60 Blackwater River Correctional Facility inmates waited four years to finally get baptized. But their wait was worth it, for they had encounter the One true God!
60 Inmates
The God Behind Bars ministry went to Pensacola, Florida, to host the water baptism, which the 60 inmates had longed for. One of the team shared, “It takes a lot of time. So a lot of these guys have been waiting for the opportunity to get baptized.”
One inmate was so thrilled that he could not contain it. In front of the 208 inmates who were present, he screamed about his love for Jesus, “I’m in love with Jesus!” He cheered and jumped before getting into the water.
The decision to get baptized represents their commitment to Christ and the transformation that they have experienced through knowing Him. It is a public declaration of their freedom in Christ.
“It is no small gesture for a prisoner,” the God Behind Bars minister said. “When an inmate gets baptized in prison, he is saying no more to his sins.. addiction.. shame. He is telling the entire prison, ‘I am a child of Light. I am free.'”
Water Baptism
Another inmate who has been incarcerated for six years shared the significance of the moment. He testified, “The reason why I got baptized is because I wanted my life to change. I was doing drugs out in the street, all kinds of stuff on the street. That I did not want to do anymore.”
He continued, “I’ve been in the Word ever since I’ve came here. That’s the reason why I got baptized. That’s the reason why I want the Lord in my life, is to change me for the better.”
Let us continue to pray for these men and the God Behind Bars Team!
Header Image: God Behind Bars [@godbehindbars], Instagram, September 4, 2023, https://www.instagram.com/p/CwvYrLTPQSn/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
