Sharing a jail ministry success story

April 13, 2008 12:20 am

— Here's a true success story of our local jail ministry. When I arrived as chaplain in Meridian in 2002, I soon got acquainted with Ron. He had been arrested several times and had been shot at least a half dozen times. His life of crime started with a break-in of a jewelry store at age 14. He picked up a bad drinking habit and then started using cocaine. He says he would do whatever he needed to do to get it. He came to place where he was miserable because he was now a three time loser and was in jail. His life was really out of control. But God had other plans for Ronnie. By the time I met him, Ronnie had already gotten right with God and was beginning to show signs of recovery. He participated in the ministry programs and even began to mentor some of his fellow inmates. We witnessed him using the resources made available to him through the chaplain ministry to strengthen his walk with God. By the time he was released he had a good plan for his life “outside the walls." Soon after leaving jail, he started working as a cook in a couple of local restaurants and gained a good reputation as a responsible employee. Ronnie soon had big plans to start his own business doing what he really loved to do — cook!
With only about $200 he was able to start his catering business. He was also working in his local church and living a good respectable life. Recently Ronnie moved to a bigger and better location on 18th Avenue because his catering and restaurant business was booming and had outgrown his original building. This year, the local Good News Jail & Prison Ministry asked Ronnie if The Rib Shack would provide the food for their annual fundraising banquet. He will also be giving his testimony during the event. Ronnie has seen a big change in his life from a liability to an asset to the community. From an inmate to a business owner and good citizen. Good News Jail & Prison Ministry is pleased to have played a part in putting something good back into our community.
If you would like to attend this year’s annual ministry banquet, Thursday April 17th starting at 6:30pm at the MSU Kahlmus Auditorium, call 601-485-7708 for more information. Special guest speaker will be Jack ‘Murf the Surf’ Murphy and music will be provided by Track 45.

Chaplain Dennis Marks
Good News Jail and Prison Ministry
Lauderdale County