FLINT, Mich.—This past Christmas, South Baptist Church upheld a tradition it has had for over 25 years. Members went caroling at the Genesee County Jail, located in their city.
The group of about 80 divided into smaller bands of 25–30 carolers to go into pods, which are large rooms ringed with cells. Inmates listened as the groups sang to them. Then they received homemade brownies, ice cream, and gospel tracts. The inmates typically respond in three ways, says Larry Burk, executive pastor at South Baptist. “Some think it is funny and make a joke of it. Others stare in thoughtful amazement. Still others are broken and the tears flow. All are grateful. Almost every year we receive letters from inmates sharing how much they appreciated us coming.”
“It is a great ministry,” he continues, explaining that the church carries out this outreach in partnership with Al Novak, a chaplain who serves with Forgotten Man Ministries. Each year after South Baptist sings for the inmates, Novak receives an increase in requests for counseling, literature, and prayer. And the church continues to pray for spiritual fruit from this Christmastime ministry. Burk says the jail visit is a huge blessing to the carolers because it gives them the chance to share Christ’s love with people they could not otherwise share it with.
