Visit The Newly Updated Forsyth Prison Ministries Web Site
Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries is a full-time ministry involving chaplains and volunteers serving the county jail, county youth detention center, and the prison unit.
It is made possible by the grace of God working through concerned people of the Forsyth County community. Established in 1978, the ministry supports, ministers, and organizes church folk to reach out to broken lives affected by incarceration. Inmates and families are easy to forget. After the door is shut and locked, many adopt an attitude of "out of sight, out of mind." These people are loved by God, who seeks to give their lives new meaning and hope through Jesus Christ. In the same way that people have a responsibility to follow Jesus, the Christian community is responsible for sharing God's hope with those incarcerated.
The Bible teaches us to "... remember those in prison, as if you are in prison with them." (Hebrews 13:3)
THE MINISTRY OFFERS
 | Worship Services, Bible studies, and musical services |
| Counseling of inmates, families, and staff. |
| Coordinating the ministries of churches and volunteers. |
| Ministering to families of inmates. |
| Providing Bibles, religious books, and magazines. |
| Supplying practical needs for inmates (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) |
| Correspondence with family members and ex-offenders. |
| Referrals to agencies of drug and alcohol problems |
OUR GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT
Forsyth Jail and Prison Ministries is funded entirely by those Christian individuals and churches that seek to "remember those in prison." It receives no financial aid from any level of government. This ministry has felt, since its beginning, the importance of relying solely on the Christian community for funding and guidance. It is therefore vital that the churches of our area include the ministry in their yearly budget plans.
Each year the ministry is directed by a board of laypeople and pastors elected by supporting churches. This group guides the ministry, supports its operation with prayer, and represents its mission to the community. The chaplains are responsible to the community's churches through this board.
THE MINISTRY'S EFFECTIVENESS
"The chaplains at the jail have been brothers to all of us here. They have helped us to see that the Lord can forgive us, even in jail, I want everyone to know that we will never forget them for sharing Christ's love." - a man in the county jail.
"The hardest thing there is - to forgive yourself even though God has already forgiven you. Your body can be set free and your mind can still be incarcerated. Jesus has been with me and stuck with me..," - an ex-offender
"We will always be grateful for your interest and concern for our son. Living so far from North Carolina keeps us from seeing him often. We have to rely on Christians there to show him love. You have been a friend to him. We will never forget your love." -the mother of an inmate.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FORSYTH JAIL AND PRISON MINISTRIES
The Chaplains are available to speak to Sunday School classes, church worship services, civic clubs, etc. If you would like to schedule a time for a chaplain to speak to your group or would like more information, please call (336) 759-0063.
Senior Chaplain Rodney Stilwell
Administrative Assistant Jone Reid
YOU CAN HELP
Individuals and churches may help the ministry in many ways. Volunteer services of various kinds are continually needed. The ministry would not be able to serve without the prayer support of countless people. Concerned folk can contribute monthly or yearly to the ministry's budget. Bibles, books, magazines, and devotional materials are always needed by the men and women. Personal toiletry items (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) may also be donated. (We have a box just outside the fellowship hall)
FORSYTH JAIL AND PRISON
MINISTRIES
307 Craft Drive
Winston Salem N C 27105
(336) 759-0063