Tenth annual jail ministry ceremony held at Crossroads

    The Stephens County Sheriffs’ Office recently held its 10th annual jail ministry appreciation banquet and awards ceremony at Crossroads Baptist Church.
    Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said ministry volunteers meet with inmates each week Monday through Friday night, and also offer services to the inmates on Wednesday mornings.
    “All the ministry volunteers work very hard, and graciously give of their time for the inmates who desperately need new directions in life,” Shirley said.
    “Over the past 10 years this program, grounded on Godly principals, has changed the lives of hundreds of inmates while being incarcerated, and has reunited families,” he said.  
    This year, two individuals – Myrna Foutz and David Beack – received the 2019 Ministry Team Jail Volunteer of the Year Award for their dedicated service.
    “We would also like to give our sincere thanks to Crossroads Baptist Church for the use of their new family life center. Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by Cabe Crest Catering,” Shirley said.
     Speakers for the evening were the Rev. Rodney Hicks and Carol Shust.
    “Both Rodney and Carol shared touching testimonies of how Christ has worked not only in their lives through this ministry, but how you can see the excitement from each inmate when they meet to listen and to share,” Shirley said.
    Shirley said that when inmates are released from jail there is a lifeline available for them and their families with the Living Free Programs.
    The jail ministry volunteers meet Monday through Friday evenings, and on Wednesday mornings.
    “As sheriff, it is so gratifying to know all the staff working at the Stephens County Jail support this ministry. Without their support, the jail ministry would not happen,” Shirley said.