Contact: David Rand / Edward C. Pagán / Brenda Walkup Pagán
Pine Valley Church of Christ Prison Ministry
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:32.
Our prison ministry began in 1972 when two of our members, Coy Skinner and Guy Hearn (elder), decided to teach bible studies at the New Hanover Correctional Facility in Wilmington, NC. Together, Coy and Guy continued teaching the Word of God, as well as recruiting others who were interested in joining the ministry. Among those who joined were Dale Gentry, Glen Fleming, Henry Hewett, and Van Massey. The prison ministers, often up to six volunteers, visited the prison once a week. After several years, the ministry came to a halt until a member of the Central Church of Christ, Glover Melvin, continued teaching bible studies at the center.
In 1989, another member, Clyde McCall inspired David Rand to join the men’s prison ministry. In 1996, Cindy Bryant joined David Rand in the ministry. In addition to working at the men’s facility, Cindy Bryant started the ministry at the Wilmington’s Residential Facility for Women in approximately 1997. Along with Jane Hair, David Rand, and Millard Davenport, the women’s ministry continued until 2003 when Cindy Bryant moved to Nevada. Cindy Bryant and Jane Hair both also became sponsors at the women’s prison facility, which meant taking an inmate (one at a time) shopping or out to dinner. The women’s ministry ended and Brenda Walkup took Cindy Bryant’s place at the men’s prison.
In 2008, Edward Pagán, who had been involved in the prison ministry in NJ, joined David Rand and Brenda Walkup. Ed has attended several National Prison Ministry Training Seminars and will continue to do so in order to obtain more knowledge and to help improve our program.
Currently in 2009, our Prison Ministry consists of David Rand, Edward Pagán, and Brenda Walkup. Together they continue to hold bible studies twice a month at the prison baptizing those who turn their lives to Christ. Since our prison ministry continues to have room for growth, we are currently seeking ways to expand and give other members opportunities to serve.
Prison Ministry Statistics
Some people are born into Christian families and have been raised in the church. But there are many others that have not been as fortunate. Consider the following statistics.
In the State of Ohio Penitentiary and Correctional Facilities the following applies:
- 67% come from a broken or dysfunctional home
- 95% of men in prison had no father figure
- 67% have prior prison records (recidivism)
- 75% have drug/alcohol abuse issues
- 80% of female inmates have been physically, mentally, sexually, or emotionally abused
- 50% of male inmates have been physically or mentally abused
- 40% of all inmates were unemployed at the time of their arrest
- 40% are below the literacy rate that would allow them to function normally in society
It is while suffering in the valley that many people come to Christ. While incarcerated we suffer the consequences for the sin that we committed; however, “it is when attending services provided by volunteers such as those from our prison ministry, that rehabilitation actually occurs.” These were the words spoken by the head of the volunteer services at New Hanover Correctional Center in Wilmington, NC at a volunteers’ dinner banquet in 2009.
Prison ministries throughout our country have proven how the Lord, our God, can transform many lives. William R. Mattox, Jr. wrote in an article in USA Today, that the Prison Ministry program in the state of Texas (InnerChange) found that “inmates who participate in prison Bible studies are far less likely than other convicts to become repeat offenders.”
Research compiled by Edward Pagán (June, 2009)
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