Rescued from the Pit

One of the great blessings of this ministry is to witness how the Holy Spirit uses his powerful Word to change people. Let me introduce one of those people to you.



Before coming to prison, by his own admission, this person was caught in the pit of substance abuse, drug dealing, and gang life. Because of his crimes, he knows that he will be in prison for years and under supervision long after his release.

During a weekly group Bible study, we read from Psalm 103:

“Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5 NIV)

Immediately after we read these verses, the man spoke up:

“Pastor, this was me. I was in that pit. I am so thankful that the Lord brought me to prison to rescue me from that pit. There is no way I was going to get myself out. I needed to be rescued. It is in prison that Jesus reached out his loving hands and pulled me out of that pit. He gave me forgiveness. He gave me a new life. He gave me eternal life. Thank you, Jesus!”

This is what Institutional Ministries is all about. During group Bible studies and one-on-one pastoral visits, IM chaplains and volunteers don’t shy away from sharing the clear teaching of the Law to show people the dreadful pit they are in because of their sins. However, we are also blessed to share the beautiful message of the Gospel and all the benefits that we and those we serve have through Jesus alone: forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion, renewal.

Behind prison and jail walls, lives are being touched by the Word of God. Through tools like in-person visits, Bible classes, and digital learning, the hearts of men and women are being changed by the love of our Triune God. Our gracious Lord is working through your generous gifts to bring his life-saving Word to those craving to learn more about their Savior Jesus.

Your donation will help bring even more volunteers and resources to those seeking the good things that only our Lord can give.

With joy in his voice and a big smile on his face, the man I introduced to you would join with me in thanking you for your faithful prayers and generous support of Institutional Ministries. Your gifts of love make it possible for us to share the Good News that, only through Jesus, our merciful Savior-God forgives our sins and rescues us from the pit.

Pastor Daniel S.

Chaplain