Colossians 418 Prison Ministries
"Remember my imprisonment."
(Apostle Paul, Colossians 4:18)
ABOUT
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.
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Learning to be Field Ministers
Graduates of the program have the opportunity to become field ministers. Currently, six of our graduates are assigned to the Varner Unit and Varner Super Max. Twelve others have been deployed in groups of three to four other units.
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.
October, 2024 - Ribbon cutting for the new building!
The New Seminary Building is OPEN!
The 5,000 sq. ft. school building can accommodate up to 100 students and two full-time faculty members. It's located inside the Varner Unit next to the chapel.
Will you help scholarship a student? Approximately $2,500 per inmate per year is needed to maintain the ongoing program. A new freshman class is slated to start in the Fall of 2025.
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 tax-deductible
Credit/Debit Card? See PayPal below
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Sending a Check?
Colossians 418 Prison Ministries
P.O. Box 721
Dumas, AR 71639
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Questions?
Dr. William "Dubs" Byers, President dubsbyers@protonmail.com
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Sen. Eddie Joe Williams, Secretary goeddiejoe@gmail.com
Colossians 418 Ministries 3rd Annual Golf Tournament
2025 Colossians 418 Prison Ministries 3rd Annual Golf Tournament will be announced soon.
Copyright © 2024 Colossians 418 Prison Ministries - All Rights Reserved.
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