Seminole County Jail Chaplains

09/20/2024

Salvation story:
As I was doing my weekly stroll through L POD I noticed a guy I’ve never seen at church reading the Bible. I stopped and introduced myself as Chaplain Andrew and he told me his name was Alex. Then Alex told me how the story of God delivering Israel from Egypt really spoke to him.
But Alex did not identify with Israel. He saw himself as the Pharaoh of Egypt and his time was running out. He said, “I think I’m on the 6th plague in my own life. Soon it will be death.” Back in jail from abusing drugs, Alex left his wife and children behind. He didn’t know how many more chances his wife would give him. And he knew his children needed him. He sees jail as his punishment, like God used plagues against Egypt. Then Alex put his predicament in simple yet profound terms.

He said, “It’s like I’ve been the driver of my own car my entire life, and I need God to become my driver.” That may be the easiest segue I’ve ever been presented with to share the Gospel. This was Alex’s first time reading the Bible, and he didn’t know much, but after he listened he decided he wanted to make Jesus the driver of his life. I was able to pray with him right there in his POD to confess his sins and ask Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of his life.

09/05/2024

After 25 years of volunteering and being on Chaplain staff Buddy has finally retired. He had mixed feelings, but his wife Kelly was ecstatic with joy! If you know Buddy I’m sure he’d appreciate your prayers as he transitions and hopes new doors open for ministry even in retirement. Thankful for his friendship and mentorship as a Chaplain.

Now that I, Andrew, am taking over full responsibilities, I would appreciate your prayers for me and the ministry as well.

07/25/2024

Whether we are stuck in a physical jail, emotional prison of pain, or suffering from the troubles of life, we can all trust that our heavenly Father is faithful and listening to our prayers to accomplish His good and perfect will whereever we are.

07/21/2024

We want to say Thank You to our faithful volunteer Bill Avery. For years he’s come into jail to volunteer his time and provide counseling to inmates. One inmate by the name of Michael started off bitter and cynical towards God. He was so irate, I suggested Bill should consider how much time to invest in him. But thankfully, I was wrong. The next week Michael’s heart changed. He was humble. He listened. After a year of counseling, Michael said God answerd his prayers: “I lost everything in here but found my soul.” Thanks for your service Bill, and may God continue to use you to bear fruit!

06/25/2024

In jail I consistently hear inmates say: I can see what matters now, my eyes have been opened, my soul has been purified from the distractions in the world. May our Father do the same in us as with inmates in Seminole County Jail, to see the perfect love of our Father.

06/18/2024

Thinking about Father’s Day over the weekend, about how the greatest common denominator of youth in jails and prisons is fatherless homes.

In a society that attempts to solve everything through money and the pursuit of power, God knows what our spirits need most is the love of a father. That’s why Jesus taught us to address God as Father in prayer. We all need an intimate relationship with a Father who cares enough to provide for us and correct us when we go wrong.

Every Friday Andrew leads a Bible study with the youth, to listen to their concerns and pray for them. Please pray for the ministry, and pray for youth like Alan to be saved. He asks all types of questions about God and the Bible but hasn’t yet chosen to trust Him as a Father.

06/05/2024

We believe that everyone, including those living behind bars, has inherent worth in the eyes of God.

As Jon Evans, President of Good News Global, says, “Redemption exists for all of us, no matter who we are or what we’ve done. That’s the message of the gospel.”

Our chaplains and volunteers share this saving message of Jesus Christ with incarcerated men and women in jails all around the world every day.

Join us to learn more about how you can answer God’s call to bring incarcerated men and women out of the darkness into the light of Jesus Christ: https://gnglobal.org/about/ -challenge.

05/24/2024

05/18/2024

Chaplain Betsy asked the participants in our latest women’s Trauma Healing how the class affected them, and we are praising God for these responses! Eleven women completed the three week class.

Thank you for praying for them, and you can join us in praying that God’s healing work would continue in their hearts.

05/14/2024

Whether in a physical jail, an emotional prison, or difficult situation, God wants us to trust that He is with us. You are not alone in spirit, even if alone in other ways. If we ask, we will receive His help. If we pray to Him as Father, we will experience His love and guidance.