At the Sumner County jail, something very unique happened involving 170 inmates hoping to change their lives and give them the chance to set a course for a new beginning.
Jerry Scott, the jail administrator said, “It matters because it is something that they didn’t expect. I’m in jail. I’m incarcerated — the world doesn’t care about me.”
But those who choose to participate in the jail ministry learned otherwise and an unprecedented 170 inmates — both men and women – signed up to be baptized. Scott thinks this is likely one of the largest such jailhouse events ever in one day.
Two large baptismal tubs were set up in jail courtyard and the inmates, first the women and then the men lined up.
All hoping to change their lives for the better.
Chaplain Bruce Raley with First Baptist Hendersonville said, “This is a day they can remember that is something about baptism they don’t forget.”
One of those baptized was Brandy Warner. She said, “We get a new beginning and new start and live a better life.”
They all will soon be leaving the jail having served their time and the goal is a fresh start with a new foundation and faith.
Sumner County Sheriff Eric Craddock has partnered the jail with Long Hollow Church and First Baptist Church of Hendersonville for the baptisms.
They do them throughout the year, but this was by far the largest ever in one day.