HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – As summer begins, over a dozen inmates at the Christian County Jail entered into a new chapter in their lives by following through with a baptism while they are incarcerated.
As the heat index hit the triple digits the weekend of June 21, volunteers set up a pool in the outdoor area of the facility and baptized 23 inmates that are part of the Substance Abuse Program. Jailer Adam Smith said they offer religious programming in the most days of the week, with jail chaplains and volunteers with local churches collaborating to prepare individuals to make the decision of baptism.
Volunteers stem from a variety of places in and around Christian County including The River, Grace Ministries, Concord Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church. These groups also supply ministry to the inmate population on a regular basis.
“The best part is inmates have to want to do this,” Smith told Christian County Now. “We simply offer the programming, but the inmate has to make the decision to better themselves. It without a doubt has a positive mental impact on the inmates.”
Last year in June of 2024, over 30 inmates were baptized with the assistance of volunteers. At the time, Smith shared that the jail chaplains are on the ground floor with the inmates throughout the week, providing support and counseling, and using their resources to help inmates find housing or employment after their release.
People interested in volunteering can find information on the Christian County Jail website.
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