Pastor Curt Frankhauser, Chaplain Mike Sonju, and Melvin Lewis all spoke about the value of the Jail Chaplains’ program in restoring lives to our community with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

Sheila Raye Charles talked about her own journey of addiction and three incarcerations in federal prison. She spoke about hitting the bottom and having nowhere to go except to Christ. Her message was one of second chances and modern day miracles. “You think that God will not meet you where you are?” she asked. “Well, then, just go to jail.”

Sheila’s joy-filled message was mixed with powerful vocal selections, including many of her father’s. “I loved my daddy,” Sheila said, “but it wasn’t Ray Charles that saved me! Only Jesus Christ could do that.”

The Jail Chaplains offer caring, effective and professional ministry to inmates and law enforcement personnel. For more information visit www.jailchaplains.com [AWM]