Prison Ministries Newsletter
April 2019
“Setting the captives Free”
Psalms 146:7 states – Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners.
Hello everyone! I have the honor of sharing with you the baptism of eight men at
Elmore Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama. On Friday, March 22, 2019, I had the
blessed fortune of experiencing the transformation of eight worldly men as they
joined the flock of our Shepherd, Jesus. Working in conjunction with Elder Ellis Smiley
of Bethany SDA, we were able to provide study material explaining the fundamental
beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, discuss these beliefs, and watch God
write His truths on their hearts. The Gulf States Conference provided the men with
the book “In His Steps” to help them gain the understanding they needed.
Back in February 2019, twenty men expressed a desire for baptism.
Due to an unfortunate turn of events on the day of baptism, only eight were able to
be present. However, God always has a plan. The baptism for the remaining twelve
men will take place on a later date to be determined. Elder Smiley performed the
baptisms and his church will be issuing certificates and adding these men to the
church roster. Bethany S.D.A. will also be a much needed support and encouragement
to these men upon release as they transition back into society. It was truly a blessing
to be able to work with members across conference boarders. It displayed the unity
that Christ prayed for and the fulfillment of His purpose in our lives. Isaiah 43:7 says
…for I have created him for my glory.
I took the opportunity to encourage the men as they prepare to follow the steps
Christ trod. In Mark 1:12-15 Immediately after Jesus was baptized He heard a voice
from heaven saying, “This is my Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” and directly
sent into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. I wanted them to understand that
just as God allowed Satan to tempt our Savior, this same experience will be ours as we
take up our cross and follow Him. I counseled them to stay prayerful and keep their
eyes on the cross. Jesus is our strength and very present help in trouble.
Mathew 28:19 -20 states, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always,
even unto the end of the world. Amen. Walls, fences, and bars cannot shackle the
true freedom of Christ. We thank God for the sacrifice of His Son to “set the captives
free!” Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new Creature: old things are passed
away; behold all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17 Congratulations my brothers,
welcome to the family of God!
Assistant Prison Ministries Director
Gulf States Conference of SDA
GSC Prison Ministries
Email: gsc-prisonmin@gscsda.org
Website: gscsda.org
Location: 10633 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, USA
Phone: 3342727493
Facebook: facebook.com/gscsda
Twitter: @gscsda