Bringing the light of Jesus to those in prison
We believe God has a special place in His heart for those in prison. He is a God of second chances and desires everyone to come to Him in repentance.
Our goal for the White River Christian Church Jail Ministry is to reach , win , train and send the inmate back into the cell and society to lead a productive Christian life . We accomplish this by the faithfulness and commitment of our volunteers who give their time to the ministry .
"I was in prison and you visited me." Jesus (Matthew 25:36)
Ways to serve
- Men’s Christian Recovery Group assistant: Wednesdays, 7:30pm to 9:00pm, Hamilton County Jail
- Women’s Christian Recovery Group assistant: Wednesdays, 7:30pm to 9:00pm, Hamilton County Jail
- Men’s/Women’s video visitation: Times may vary to fit your schedule, Hamilton County Jail
- Men’s/Women’s Juvenile Services Center visitation: Currently visiting on Monday evenings from 6:45pm to 8pm. Times may vary to fit your schedule
Upcoming Volunteer Trainings (Mandatory)
- When: Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm (2010)
June 21
September 13 - Where: Christ Community Church, 772 North 10th Street, Noblesville, 46060
Why Do Jail Ministry?
A tube of lipstick, or a nice car, a fresh haircut, the right neighborhood or a good job can hide lots of pain in today’s society; yet these “masks” are not permitted in the Hamilton County Jail. When one is incarcerated for reasons that are a result of succumbing to the lure of addiction, the normalcy that we strive to attain in American culture comes to a screeching halt.
A steady stream of people, estimated at 400 monthly, file through the doors of the Hamilton County Jail. These lives are changed forever. In one of the wealthiest counties in our nation, with headlines touting the “happy family life” that can be found here, Hamilton County Jail statistics tell another story.
Seventy-seven percent of those incarcerated in the Hamilton County Jail are serving time for charges related to alcohol or drug consumption and addiction. Alarmingly, the average age of a Hamilton County inmate is 20 - 24 years old.
While each detainee has violated the law, many of these are same laws most of us have violated over the span of our lifetime. Yet, for reason unknown, most of us were spared the anguish that these folks will encounter. Who are these people that enter into the shame, shock, and embarrassment, loss of income, job and reputation they face behind bars? Statistics indicate that they are our neighbor, our child, our friend, relative, co-worker or spouse. In hushed silence the family and friends of these people sit in our pews and await the release of their loved one. You are not alone. And, thanks to you and our volunteers, they do not have to remain alone. Our volunteers assemble weekly to minister to those folks who have landed behind bars, confused, depressed, shaken.
"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16
“My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.” John 10:27
Find Out More to Volunteer
Has the Lord been prompting you to serve those who are down and out? Can you relate to people that have made the same mistakes you have; but got caught, or know someone who has? Today’s person behind bars is not the stereotyped monster from years ago. We minister to kids 8-80 from all walks. Addiction crosses all socioeconomic boundaries and Satan uses it as a constant contender for our youth.
Let us know you want to help
Contact Dave Snyder, Jail Ministry Team Leader, at dsnyder@wrcc.org or call him at 776-4187 in the Counseling Center at White River Christian Church if you are interested in more information about this impacting ministry. Dave is a counselor and a pastor with experience in working with addiction and can answer your questions and offer spiritual direction on your journey. Those redeemed and in recovery are especially equipped to serve in this ministry. See how your presence can help people find their way to Christ.