M I N I S T RY | A D U LT S
A Heart for the Prisoner Four ways to mobilize believers to do prison ministry through your church
By ERIC J. EARHART
T
he loudspeaker crackled to life: “Christian services in the chow hall in 15 minutes. All inmates attending line up for escort.” I was incarcerated, and this was my eighth prison in three years. Because I had gotten to know the chaplain, I decided to attend this service. When I entered the chow hall, I got my first look at Brother Mickey and Sister Linda. An unassuming couple in their early 50s, they were greeting many of the inmates by name. (I later learned they had been volunteering at the state penitentiary for 25 years — coming back week after week, despite the challenges of prison ministry.) After opening with prayer, Mickey started strumming his guitar, and the small gathering raised their voices in worship. “This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has
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made,” they sang. “We will rejoice … .” After worship, we settled into a simple time of sharing. As one inmate talked about his struggles and hopes, others flipped through the pages of their Bibles to find an appropriate verse for the occasion. This was my introduction to the Assemblies of God. Little did I know I would one day plant a church and pastor a congregation that included Mickey and Linda. The Opportunity What if every congregation in the Assemblies of God had a Mickey and a Linda? What if every district or ministry network had a vision and a plan for reaching millions of lost souls in prison? What if every parolee had a church to call home and a support network of Christian friends? I believe Jesus wants every church in the
