ABOUT Colossians 418
Colossians 418 Prison Ministries is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the spiritual training of inmates within the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
Inmates throughout the prison system can make application to the program. Once chosen, inmates are transferred to Varner Unit where they are enrolled in a four-year course of study in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Memphis, Tennessee. Mid-America is a fully accredited college and seminary and has a satellite campus at the Varner Unit.
Inmate students must complete the same course of study as students at the Memphis campus. Courses include training in research and writing, personal evangelism, leadership, development, multiple Bible courses, Biblical preaching, principles of teaching, Biblical counseling, pastoral ministry, and many others. A total of 120 college hours must be earned for the degree.
Find out below how you can help support this ministry.
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Learning to be Field Ministers
Graduates of the program have the opportunity to become field ministers. Currently, 35 men are assigned to six Arkansas prisons.
Their purpose is to be a catalyst for moral rehabilitation by sharing the gospel and ministering to the populations in those units. In essence, they are "indigenous missionaries." Field ministers are under the direction of the chaplains of their institution and are allowed to teach, mentor, and minister to other inmates. They bring the presence of Christ into the living quarters of the prison.
About two-thirds of the students are in prison for life. There is a reason "lifers" are chosen for the program: The prison is their home. They are committed to making their home a safer and less violent place. The presence of Christ has a calming effect on the population, not to mention the moral rehabilitation that the teachings of scripture encourage.
An additional benefit is the effect these field ministers have on those who will eventually complete their sentences. They will be better prepared to be productive citizens as they reenter society.
Goals
- Carry the gospel of Christ to the inmate population.
- Reduce recidivism by providing moral rehabilitation for those who will be released from prison.
- Change the culture within the prison system by bringing the positive influence of Christ's teachings within the prison system. This translates into less violence, more respect, and a higher value for other people and property.
Congratulations class of May 9, 2025!
Seventeen men graduated on May 9!
They earned a fully-accredited Bachelor's Degree in Christian Studies from Mid-America College. They're now training for field ministry and will be deployed to other units soon. Thanks for your support and prayers!
Please help bring the light of Jesus to a dark place.
You can help by:
- Providing the cost of a scholarship for one student for a year ($2,500).
- Providing a monthly or yearly offering to the program.
- Providing a one-time offering to the scholarship fund.
DONATE
All donations are tax-deductible
Give online one-time or set up a recurring gift with: Credit Card/Debit Card/Google Pay/Venmo/PayPal OR ACH: >>CLICK HERE<<
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Sending a Check?
Colossians 418 Prison Ministries
P.O. Box 721
Dumas, AR 71639
Questions?
Sen. Eddie Joe Williams, President
goeddiejoe@gmail.com
Copyright © 2026 Colossians 418 Prison Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
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