Woodlawn Baptist Church

3512 Virginia Street Hopewell, VA 23860 .....the church that loves.

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Home Ministries Jail and Prison Ministry Jail and Prison Ministry

Jail and Prison Ministry

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Jail Ministries

Follow the Roman Road to Salvation

God places in the heart of man His Holy Spirit when that heart comes to know Christ as their Savior. It is by the Spirit of God that a person, when heeding the Word, will accomplish that which God has planned for that life. God’s Word is not accidental, nor is it coincidental. It is evidential in that heart and the by the outward desire to serve God.

How is it then that there seems to be an imbalance of those who professed to have faith to the accomplishment of the works of faith? That is, God says that a child of God will be about the things of the kingdom, yet there are so few workers in the field bringing in the sheaves. You may ask why I am so concerned with this observation. One, there is so much territory to cover, yet it seem there is so little workers to the task. Second, as a disobedient believer, God is not able to do what He wants to do with your life. I was that kind of person until God revealed through the Holy Spirit that I am disobedient, and I cannot have the peace He has promised me. In other words, the trouble of man is brought about by a disobedient heart.

As I minister to those who are incarcerated I find very little difference in them as with folks that have never even got a speeding ticket. It seems there are those who are infiltrated with the ways of the world that they take little heed to the Word of God. God says that if you are in financial trouble and cannot feed your family, seek first His kingdom and righteousness and He’ll provide for you. He says if you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, lay down those things and get high in the Spirit. If you’re tired, He’ll give you rest. But to know these things, you have to know Him first.

It is the cliché analogy of "if a friend was standing on the railroad tracks and a train was coming, wouldn’t you save them?" We all would answer yes. It is the same, if your life is falling apart, or you are constantly frustrated at the things that come at you, with no peace, I want to push you from the tracks and into the arms of God. Always the first step is to repent of our selfish ways and surrender your life to God, and He’ll do the rest.

At both the Jail and Prison, I see God working full time, and that is 24/7/365 and into eternity! It has now happened twice where someone has wanted me to speak to a love one in jail and God has provided the full time with them. I normally preach at the jail every Sunday night. However, two times recently when I have had someone to speak to, God has always provided ENOUGH ministers that will free me to use the hour to speak one on one with that someone. It is not coincidental or accidental, but I see that is with purpose, knowing that God knows. God orchestrates our lives to accomplish His will, and to be a part is to know Him.

Matthew 25:40
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."


If God has called you to minister to those who are or have been incarcerated and to their family please contact:Chris Nelms

Last Updated on Sunday, 08 November 2009 19:29  

Verse Of The Day

Exodus 20:26 Neither shall you go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed to it.’

News Flash

I have decided that some things in life are worth praying for.  One of these is my church.  Woodlawn Baptist Church has been a part of my family's life for 47 years.  It has been so good to be able to call this my church home.  Because it has been such a great part of my life I feel it is worth praying for. 

Woodlawn Baptist Church is not just a building.  Hearts of the believers there are so dear to us. 


Newsflash

Ladies A.M. Bible Study

Tuesday Mornings
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
September - May

TURNING TOWARD JOY
The book of Philippians
by
Dr. David Jeremiah

Please let Barbara Davis know if you need a book.

Open to all ladies!  Please make plans to join us in September!