The Coosa County Sheriff’s Office recently held what is believed to be the first baptism at the jail, taking place in the sally port.
“We thank you, Lord, for the work of redemption you give to our lives and to the life of our brother who comes to follow you in baptism,” prayed Chaplain Jeff Fuller of Coosa County Sheriff’s Office and pastor of Rockford Baptist Church.
A small group of Coosa County Sheriff’s Office staff and members of the Coosa County Jail Ministry Team gathered with Fuller to witness the baptism of Frankie Smith in the sally port.
It was a joyous occasion which culminated a two-month journey to demonstrate obedience of God’s command by one lone inmate whose life had been impacted by the witness of Tim Wilcox through the Jail Ministry Team.
“During a Christmas party in this same location, Wilcox asked how we might go about baptizing an inmate,” Fuller recalled. “It was a first for me, a question which had not been proposed to me in my 10 years of serving as chaplain.”
Fuller explained he would need to talk with Jail Administrator Captain Mike Mull and Sheriff Terry Wilson to make the appropriate arrangements.
After working through the chain and talking with Ministry Team Leader Jan Morris, the plan came together. Wilcox would provide a portable hot tub, with permission from the sheriff to conduct a baptism in the sally port.
The observance was to be held on a Tuesday, which is the day in which the Ministry Team conducts Bible study in the pods at Coosa County. Therefore, a small group took part in witnessing this special event Feb. 13.
“We thank Sheriff Wilson, Captain Mull and others for allowing us to come into this facility and share the message of Christ,” Morris said at the conclusion of the baptism. “Some facilities do not provide this ministry, but Coosa County does, and we are grateful for the opportunity.” (Christa Jennings)
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