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PRISON MINISTRY

Volunteers conduct weekly Bible-based Life Skill Seminars in correctional and reentry facilities centered on salvation and redemption through our crucified Christ. Our goal is to model and encourage a passion for God’s Word, a genuine relationship with Jesus, and a desire to live in Christian community. We know and believe there is no other means by which inmates can find true freedom.

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"Because of this class I am learning to forgive myself because God loves and forgives me."

-Inmate, Walker State Prison

"Prior to this class I had totally turned my life away from God. But now I have rededicated my life to Him."

-Inmate, Silverdale Detention Center

"Going forward I know God’s will is the only and best way for my life." 

-Inmate, Silverdale Detention Center

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WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

1. Fill out the Volunteer Application

2. Attend our Prison Prevention New Volunteer Training

3. Attend Facility Specific Training

Facilities We Serve:

​​Bradley County Jail

Hamilton County Jail

Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center

The Next Door, Women's State Pre-Release Facility

Salvation Army, Men & Women Federal Pre-Release Facility 

Silverdale CCA

Walker State Prison

"After twenty-two years of volunteering in our children’s school, our last child graduated in 2007. Knowing this event would signal a definite transition in my life, I had been thinking and praying about where God might now have me serve. Who would have guessed that I would end up teaching women’s Bible Studies in Silverdale Detention Facility…certainly not me! But, through a series of circumstances and after two training sessions, I found myself walking with fear and trembling through the checkpoint gates into a room filled with women inmates.

My fear and trembling was not for physical safety – I have never felt unsafe at Silverdale. No, my anxiety was over how these women would receive me. How could I possibly relate to them when my life’s trajectory has been so totally removed from their experiences? I found that God is fully sufficient (of course!) to bridge differences and to show me the commonalities between us all. Each of us longs for freedom from the bondage of guilt and past mistakes and for the life of wholeness that can only come in relationship with our loving Creator and Savior.

Turnover is constant at Silverdale and women usually move on quickly. As a result, we rarely get to see the “end of the story”. But what a joy it is to see the Holy Spirit at work when a woman begins to understand the truth of the gospel and the hope for real transformation! What a privilege to participate in the tilling of God’s garden, whether by preparing the soil, planting seed, or watering. And sometimes we see the fruit blossom! I’m grateful for the commitment of PPM to serve the incarcerated and thankful that God led me to be a part of this ministry."

DONNA SMARTT / VOLUNTEER

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