BCF PROFESSORS PREACH AT LOCAL PRISON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2010

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Throughout the year, professors at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville are given the opportunity to share the message of Christ in a multitude of venues. In many instances, the proclamation location ranges from a foreign mission field to the comfort of a state side church building. Recently, however, BCF professors were given the chance to preach in the prison in Graceville.

BCF graduate and Graceville Correctional Facility Chaplain David Hendrix approached the BCF Dean of Faculty Robin Jumper about coordinating a series of sermons delivered by the professors to the prison inmates. The second sermon series was held this year March 22 through March 25.

Monday night's service was led by Jumper, and approximately 110 inmates chose to attend. "The experience is indeed different because we are preaching to a group of men where about two thirds are very active, vibrant believers," said Jumper. "In preparing for these messages, I prayed that I would clearly communicate the Word, for the lost to hear the Gospel, and for believers to be built up."

There are many checkpoints onsite with armed guards in the prison providing a very secure environment, but Jumper says it is entirely different in the chapel. "The worship room is full of men who have been transformed by Jesus and are excited about the opportunity to worship," stated Jumper.

BCF Associate Professor of Old Testament James Newell delivered a message Tuesday night about overcoming discouragement. This was also his second time speaking at the prison. Newell presented three main ideas in his sermon: overcoming discouragement by adjusting perspective, by using talents, and by following the Lord's instructions.

"The inmates demonstrated enthusiasm in their singing and listened attentively to the message I delivered," said Newell. "I have been well received by the inmates and staff and would encourage others to participate in future ministry opportunities offered by the chaplain staff."

BCF Associate Professor of Christian Studies Ed Scott spoke Wednesday evening about David's second opportunity to kill Saul. "David had a reason to kill Saul and a person to do the dirty work, but he chose not to," remarked Scott. "David chose the absolutes of God over easy, short-term shortcuts."

Scott also commented about how liberating it is to speak to this group of men. "These men are facing very real spiritual struggles and you don't have to convince them that they are fighting battles," said Scott. "Knowing that many of them are saved gives us the opportunity to truly encourage."

BCF Professor of New Testament Mark Long wrapped up the week's services Thursday night delivering a message about Jesus washing the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper and the daily cleansing of superficial uncleanliness. "The washing of the feet shows that Christ is willing to cleanse us everyday and mold us into His servants," said Long. "Being a follower of Jesus is not a one time event; we must bring the real us repeatedly to Christ for daily cleansing."

This sermon series is not the only local prison outreach that BCF is involved in. A GO Group ministry has been established through BCF's Baptist Collegiate Ministries which allows students to lead Bible studies at the prison. Jumper summed up the week by emphasizing the importance of that ministry opportunity, "We appreciate the opportunity and pray that our ministry is helpful there, but we realize that the ongoing ministry of our students is more important."

To find out about ways to get involved with this ministry, contact BCM Director Brianne Eure in the Student Services Office at 850-263-3261 ext. 474.