On June 28, 2007, Pastor Phil Zilinski and Daniel Chin of Fox Valley Baptist Church in East Dundee, IL, went to prison. Don’t be worried. This is not a scandal, but rather a ministry trip. They went to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, LA, for five days of ministry.
The purpose was to minister to inmates who are part of a program called Malachi Dads. Nearly 40 men are studying Scriptural principles of being a father from behind bars. In order to be a part of the club, they must complete educational requirements, be consistent in writing to their children, and attend the weekly meetings that have involved many Bible studies this last year. Phil and Dan also had a chance to minister to the prisoners on the cell blocks, preach in chapel, and participate in a leadership training seminar with the men of Angola.
Pastor Phil and Dan will return with a larger group from their church in September to assist as over 1,000 children will get to visit their dads for a day. A county fair atmosphere will be created for the families to have a good time together. The highlight of the day will be a gospel presentation. Last year Dan was able to be with an inmate dad who led his 12-year-old son to Christ at the conclusion of the service.
Gospel Literature Services provided Regular Baptist Press materials for the Malachi Dads to use in their Bible studies as well as books to help answer question their children may have about God and His Word. The dads were very grateful for these materials and are anxious to start using them.
