More than one in one hundred adults in the United States are in jail or prison. Given these numbers and the “crisis” created by imprisonment, one can easily see that this is a field ripe for a spiritual harvest!
For more than forty years the church family at 56th and Vine has been involved in taking the gospel to area prison facilities. Bill Hance served this congregation faithfully as prison minister following his retirement from the Soil Conservation Service. He developed a team of volunteers to assist with Bible studies, correspondence work, and transportation. Bill recently stepped down from the ministry he loved and labored in for so many years.
Joe Stallard, who worked with Bill, has now taken on the responsibility for this ministry. He conducts worship gatherings, teaches Bible studies, and makes personal visits. His labor continues to bring many into God’s body of believers and encourages new coverts to share their faith with fellow prisoners. We rejoice with God’s angels as the body of our Lord increases within this unique environment. Dedicated volunteers continue to be a valuable part of this continuing work aiding Joe in this ministry of joy.
The January 2019 issue of Christian Chronicle contained a feature article on the prison ministry at Lincoln. You can access it at :
