Jail Ministry spreads more than Christmas cheer, it spreads the Gospel

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Throughout the year, jail ministry provides a moment of reprieve for inmates, a space to learn and hear the word of God from jail ministers. During December, the same can be said. But, in addition to spreading the word of God, jail ministers spread Christmas cheer with festive goodie bags for the inmates.

Donna Heim, one of the jail ministers in the Diocese of Covington, said the bags bring more than Christmas cheer, they bring Christ.

“It has even inspired some to join our Bible study. Not because we gave out these Christmas goodies, but one person said to me, ‘I could tell you care about us, and if you can care about us like that, I want to come and see what this is about,’” said Mrs. Heim.

It is that care and Christ-like love spread in the Campbell County Detention Center that Mrs. Heim believes makes a difference in the lives of inmates.

“These men and these women are so joy filled to receive these Christmas bags. They have told us that they are surprised people care enough about them to provide these good things. Things that we take for granted, they do not,” she said.

Jail ministers meet with the inmates of the detention center, some in groups and some one-on-one, and participate in a “very prayerful Bible study,” said Mrs. Heim. “We’re a safe place for them to share what’s going on in their hearts and minds and souls, and then to pray about it with them, kind of to accompany them on their journey.”

Through the gift of the Christmas bags, filled with candy, a prayer card, Little Debbie snack cakes, and more, the jail ministers share their love of Christ

“We can’t change their outer circumstances, but if we can remind them through that prayer card that Jesus can change their inner circumstances and that they can find hope and strength and joy in him, then it’s a deeper kind of joy than just getting all the goodies, and that’s what’s important to us,” said Mrs. Heim.

The jail ministry team and volunteers will be assembling the Christmas goodie bags, Dec. 22, at the Southgate Fire House at 5 p.m. Consider volunteering or donating candy (no nuts, no sticks and no foil wrappers) to make a difference in the lives of the incarcerated. For information e-mail donnakheim@gmail.com.