Comment
Email
Print
PRINCETON, Ky. (KT) -- A jail Bible study that started six months ago helped pave the way for a visual presentation of the gospel Friday. Seven inmates from the Caldwell County Detention Center were escorted from their cells to attend the Southside Baptist Church's walk-through drama called "Choices."
Pastor Kyle Noffsinger said it was midweek when he learned that the inmates would be allowed to attend the hour-long drama presentation. Nothing was announced publicly until Noffsinger told church workers about it a few minutes before the doors opened for Friday night's presentation.
"We had a very positive response to it," Noffsinger said. "One indicated a profession of faith, and we'll follow up on that on Wednesday. All those who came through have been very faithful in the weekly Bible study. I can always count on them getting out of bed and attending the study and attempting to answer my questions. They weren't just looking for a field trip."
There were five males and two females who were went through the various scenes in the drama. Deputy Jailer Cheryl Pettit said the ones chosen are those who attend and participate in the weekly Bible study. Noffsinger and Youth Pastor Josh Drake alternate in teaching the men while Shea Hughes, administrative assistant at Southside, teaches the women.
"There were absolutely no problems," said Pettit. "I love the theme 'Choices,' and that is what they (prisoners) do -- they make choices. We've had a lot of positive feedback form our inmates, and we are very thankful to Southside for allowing us to come to the presentation."
The idea for the Bible study in the jail was the result of a phone call from Princeton-area attorney, Cody Hooks, who is a member of Southside. "Cody reached out to me and asked if I knew of anyone who would be interested in doing a Bible study there," Noffsinger said, saying he immediately volunteered. Previously he had done jail ministry in Greenville as well as working with the Muhlenberg County Baptist Association at Green River Correctional Complex.
"We were so happy the inmates were able to come through 'Choices.'" said Noffsinger. He added that the jail staff that accompanied the inmates "had a good handle on the situation" and were supportive of the inmates. He noted that the scene of seven inmates in green-and-white striped jumpsuits and ankle irons going from room to room in the drama was an encouragement to Southside volunteers involved in staging the drama.
In a Facebook post, Noffsinger said he was "glad these folks got to come to our 'Choices' ministry! I have no idea what they did to be where they are, but I know what Jesus did for them!"
