Jail Ministry
History of the Jail Ministry
The Jail Ministry of the Norfolk Rescue Mission was first established by Pastor Tom Beatty in 1996. Pastor Ed Felgate continued to build up the Jail Ministry beginning in 2000; in 2017 Pastor Ed retired. The Jail Ministry is now directed by Chaplain John Ahlers. Our team consists of about 16 volunteer men and women who faithfully make regular visits to both male and female inmates in the area county jails.
Currently, our most regular weekly visits are to the Madison County Jail, the Antelope County Jail, and Pierce County Jail.
Objective of the Jail Ministry
Our purpose in visiting the inmates is to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to encourage the inmates to receive the true and lasting freedom that comes from salvation through Jesus.
"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to comes to the Father except through Me.'” John 14:6
Here at the Norfolk Rescue Mission, we often see these same men and women, upon their release from the county jails, come to the Mission for a temporary place to stay while they are finding work and getting back on their feet. When they check in with us, we have another opportunity to provide further Christian discipleship. Our prayer is always that they will find true and lasting hope, peace and stability in the Christian Faith. We also strongly encourage them to get plugged in to a local body of believers for continued accountability and support.