Ten Washington County Jail inmates baptized
Ten inmates at the Washington County jail were baptized April 8 in an event that Mike Pierson, chaplain, called “moving” and “powerful.”
Pierson said some of the inmates had been inquiring about the sacrament of baptism.
“They had come to believe in Christ as their savior and they’re reading the Bible,” Pierson explained. “We started talking about putting together a baptismal experience and got permission from administration to do it. “
Pierson said some inmates were on hand for the service to support their fellow inmates or learn more about the sacrament.
“I’ve been in full-time ministry for almost 20 years, and this was one of the most powerful and moving moments I’ve ever experienced in the ministry,” Pierson said. “Baptism celebrates the same thing that Easter does – death and resurrection. In this case, they publicly demonstrated that they want to be free from their old self. They want the old them to be dead and they want to receive the new life that Christ offers as changed persons.”
Because the jail is not equipped with the capability of baptism, a pitcher of water was poured over the recipient’s head.
“It wasn’t the prettiest environment, but it worked,” Pierson said. “It was definitely a beautiful thing.”
Pierson said the hope is to have more inmates baptized. Also, a communion service was held last week at various housing units at the jail.
“That’s really the first time that we’ve done that as well,” he said.
Trinity Anglican Church rectors, the Rev. Jamey Russell and his wife, the Rev. Canon Tracey Russell, were among those invited to participate.
“I wanted the guys to feel the support and encouragement of not just myself as the chaplain, but of the others that do ministry,” Pierson said
The Russells are among numerous clergy volunteers who perform services at the jail.
“It was a phenomenal night,” Jamey Russell said. “There were people in tears. There was a lot of guilt and healed guilt, regret and healed regret. It was a wonderful night to be a part of as the guys shared some of their testimonies.”